Annual Progress Report August 2012 – July 2013
Action Works Nepal Thapathali, Kabil Marga, House N0.37 Telephone: 977- 4227730 Fax: 977-41102103 GPO.Box No 23336 Email: actionworksnepal.awon10@gmail.com URL:www.actionworksnepal.org Contact Person: Popular Gentle Founder/Vice-President Email: populargentle2010@gmail.com actionworksnepal.awon10@gmail.com
Abbreviation AWON CDO DPHO DDC GBV MBC NAWHRD OBR OBC SMC VAW VDC WHRD
Action Works Nepal Chief District Office/r District Public Health Office/r District Development Committee Gender Based Violence Miteri Birthing Center National Alliance for Women Human Right Defender One Billion Rising Occupy Baluwatar Campaign School Management Committee Violence Against Women Village Development Committee Women Human Rights Defenders
Acknowledgements: The birthplace of an individual is not choice at all thus the huge number of activities from local to international level being possible due to having continuous moral, financial, social support of a lot of individuals, private institutions, families and relatives across the globe. Thus, AWoN sincerely expressed its thanks and gratitude to all of them and looking forward to continue in coming years too. The ongoing activities are clustered under the four thematic areas; women empowerment, livelihood improvement, education support and humanitarian assistance in the most poor, conflict affected and rural areas; Jumla, Kalikot, Achham, Humla and Kathmandu. The transportation cost is the key challenging though the full time volunteer contribution of President and support of the MEETs (volunteer), the year 2012/13 went well. Sincerely AWoN Team
1.
Introduction:
The impact of more than a decade long conflict is evident everywhere in Nepal. However, the more prominently affected and painful areas are in the far and mid west Nepal, specifically Karnali. As revealed by several official reports, Karnali has the lowest Human Development Index, and highest poverty incidence. It was heavily affected by conflict, is the most geographically difficult, and grossly marginalized in many ways. Karnali has five districts: Dolpa, Humla, Jumla, Kalikot and Mugu. AWON is working in Jumla, Kalikot and Humla1. In these areas, women and girls work upwards of 18 hours, receive no wages, suffer constant violence of various forms, experience high unemployment and extreme cold, and are subject to poor facilities raising basic human right concerns, as well as high ignorance among stakeholders at all levels and sectors. Additionally, no one questions failure of a student to write his or her name by 7th grade. These areas are rife with issues, challenges and opportunities. They are full of natural resources and potential for the tourism sector though it is marginalized, and no one cares to invest in these opportunities. Action Works Nepal (AWON) is a non-profit, non-governmental and independent organization, which is dedicated for poor, excluded and vulnerable women and men, girls and boys for their social equality, human rights and result driven programs around political, economical, social, cultural, and environmental empowerment. It has been working voluntarily and informal basis since 2001 where as officially registered in 2010 under the government policy. It is determined to work with poor, excluded and vulnerable women and men, girls and boys for their socially equal, dignified and just lives through partnership, human rights and result driven programs around political, economical, social, cultural and environmental empowerment and the nation move towards peace, growth and sustainable development. Objectives • • •
To empower poor, excluded and vulnerable women and men, girls and boys ensuring establishment of their human rights especially focusing on education, health, employment and environment To improve livelihoods of poor, excluded and vulnerable communities through vocational training, employment opportunities and economic empowerment activities led by local communities To mobilize civil society, media and other likeminded organizations and networks for policy advocacy and good governance.
