In 1986, a group of impassioned university students from Tribhuvan University, united by their fervor for human rights, development, and social justice, shared a common vision: to pave a path toward a brighter future for the people, society, and nation.
With diverse academic backgrounds but a singular dedication to advocating for positive change, these students had already left their mark on the student activism, human rights, and pro-democracy movements of the era. Yet, as they stood on the cusp of their post-university lives, they yearned for something more impactful and truly meaningful.
The catalyst for their mission came through one of the group members, Gauri Pradhan’s stirring account of his participation in an international seminar held in Bangkok, Thailand. Being one of the members of the organizing committee of a regional organisation known as Child Workers in Asia (CWA), the seminar delved into the pressing issue of child labour. His impassioned retelling illuminated the gravity of the situation, shedding light on the plight of children in their homeland. Child labour was not a prominent issue then. The term “child rights” was scarcely heard amidst the then-regressive regime, while emerging human rights, women’s rights, and trade union movements concentrated their focus on democratic and political rights. The students were appalled by the pervasive ignorance surrounding the perils faced by children—from high mortality rates to exploitation and abuse, from hazardous labour to bonded servitude and trafficking.
In that transformative moment, the students resolved to take action. They pledged to champion the cause of child labor and child rights, advocating for the social emancipation of children from all forms of exploitation. They envisioned integrating children’s rights into the broader tapestry of social movements, weaving a fabric of freedom, peace, and equality. Their mission was clear: to protect, empower, and uplift the next generation, forging a path toward a brighter tomorrow.
Thus, CWIN-Nepal was born—a beacon of hope dedicated to safeguarding children living and working in the harshest of circumstances.
Mr. Gauri Pradhan | Founder |
Mr. Madhav Pradhan | Chairperson |
Ms. Sumitra Joshi | Vice Chairman |
Mr. Subodh Chandra Shrestha | Treasurer |
Mr. Tanka Limbu | Secretary |
Prof. Dr. Govind Subedi | Member |
Ms. Vasha Shrestha | Member |
Ms. Sireen Tamrakar | Member |
To advance the child rights movement, there was a significant lack of clear philosophy and vision. Children, often overlooked in adult-dominated society, had little standing. Their welfare was seen merely as a charity with conservative approaches. The founders of CWIN-Nepal aimed to change this perception, based on international human rights declarations and recognizing children as an integral part of society with rights to survival, well-being, protection, and freedom. Children are to be nurtured with the best mankind has to offer and all children deserve the best care and protection. The conservative approach was deemed unproductive and harmful; thus a progressive approach was sought.
The founder team discussed, debated, and researched children’s status and issues. They also interacted and consulted with children working in various sectors and who are on the streets for their views and input. After a year-long deliberation, they developed a basic vision, philosophy, strategies, and plans of action to protect children and promote a social movement for their rights, opposing all forms of child labour and exploitation. On 1st January 1987, “Child Workers in Nepal Concerned Center (CWIN-Nepal),” the first child rights organisation was established.
Despite our formal establishment, official registration proved elusive in those early years. The prevailing social service landscape, largely characterised by charity, was monopolised by the then SSNCC (Social Service National Coordination Council), leaving little room for organisations like CWIN with its sternly independent stance and student-led founders.
Under the oppressive regime of the Panchayat system, advocating for children’s rights was met with resistance. However, the winds of change swept through Nepal in 1990 with the people’s movement for democracy. With the rise of a new political era came an opportunity for CWIN to finally secure official recognition.
In 1991, under the new democratic government, CWIN was proudly registered as a child rights activist and advocacy organisation under both the Social Welfare Council (SWC) and the District Administration Office (DAO). Since then, we have remained persistent in our commitment to championing the rights and protection of Nepal’s children, embodying resilience, independence, and a vision for a better future.