Indigenous peoples of Nepal constitute more than one third of the total population, yet they experience
signifi cant marginalisation contributing to inequalities in relation to health, education and
political participation. Early marriage is one traditional practice that contributes to inequalities
with many young indigenous girls married before the age of 15 years, bringing risks to their health
and limiting educational and employment opportunities. The aim of this study was to investigate
young people’s participation in Nepal’s early marriage and early pregnancy (EMEP) prevention
project amongst the highly marginalised indigenous Thami community. The EMEP prevention
project has been implemented since 2009 with young people as key stakeholders. This study used
participatory action research to consider how young men and women have participated and it
explored their ideas for greater participation. Participatory research is an empowerment method
whereby participants as co- researchers collaboratively defi ne the research problem, gather and
analyse the data, and contribute to policy recommendations.