Furthermore, AWON has been working in integrated approach to address multiple causal loops for poverty, conflict and marginalization. It has four thematic areas: women empowerment, education support, livelihood improvement and humanitarian assistance. All themes overlap, are interlinked, and are crucially important to establish a peaceful and just society through Miteri Gau-Let’s Live Together 1
Humla is a pilot district
Campaign’. AWON is appealing to the global community to work with the issues and opportunities. For this, `Miteri Gaun-Let’s Live Together Campaign’ is the lead strategy. The first two words in Nepali, means mutual love and respect beyond blood and marriage, and last four words are the English translation of first two. ‘Miteri Gaun is an indigenous practice, widely accepted across the culture. In ancient times, Nepal traded by following the same practice of Miteri. Thus, it has great influence to create a non-violent culture, to negotiate, meditate, and share resources and ensure a peaceful and just community. Under the pillar of ‘women empowerment’, groups of women, men and traditional healers meet monthly and take corrective actions at local levels. They act upon gender based violence, traditional harmful practices, e.g. Chhaupadi, implement UN Security Council 1325, 1820, transitional justice, and women’s participation. Series of activities such as trainings, cross fertile programs, street drama, song competition, workshops, media mobilization, and networking etc, are in place as well. Under education support, AWON is working with parents, teachers, and the school management committee for creating an enabling environment for security and participation of women/girls at home, school and the community. It also provides bridging courses for incapable students, scholarships, teaching learning materials, training for the teachers and teacher support. Likewise, economic activities for livelihood improvement allow for vocational trainings, saving and credit schemes, use of local resources, land and property rights etc, are happening where marginalized women and girls benefit. These activities help to sustain the women empowerment at large. Lastly, the humanitarian assistance pillar is composed of a series of activities. In response to human made and natural disasters we provide medical supplies, non-food items such as clothes, glycerin etc, as well as legal services. The health camp, construction of the birthing centre and training on formulating gender responsive disaster plans are in place at district levels. Networking, alliance building for policy advocacy is also a very important activity of AWON. Policy advocacy for a gender responsive constitution and peace building process, demanding for fast track court and proportional rights of women’s participation in upcoming election are taking place at various levels. AWON significantly contributed to Occupy Baluwatar, Women Human Rights Defender Campaign, and Sexual Harassment and Prevention Campaign. AWON is also a member of the organizations Women Security Group and Campaign for Cooperation at the local, national, and international levels. Miteri Gau-Let’s Live Together campaign is the foundation of the organization where a series of activities run and intersect over four thematic pillars. It fuels positive feelings, creativity, and creates a safe space for the marginalized groups, as well as promoting dialogue, and creating opportunities to review and reflect. Finally, peace and justice can be restored among the poor, excluded and marginalized groups by non-violent and collective manner. This is a sustainable movement that has expanded with limited funding over a short period of time.
As for impact, the approach and activities are highly appreciated by the local and international communities for transforming rural development and peace. The flow of peace lovers and actors are increasing across the world, e.g. candidates coming all the way from the USA and Australia for an internship in Karnali. Additionally, the number of violence and incidences of discrimination are decreasing. The perpetrators such as men, traditional healers are in front to fight against violence as change makers. Service providers become more accountable toward their target group and many organizations/donors become more interested in working together. The key strategy is behind such move on, an integrated approach to address the extreme poverty and human rights through "Miteri Gaun-Let’s Live Together Campaign." AWON has initiated this campaign which is guided by the philosophy that “Birth Place of an individual is not a Choice”, and “No one has the right to discriminate and everyone is obligate to contribute for living together, no matter who are you, where you are from and what are you doing”. We raise funds through different activities to help marginalized and excluded people who are deprived of even the basic facilities. To achieve its organizational objectives, Actions Work Nepal has been working intensively at the national level and in the priority project districts such as Jumla and Kalikot. Achham is disconnected due to lack of highly committed volunteers and Humla is still going on especially southern part of Humla. This annual report presents highlights and brief presentation of major activities performed by the organization during the period of August 2012 to July 2013. 2.
Major activities and achievements
The major activities during this reporting period, are mentioned according to the thematic areas; women empowerment, livelihood improvement, education support and humanitarian assistance. 2.1. Women Empowerment 2.1.1. Miteri Women’s Group: A total 500 poor, vulnerable and excluded women engaged in weekly discussions through 25 groups (20 women in a group) in project intervened areas namely Lamra, Kudari, Tamti (Jumla district) and Rachuli and PhoiMahadev (Kalikot district). They represented from dalit poor, and marginalized family identified by the community themselves through power mapping. They discussed their practical issues as well as strategic issues at the group as well s village level. The key issues are Chhauapdi, domestic violence, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, social security, parental role in quality education, election identity card, role in election, land right, cleanliness of house, community, women’s rights etc. Women also served as mediator by facilitating the dialogues, negotiation around disputes, misunderstandings, and debates at their communities. Sometimes, they also visited police office, village council to pursue their rights, legal services etc.
