Mandala Theatre-Nepal has completed the midterm phase of its pilot project ‘Street Theatre for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Health’ in three municipalities of Sudurpaschim Province, with support from GIZ’s S2GESI programme. The first project cycle is set to conclude on March 30, 2026.

Implemented in Aalital, Panchadewal Binayak and Triveni municipalities, the initiative used participatory street theatre and interactive games to promote dialogue on gender inequality, mental health, reproductive health, harmful practices such as Chhaupadi, and barriers to equitable healthcare access.

During the inception phase, the team conducted field visits and consultations with municipal officials, health workers, female community health volunteers and marginalised community members, including women, Dalits, persons with disabilities and youth. Key cross-cutting concerns identified included domestic violence, stigma surrounding reproductive and mental health, and low awareness of available health and protection services.

Although an open call for actors generated interest, many local applicants were unable to commit due to education and livelihood constraints. A mixed group of local enthusiasts and professional artists was trained in participatory theatre and conducted performances across multiple sites, followed by public discussions.

Interactive game toolkits and facilitation manuals were handed over to municipalities to ensure sustainability. Despite logistical challenges and election-related delays in follow-up evaluation, the organisation reported strong community engagement and is proposing a second phase focused on local theatre clubs, capacity-building and a consolidated stage production.