Annual Report. Fiscal Year 2013/14. Advisors: Bhakta Bishwakarma Trilok Chand Vishwas V.K. Mohan Singh Sunar

Transcription

1 Advisors: Bhakta Bishwakarma Trilok Chand Vishwas V.K. Mohan Singh Sunar Editors: Kul Bahadur Bishokarma Anita Bishankha Translator: Rudra Bahadur Charmakar Contributors: Anil Kumar Shah Naresh Sob Suresh Bishwokarma Deepak Raj Timilsena Ramesh Sijapati Ram Sundar Nepali Geeta Aryal Shakti Ram B.K. Dil Kumari Bishwokarma Design and Layout: The Creation (Design and Prints Solution) Gabahal, Lalitpur Print: Kathmandu, Nepal

2 Bhakta Bishwakarma National Chairperson Dev Narayan Ghatani Vice-Chairperson Mani Ram Dewal Vice-Chairperson Jogendra Bishwakarma Vice-Chairperson Ram Pujari Vice-Chairperson Dharma Nepali Vice-Chairperson Trilok Chand Vishwas V.K. General Secretary Tirtha B. Pariyar Sewa Under-General Secretary Rabindra Nepali Treasurer Man B. Bishwakarma Member Jay Ram Tamata Member Bimala Nepali Member Mansur Sunar Member Sanju Baitha Member Tika Bishwakarma Member Munni Devi Das Member Yadhu Kumari Magrati Member Rabi Bishwakarma Member Gobardhan Koli Member Ram Dev Pashi Member Nir Bahadur Bishwakarma Member Bachhu Sarbariya Member Susma Nepali Member

3 Message From the National Chairperson I have perceived this year both as an opportunity and a challenge for Nepal National Dalit Social Welfare Organization (NNDSWO). The election of second Constituent Assembly (CA) has been successfully held after the demise of first CA and the participation of Dalit Community is remarkable despite decrease in percentage. The whole Dalit Movement have been raising its demands in the integrated way by minimizing the hurdles and accepting the existence of the other strength of movement which has given a sign of hope. But there is still no situation to stay with confidence as there are the cloud of obstacles. To overcome these barriers, there is need of united and strong movement. Being active organization nationwide, the leading and coordinating role of NNDSWO is equally important. Even though the country is declared untouchability free, the effort of Interim Constitution to protect Dalit Rights and enactment of Caste based Discrimination and Untouchability (Crime an Punishment) Act 2011, there is no decrease in caste based discrimination, brutality and violence against Dalit community and continue injustice. If we want to make Nepal democratic Republic, civilized, good-cultured, prosperous and equitable then to eradicate all forms of violence and inequality against Dalit community, covering one fourth of the total population, there is need of strong will power and commitments among the executive, legislative, judiciary, political parties, mass media, civil society, human rights areas, donor agencies and social activists. Nepal can't be prosperous and equitable by leaving behind or excluding and discriminating the large portion of the population of the society. I would like to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the government agencies, honourable CA members, political parties, donor agencies, sister political organizations of Dalit, civil society, human right activists, mass media, individuals from Dalit community from local to central level, intellectuals, professionals and others for their support campaign for justice, equality and prosperous. Similarly, I would like to give special thanks to all executive members and staff members of NNDSWO from local level to the central level. Without their continuous effort and commitment, this organization would have not been able to achieve today's achievements. Therefore, I expect regular positive and constructive supports from all to reach the targeted goal by protecting the achieved results. Finally, I appeal to all to join in a golden journey of making Nepal a prosperous country by institutionalizing democratic republic and ending all forms of inequality by drafting new constitution. Thank you! Bhakta Bishwakarma National Chairperson October 8, 2014

4 Executive Director's Note Fiscal year 2070/71 was the last year of the third five - year strategic plan of Nepal National Dalit Social Welfare Organization (NNDSWO). Therefore, it was the year to evaluate the achievements and learning of the last five year and to set new strategies direction too. We have been further encouraged during the last fiscal year, with the results achieved through the mobilization of its network for collective rights and human dignity, and campaign to create social awareness and build solidarity against Caste based discrimination. NNDSWO has worked remarkably to increase the legal awareness among thousands of people in the community through group discussions, radio programs, messages and publication and dissemination of Act In course of raising the issue of caste based discrimination as the human rights issue and common national problem, NNDSWO has supported to the victims of caste based discrimination and gender based violence documented through monitoring. This justify that the work of NNDSWO is not only of advocacy but also to increase the access to justice which is the priority of the organization. Our focus is that the concerns of rights and development of Dalit and vulnerable community should be addressed by integrating the issues of economic, social and cultural rights with civil and political rights. To increase sensitization on raising the issues of targeted programme, social security programme, and access and participation to information of local budget through economic, social and cultural rights framework was the major intervention of the organization. NNDSWO seems successful in increasing the confident of poor and landless families to fight against poverty by increasing their livelihood by providing support for leasehold farming. The effort to implement scholarship program running for the past 22 years to increase the access of the poor Dalit children to education in new districts with new strategies have take new direction. Similarly, mobilizing the educated youths as volunteers and role models and to create the opportunity and to develop the platform for the participation of the youths in social issues are other important efforts we made last year. On the basis of changing needs of the society, learnings from the last five years and organizational capacity, NNDSWO has developed a new strategic and operational plan ( ) and put into practice. This plan has set equality, social justice, social inclusion and accountability, education and livelihood as its major programme areas. It has included gender equality, conflict transformation and peace, HIV/AIDS and health, inclusive disaster risk management, and youth participation as the cross cutting issues. The continuous effort of its members, and working staffs, trust and support of partner organization, and the feeling of ownership of and participation of the communities for which we work is very important for the organization to reach to the present state. We are committed to improve our future efforts and to make ourselves more accountable. For this, we always expect the feedback of our partner organizations, beneficiaries, well-wishers including government agencies and officials. Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all who contributed to NNDSWO interventions and for showing solidarity. Thank you! Mohan Singh Sunar Executive Director