2.1.2. Miteri Men Group: In order to get greater impact on the women empowerment, AWON critically engages with men’s group in the respective villages. They are organized in five mixed groups. They also meet fortnightly and discussed the same issues which are discussed with women’s group. Due to engaging with men, women feel more confidence and comfortable to join the groups and are getting support at home especially in household chores. This is real impact due to engaging men and boys in women empowerment. 2.1.3 Miteri Traditional Healers Group: The entire Karnali is intensively influenced by the superstitious values, norms and practices followed by the patriarchal and masculine culture. Specially, women and girls are more affected from such negative gender values, norms and behaviors. In order to empower women and girls, AWON is working with five traditional healers groups in different VDC's by meeting fortnightly discussions as well as mobilized through social activities. Traditional healers are also discussed about the issues which are discussed with women and men groups.
2.1.4 Miteri Birthing Center: Jumla district has a population of 108’921 (Nepal Population Report, 2011), the highest Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) deaths rate (310/100’000) and the second highest MMR (275/100’000; MMS, 2008). Infant, under-five and neonatal mortality rates are both above the region mean (DHS, 2011). Jumla District Hospital offers Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric however it is not access to due to transport, knowledge, the position of women at family, economic status and cultural practices. In this connection, AWON attempted to initiate birthing center in Tamti village of Jumla. Unfortunately, in consultation with District Public Health Officer, Mr. RoshanLal Chaudhary, birthing center is shifted to the Sannigaun. The construction of birthing center is started during this reporting time. It is partially supported by Non-Residence Nepalease, UK. 2.1.5 Miteri Chhaupadi Free Community: AWON conducted a research study on Chhaupadi (a menstrual taboo practicing in Karnali and far west where women and girls keep in cowshed) practice among the school going adolescent girls in Jumla and Kalikot during in January 2013. The key findings of the research showed as follows; • Out of 88 survey respondents of the research 77% of them were kept at cowshed, • About two third of the girls reported that they feel humiliation, loneliness and scared in front of others during the menstrual period as they have to live and sleep alone inside the cowshed. • Seventy seven percent girls reported that they feel humiliation and they considered themselves impure and inferior in comparison to boys during the menstrual period. • Some girls reported that they feel scared because of chances of snake bite and chances of violence and rape. Only 22% girl respondents reported that it doesn’t a matter of hesitation and humiliation as they consider menstrual cycle as a normal process. • 70% not allowed in the kitchen, 48% not allowed in the social gatherings and 19% were restricted in the schools.
• • • • •
About 76% of the respondents reported restriction in eating and drinking milk and other milk/dairy products. Similarly, 51% respondents mentioned restriction in eating meat and meat products followed by 28% reported restriction in eating vegetables. 67% of the respondents reported that restrictions were imposed by their own parents and 10 % were imposed by relatives and neighbors and grandparents. Many girls didn’t go to school during the menstruation period due to the lack of toilet facilities in some schools. The research also revealed that majority of the girls was not aware of using sanitary pads during menstruation period. Among 88 girls surveyed, only 31 % girls were using sanitary pads while the rest 69% were using peace of clothes.
In this connection, AWON is working on Chhaupadi through groups; women, men, traditional healers well as with schools. As result, the significant change in the society that the girls are residing in the house instead of cowshed in the progressive way. For example in January 2013, in the Tamti and Lamra VDCs of Jumla 179 out of total 221 girls used to stay outside and only 42 girls used to stay inside the home during the menstruation period. While, in July 2013 in the same VDCs of Jumla out of 221 girls 115 are staying inside home and 106 are staying outside home. During this six month period the changes seems very encouraging. And, this also shows that the women are aware about demerit of Chaupadi and the family members and society is accepting the changes. This program partially funded by the 50 Cents Period, USA. 2.1.6 Engaging with Political leaders: Women and girls encountered several problems with political leaders specially dealing with gender based violence in police or community centers. In order to overcome these issues as well as educate the political leaders, in partnership with PACE Nepal, AWON organized a two days training program for district level political leaders on `role of political leaders on peace and justice in December 2012. Political leaders identified the scenario. The participants assessed the situation of peace and justice in Jumla through the group work as follows; • Despite the better than the 10 years conflict, the situation on peace and justice is getting worse • feeling discriminated, deprived from the opportunities • Violence occurred rampant such as Marriage: Early marriage, polygamy, multiple marriage, Jari, Chhaupadi, rape etc • Women are overloaded • Discrimination on caste, class, cultural and political • Lack of independent justice system • Impunity • Lack of good governance
• • •
Very common harmful practice of drinking, smoking, beating wife Lack of knowledge on social rights and duties Limited knowledge on their political manifesto, Interim Constitution 2007, CEDAW 1979, UNSCR 1325, 1820 etc
2.1.7 Campaign on Election Identity Cards: In working areas, group members able to make the election identity cards during where group leaders and facilitators played crucial roles to inform, educate and motivate them to participate in the process. 2.1.8. Social Mobilization and advocacy at local level During this reporting period, there are various types social mobilization going on in project areas specially focused on women’s right, gender equality, peace building. The total 5 events organized and reached about 1000 the people namely dual song competition, interaction program, rally, street drama, cultural show program etc. 2.2.Improved Livelihood: 2.2.1. Organization and mobilization of Saving and Credit Most of the groups in the communities collect money ranges from NRs. 10, 15 to 20 every month for their savings. They mobilize this money among the needy people within the group as a soft loan where the interest rate is 1%. The loan is used for retailed business and animal husbandry in individual level. This practice of group had reduced the burden and the changes of exploitation from the high interest rate of taking loan with landlords and elite people of the community. Table-2: Status of saving and credit in working villages of Jumla and Kalikot, January to July, 2013 District
VDC
Number of Group
Total amount to date NRs.
