KATHMANDU: Matihani Municipality has launched a one-month Mithila painting training program for 30 schoolgirls to empower young girls and combat child marriage.
Among them is 17-year-old Khushbu Yadav from Matihani-8, who dreams of mastering the traditional art form and building a self-reliant future.
“I am studying in grade 12 at Ram Mavi. Now I have the opportunity to learn Mithila painting, and my dream is to excel at it,” said Yadav. “Mithila painting is gaining recognition worldwide, and I am determined to hone my skills.”
The Women, Children and Senior Citizens Branch of the municipality is running the training, targeting girls aged 13 to 19 from Wards 6, 7, and 8. The initiative aims to equip them with marketable skills that can open pathways to economic independence.
Sixteen-year-old Ranju Sah of Matihani-6 expressed excitement about the opportunity. “I had heard about Mithila painting before, but the formal training has deepened my understanding. It has given me the confidence to pursue it professionally,” she said.
Matihani Mayor Hari Prasad Mandal said the training is part of a broader plan to strengthen women’s participation in the economy and promote social change.
“Our main goal is to create conditions where girls and women can generate income themselves,” said Mayor Mandal. “This will not only support economic empowerment but also inspire others.”
The program is also a strategic continuation of Matihani’s campaign against child marriage. Mayor Mandal highlighted that through sustained efforts over the past three years—including girl child education, illiteracy eradication, and social awareness campaigns—the municipality has seen a dramatic drop in child marriage cases.
“Three years ago, there were 800 cases of child marriage. This year, none have been reported so far,” he said.
Last fiscal year, Matihani was declared a literate municipality after successfully enrolling school-age children in formal education and providing informal education to adults through a citywide campaign.
Participants of the Mithila painting training, including 17-year-old Priya Thakur of Matihani-7, view the skill as a powerful tool for financial independence.
“Mithila painting has given rise to the belief that it is a potential skill for earning a living,” she said, echoing the program’s broader vision of empowerment and change.
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