Jumla
Tamti Lamra Kudari Rachuli Phoi
8 13 6 11 11 49
5790.00 86,555.00 12,480.00 15000.00 11995.00 131820.00
Kalikot Total
Amount circulated NRs.
77,195.00 (for retail business and animal husbandry 1050.00 (for retail business) 10520.00 ( for retail business) 6730.00 (for retail business and animal husbandry) 95495.00
2.2.2. Vocational Training AWON explore the training opportunities in working areas and facilitates the process to get it. During this reporting period, a total 20 members (13 women and 7 men) from Kudari village benefited from the vocational training conducted by the HELVITAS Nepal. The types of vocational trainings are carpenter. 2.2.3. Utilization of local resources
AWON also facilitates stakeholders to claim and use the local resources provided by the government entities as well as non-government organizations. At the end of July 2013, the total 20 women went to the village council to claim funds allocated for the women empowerment. Likewise, women are raised the voice on responsibility and accountability of service providers such as schools, health posts etc. 2.3. Education Support Program 2.3.1. Teacher Support: During this reporting period, AWON supports two local teachers in Kalika Primary School, Hiyakhola, Lamra and Jogibuda primary school, Kudari respectively. Both schools occupied by the poor, dalit and marginalized children and have only two teachers to educate 80-300 students. 2.3.2. Scholarship Program The total 57 students benefited from the scholarship program. The scholarship program is vary students to students. Two dalit students are getting full scholarship including soap, 2 pair of dress dress, shoes, lunch, and school fee. The rest of the students get school uniform including shoes. They characterized by poor, dalit, disable and orphan. 2.3.3. Bridging Course Under the education support program, AWON is supporting total 29 students who are in grade eight but failed in almost all subjects. Therefore, AWON is trying to improve their competency in Math, English and Science. The students characterized by poor, dalit, disable, orphan. 2.3.4. Capacity building of the school management committee AWON explored that the quality of education is too poor due to lack of coordination, collaboration and communication among the teachers, school management committee and parents (2010). AWON facilitates a monthly tripartite meeting and discussed the issues such as to conduct extra curriculum activities on every week, to take exams of students on every three month, to make a yearly school calendar, to honor the regular and disciplined students etc. As a result, some changes observed though not much effective in the quality of education yet. 2.3.5. Teaching Learning Materials: In order to facilitate the learning process specially young children, AWON supplies materials such as numerical puzzles, sports materials, books etc 2.3.6. Social mobilization activities at School Total 11 schools are covering by the AWON for its education support program. Despite having very limited funding, AWON facilitates schools to organize the social activities where teachers, students, parents and SMC members are participating happily and actively. It creates the safe space to initiate the dialogue among them which helps to improve quality of education at large. They are organizing few activities jointly such as cleansing campaign, repair of tap etc. 2.3.6.1. Glycerin distribution: As a part of social activities, AWON distributed glycerin and Vaseline to those students who come to school with state of clean and tidy specially, 24 in Kalika Primary School, HiyaKhola , Lamra , 24 in Lowar Secondary school Nabidanda , Kudari, 24 in Bhagabati Primay School, Dhaulapani
Lamra , 26 in Jana Jagriti Secondary school, Tamti , 24 in Durga Secondary School, Lamra , 24 in Durga Secondary School, Kalikot, 12 in Shiva Bharaiv Primary School, Kudari and12 in Seti Bada Secondary School, Kudari. It helps to improve the habit of children because almost all students are wit dirty clothes, limbs and all. There is huge gap in teaching and practice.
2.3.6.2. Oral Health Education The health education is the ongoing activities though AWON organized special program on oral health in Kudari High school and distributed tooth brush to the children of K.G. Miss Nepal, Ishani Shrestha was there to demonstrate. 2.4. Humanitarian Assistance 2.4.1. Dental Health Camp Like other health, oral health is also not priority for the Karnai people. There are many factors associated with. In partnership with Miss Nepal 2013, Ishani Shrestha, AWON conducted a three days dental health camp in Kudari where 300 clients benefitted included oral examination, extraction of tooth and medication. Community people contributed well as guided by the frame of Miteri Gau-Let’s Live Together Campgain.
2.4.2. Miteri Recycle Project Since 2010, AWON has been doing to collect the second hand clothes and distribute in the rural areas. During this reporting period, AWON decided to take shift by starting a separate project entitled Miteri Recycle Center in Nepal. Officially, it is launched in 12August, 2013 by keeping selling stal in city hall where the Ministries also observed and had have very encouraging selling of clothes. The preparation things such as virtual discussion with OXFAM UK team, Jo Hills a expert of social business started in June-July 2013. This project based on the principles of Social Business as introduced by Nobel Peace Laureates Prof. Mohammad Yunus. For details; https://www.facebook.com/pages/Miteri-Recycle-Center-Nepal/508155022598780
2.5. Miteri Shanti Batika (Peace Commemoration): Peace commemoration is the concept brought since inception of AWON for the memory of 247 people who were died in Jumla during insurgency in Nepal. Mr. MahaShanker Devkota donated a land 663 Sq.m. land to Ms Radha Paudel as considered his daughter for her dedication in rural and conflict affected Jumla. Ms Paudel is Foudnder President of organization who transferred the land to AWON’s name right away. The construction of Peace Commemoration including peace café, peace garden, peace guest room, peace meditation, peace e-library and statute is planned for next 2 years. It is located in the Bohoragau of Kartikswami village of Jumla, only 15 minutes far from the airport
and five minutes far from the market, lies in the best view of Jumla. It will of the peace learning and research center in future to educate the peace culture to entire world. 2.6. Capacity Building of team members: During this reporting period, there are series of activities organized for the capacity building of AWON team members at various levels and capacities. At local level: field team trained on human right, gender, school management and group mobilization. Board members provided onsite and distance coaching and mentoring. At the national level: staff and board members trained on human rights, gender and peace building in collaboration of partner organizations and networks. At the international level, board members trained on human rights, democracy and peace building organized by 18 May Memorial Foundation, South Korea, NODIFIC (a Norwegian Defense Ministry and Embassy in Manila). Likewise, AWON awarded by Priya International for eight weeks online training on accountability, sexual harassment, women’s political participation and organization and mobilization of marginalized people. 2.7. Campaign, Networking and Policy advocacy at national and international levels AWON has been working various forms of activities under the Campaign, networking and policy advocacy. Some activities are highlighted as below. 2.7.1. Engaging men and boys: This is one of the key strategy of AWON since beginning. Women empowerment is merely not possible unless and until the engaging men and boys in program. At the first time in Nepal, AWON conducted a study on `understanding masculinities in public transport’ and related activities on it. During this reporting period, AWON is being engaged men and boys through organization and mobilization of men and traditional healers (discus under women empowerment) and also included men members in all kinds of trainings, workshops and all. In addition, AWON’s president is alliance member of men engaging network in Nepal which is facilitated by Save the Children, UK, in Nepal. AWON also participated in `Ring the Bell’ program during 16 days VAW celebration. During this period, Save the Children, UK had had rigorous discussion regards to the partnership for the Ring The Bell for Jumla and Kalikot. Later, AWON doesn’t received any information from there Save. 2.7.2. Campaign for Peace and Constitution: This is the campaign is continue since Constitutional Assembly (CA) 2010. As continuous activity of last year, AWON actively engaged, co-hosted, collaborated etc in campaign for peace and constitution with focus on women’s 33 % participation in upcoming Constituional Assembly II, 2013. However, the activities were started from March 2013. The first meeting was held in 25 March, 2013 at the premises of WOREC Nepal which was led by NWHRD. The second meeting was done at the same place where the agenda and activities were set. According to this plan, the activities were implemented. The key activities were as follows; • Prepared an attention papers and submitted to the government of Nepal, election commission, political parties and interaction with them. The key demands of attention paper were;
• • •
ensure women’s voting right including citizenship right because many women still deprived from citizenship the election process should accessible for all forms of disability the entire environment should maintain safe, secure and rule of law specially for women human rights defenders because they are more in risk by many ways The 33 % participation of women should follow in each levels and sectors of election process There should be a clause to participate women among all political parties had have interaction program with key media editors Protest (sit in) in front of the Chief District Office, Babarmahal, Kathmandu Released series of press and sharing across the network
2.7.3. Occupy Baluwatar Protest: Despite schools of thought behind the Occupy Baluwatar Protest (OBP), AWON consistently and actively participated since Dec 27, 2012 for ensure the rule of law and justice, promote women’s right, prevent and response GBV and enact fast track court and other few more concerns regards to women’s right. AWON presented for 35 days of campaign at the Baluwatar (2 hours), disseminate the message through social media and others, series of meeting, press conference/releases. It was in front of the Prime Minister’s residence at Baluwatar. Government interferred the protest several times e.g. 25 January, 2013, 32 activists including Founder/President of AWON, Ms. Radha Paudel, arrested by the police force. This protest created a momentum in the history of the women’s right movement of Nepal where human right activists, WHRDs, media, political leaders and all expressed solidarity through physical presence, moral, financial and social media. As a result, the entire Nepal became so sensitive and reported very devastating GBV cases. Later, PM office responded the demands by formulating the investigation committee, dialogue etc. Unfortunately, it also remained in same status as like other policies and commitments made by government in terms of implementation. 2.7.4. One Billion Raising (OBR): As a human right organization, AWON participated in the OBR 2013 in rally and blown the balloons at Ratnapark in order to promote women’s human right, prevent and response of gender based violence at large. 2.7.5. Petition Initiated: STOP RAPE: The GBV cases are reporting more in Nepal due to huge engagement of development actors at various levels and capacities. Though while celebrating the international 16 Days VAW celebration, very strange GBV cases reported including Honor killing e.g. Bardiya. In this connection, AWON initiated online petition to the Prime Minister
(opmcm@gov.or.np).http://www.change.org/petitions/radha-paudel-stop-violenceagainst-women-in-nepal
2.7.6. GBV training in USA: In November and December 2013, on behalf of AWON, Shanta Adhikari and Radha Paudel organized training workshop among Nepalese communities in various locations of California.
2.7.7. Day and Event Celebrations: AWON is catching up several days and events to raise awareness stakeholders on human rights, peace, GBV in local, national and international levels. 2.7.7.1. International Peace day: AWON has marked the international peace day in USA by participating in peace exhibition and delivered speech about the importance of peace in rural and post conflict context. Likewise, International Peace day is celebrated in Nepal by joining the hand with the network of Women’ Campgain for Peace and constitution where organized honored to peace campaigners, rally, speech etc. 2.7.7.2. 16 days VAW celebrations: Like previous years, AWON commendably marked the 16 days VAW activism. It had organized and joined rally, signature campgain, media mobilization, dual song competition, interaction program etc in Jumla, Kalikot and Kathmandu.
2.7.7.3. International Women’s Day, 8 March : At the local level, various activities including street drama, school program, rally, Deuda song competition (dual song competition in local language) were organized in Kudari, Tamti and Lamra villages of Jumla and Rachuli and Phoi Mahadev of villages of Kalikot districts. 2.7.7.4. World Health Day 2013 The World Health Day (WHO) day, 5 April 2013, AWON organized an interaction program on Human Resource Management in Health in support of Merlin Nepal (Medical Emergency Relief International). Total 30 distinguished personalities from different health sectors, health related colleges, civil society, CTEVT,
Universities, Ministry of Health and Population, and media houses were participated in this program. They realized the gap in health and its importance to improve health service. 2.7.8. Networks and affiliation: AWON has been working with various formal and informal networks and alliances since beginning especially for the policy discourse on women’s human right, peace building and democracy. AWON served as contact office for Kathmandu WHRD network and also expressing solidarity in various campaigns, meetings, press release organized by NWHRD. The campaign related activities are heading with the network called women’s campaign for peace and constitution, Women Pressure Group (Mahila Surchha Dabab). 2.7.9. Fast Tract Court 3. AWON is continuously participated in the protest (Dharna) program that initiated from 29th May to July 2013. The program has been organized by the National Alliance for Women Human Right Defenders (NAWHARD) to give pressure to the government for the establishment of the fast track court. Different organizations working for women empowerment participate in the one hour protest every Monday from 12:00 – 1 PM. As a result, the government instructs to the Supreme Court on July 31 for the establishment of the fast track court. This decision is one of the great achievements in the history in human rights in Nepal.
3.1.1. Anti-corruption movement- hunger strike AWON also participated of hunger strike of anti-corruption movement at Ratnapark. 3.2. GBV Response and Prevention: Despite having a single rupee for the GBV response and prevention, AWON is working extensively on GBV response and prevention at large. It provides immediate service such as counseling, legal service, psychosocial, referral services as per need of the survivors specially attempted rape, rape killing. In collaboration with network members, petition submission to the Prime minister, President, politic leaders and also pressurize to the PM GBV unit. In terms of prevention various forms of activities going on at group, village, district, national and national level which is mentioned in various title in this report. 3.3.Media mobilization 3.3.1. OUTLINE media: OUTLINE Media is the strategic partner of AWON since beginning. It has covered the news, advertisement widely through online; www.onsnews.com 3.3.2. Radio Nari Aawaj:
In Jumla, AWON has partnership with Radio Nari Aawaj. It has covered all types of activities through news, interview, radio jingle specially about human rights, GBV and peace building. 3.3.3. Others radios/TVs/Prints: • Regarding the AWON and its activities are covered by various national TVs/Radios/print media at local, national and international media specially in Australia, USA, Korea. The interview is taken by UN radio New York can be heard here: http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/2012/10/no-women-no-peace-says-awardwinning-activist-from-nepal/. Likewise, AWON’s work highlighted by several news papers in
English and Nepali through book Khalangama Hamala (a book wriiten by AWON’s President about the Maoist Insurgency in Jumla). Here is the link for details;http://writingnepal.com/bookdetails/novel%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A 8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%AE% E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE-khalangamahamala/719871 3.4. National Contribution: AWON has been contributing at series of national level workshops, conference and policy discourse around human rights, GBV and peace building as mentioned below; • Education Network Nepal: moderated on women empowerment theme, January 2013 in Kathmandu. • Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare: contribute from the perspectives of rural women in formulating 10 years Strategy the perspective of rural women in Nepal • National Women Commission- Investigation of GBV cases, GBV campaigns and women’s rights e.g. GBV case of Bardiya, third gender. • National Consultation on Rural Women Empowerment conducted by UNWOMEN, FAO, WFP, IFAD December 2012 • Post 15 Agenda: Issues and concerns of Nepal in the perspectives of women are right. • Guideline on One Stop Crisis Center: • Interparty Women’s Alliance: 3.5. Regional Contribution: AWON is providing its input in the international discussion and consultations. In April 2013, AWON contributed in consultation meeting on curriculum development for GBV actors for Asia and Pacific region during emergencies organized by UNFPA regional office, Bangkok, Thailand. Likewise, AWON is being provided the input in e-discussions on peace building, rural women empowerment including attaining webinars.
3.6.Awards and Felicitation: During this reporting period, AWON’s President awarded as well as felicitation by various international organization. 3.6.1. N-Peace Awards, UNDP: UNDP had produced a documentary and launched the documentary in Manila in October 2012. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqWYecI6PEE
3.6.2. Women Peace Maker program, USA: University of Sandiego, Institute of Peace and Justice, CA, USA is recognizing the grass root level women leaders across globe who are working in risk, rural ad conflict affected areas. It is founded ten years ago. During its tenure, AWON’s President, Ms. Radha Paudel, selected at first from Nepal. The details; http://www.sandiego.edu/peacestudies/institutes/ipj/programs/women_peace_makers/women_pe acemakers/asia/Nepal.php
3.6.3. Felicitation: AWON’s President, Ms Radha Paudel honored and felicitated by series of organization in Nepal and USA. In Nepal, Midwifery Association of Nepal (MIDSON) and Cooperation for Campgain were felicitated in September 2012. Likewise, Nepali communities in USA specially Sanfrancisco, Iowa, Los Angeles, SanDiego felicitated as well in September, October, November and December 2012. At the mean time, the Fullerton University, Orange County felicitated too. 3.7.Fund Raising and partnership 3.7.1. Australia Support Group: Australia support group coordinated by Vice President, Mr Popular Gentle and Advisor of AWON Prof. Joanne Millar. They organized series of fund raising activities such as Yoga class, raffles etc. 3.7.2. Los Angeles (LA) Support Group Ms. Shanta Adhikari is being coordinating the LA support group. She organized series of fund raising activities there and coordinating and exploring the potential donors. 3.7.3. Charity Dinner Program: As part of “Miteri Gaun: Let’s Live Together” program, different organizations and individuals are partnering with AWON for their support and outreach to poor and marginalized people of Karnali. 3.7.4. Engagement with schools and Colleges: Students and Teachers of K&K College, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu expressed their humanity by helping AWON amid a function organized by the college. They handed over clothes and cash to AWON collected out from their pocket money to help for the “Miteri Gaun: Let’s Live Together”
Campaign for the deprived, helpless and backward people of Karnali. Students and teachers expressed their great enthusiasm to continue their help in the coming days. 3.7.5. Ichha Katauti box (Donation box) Stakeholders like to contribute to AWON always. Some are taking Ichha Katauti box (donation box) called MEETs (volunteer). It is thought that they deposit a small amount of money everyday for the sake of social cause. 3.7.6. Partnered with Miss Nepal’s engagement in AWON: AWON actively participated in fund raising program of Raise fund with Hidden treasurer of Miss Nepal Project at Basantpur and Patan Darbar Square. 3.8.Volunteering/Internship/Fellowship: AWON is largely supported by the volunteers/interns across the globe. Few are working physically at the field, few are working through media, few are in Kathmandu based. During this reporting period, the total 25 volunteers associated with AWON. 3.9. Social Audit: AWON celebrated its third anniversary on March 1, 2013. The objective of this program was to honor Meets of “Miteri Gaun Let’s Live Together Campaign” who are continuously helping this campaign; to make new meets; and to introduce activities and status of the organization. AWON honored and distributed appreciation letter to the meets who are continuously contributing to the “Miteri Gaun - Let’s Live TogetherCampaign from the establishment of the organization.
3.10. Paper presentations/studies: During this reporting period, AWON presented its works and experiences in various national and international forums such as May 18 Memorial Foundation, South Korea, NRN regional Conference, Sydney, Australia, Panjab University, India, University of SanDiego, USA etc. Likewise, AWON conducts research on Chhaupadi (mentioned before) in Jumla and Kalikot during this reporting period. During this reporting period, AWON assessed the needs of Humla district as well. Likewise, AWON contributed in the need assessment on Maternal and neonatal Health in Rolpa and Phythan on behalf of the MIDSON.
3.11. Partnerships, collaborations and supports: During this reporting period, the following organizations and individuals are supported to AWON by many ways.
1. Private and Individual donors across world 2. 50 Cents Period,USA 3. NRN, UK 4. OUTLINE Media, Nepal 5. PACE Nepal Jumla, Nepal 6. Radio Nari Aawaj, Jumla Nepal 7. Merlin International in Nepal 8. Radio Nari Aawaj, Jumla 9. ICRC ( desktop computer #1) 10. UNFPA (laptop computer #) 11. Youth VIP-Australia 12. Project Nepal, USA Challenges: • The level of commitment among the team members is the key challenge • Limited funding opportunities for the organizations which hasn’t political interest at individual as well organizational level • There is a decreasing trend of trust and respect to the NGOs by poor and marginalized communities.
Conclusion In spite of geographical difficulties AWON is working in the remote areas of Nepal and achieving positive responses in its deeds. AWON is working for the socio-economic transformation of the region through women empowerment, economic empowerment, education support and humanitarian support activities. AWON has involved in a social transformation process. The process challenges social malpractices and injustices based on gender, caste, class, ethnicity and geographical region of the communities. There is a need to empower marginalized and excluded population to strengthen their voice to claim their rights. There is also a need to engage with institutions and policies to make them more democratic, transparent and accountable. AWON is committed to develop genuine partnership with likeminded individuals and organizations to expand its programmatic and advocacy scope for meaningful contribution in socio-economic transformation and peace building in the country. Recommendations • Expansion of the networks, collaborators, implementing partners and supporters, • Strengthen and systematize `Miteri Gaun-Let's Live' Together campaign, • Emphasis on fund raising and develop strategies and expertise on fund raising.