5 Table of Contents Timeline of NNDSWO VI Organization at a Glance VIII 1. Introduction of the Organization 1 2. Human Right - Non-discrimination and Social Justice 4 3. Democratic Governance - Inclusion and Accountability Education - Access to Applied Skills and Education Livelihood Institutional Development Financial Report 32 NNDSWO in Print Media 34 Some Unforgettable Moments of the Year 35 Publications of NNDSWO in 2013/14 36 Name and Designation of the Staffs in the District offices of the Organization in the Year 2013/14 37 Name List of the Presidents of District Executive Committees of NNDSWO 39 Name and Designation of Staffs in Central office of NNDSWO 40

6 Timeline of NNDSWO Nepal National Dalit Social Welfare Organization (NNDSWO) became a voice of Dalit as the first registered Dalit organization in Nepal Extended its organizational district chapters in over 60 districts with wide membership All organizational interventions focused on raising awareness among Dalit communities and combating Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability against Dalit Increased partnership with different donors like Save the Children/US, USAID, Canadian Cooperation, Oxfam, PAC Nepal, UNICEF, Action Aid Nepal, and Plan International Started to advocate for the rights of Dalit in an organized and systematic way NNDSWO extended its organizational district chapters to over 68 districts Nepal Children Scholarship Endowment Programme (NCSEP) commenced in 15 districts of Nepal with the support of Save the Children/US and USAID Basic Education for Least Educated (BELE) programme initiated in Jhapa, Chitwan, Kaski and Surkhet Districts The first Strategic and Operational Plan ( ) of NNDSWO formulated Dalit Empowerment Programme (DEP) launched with the support of LWF Nepal Advocated for the formation of National Dalit Commission (NDC) jointly with other national Dalit civil society organizations A series of activities to raise awareness and empower Haliya community conducted Dalit Empowerment and Inclusion Project (DEIP) commenced in Surkhet and Kathmandu A census survey on socio-economic status of Dalits in six districts (Baitadi, Gulmi, Kapilvastu, Mahottari, Surkhet, and Saptari) conducted with the support of DFID/ESP Dalit Empowerment Project (DEP) is initiated jointly with FEDO and DWO in Banke and Kailali districts Advocacy for Basic Human Rights of Dalit (ABHRD) project implemented in Banke, Bardiya and Kathmandu with the support of EU Community Enabling Programme (CEP) launched in Surkhet district Mass Media Campaign against Desperate Treatment based on Caste initiated A survey on Haliya community conducted The organization renamed to Nepal National Dalit Social Welfare Organisation. Inception phase of Promoting Dalit Rights and Political Participation (PDRPP) Project commenced in Rupandehi and Udaypur districts with the support of NED Mainstreaming Dalit and Women in Development Process (MDWDP) initiated in, Dailekh, Dolpa, Jumla, Kalikot and Mugu districts with the support of Concern Worldwide Capacity Development and Advocacy project initiated in Baitadi, Bajura, Dailekh, Darchula, Jumla and Kalikot districts with the support of DanidaHUGOU Campaign on Haliya issues through different media continued Second phase of Promoting Dalit Rights and Political Participation (PDRPP) Project commenced in Dang, Gulmi and Siraha districts with the support of NED Dalit Charter developed through Five regional conferences and one national conference VI

7 Third phase of Promoting Dalit Rights and Political Participation (PDRPP) Project commenced in Kavre, Khotang, Myagdi, and Rammechhap Districts NNDSWO accredited to participate at Durban Review Conference (20-24 April 2009), Geneva NNDSWO entered into strategic partnership with DanidaHUGOU, Save the Children and VSO Nepal Fourth phase of Promoting Dalit Rights and Political Participation (PDRPP) Project continued in the previous districts NNDSWO affiliated with Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Coordination Committee (HRTMCC) as a member organizing committee and member of Human Rights Magna Meet Increasing Dalit Voices for New Constitutional Responsiveness (IDVNCR) project implemented in Dadeldhura and Dailekh with the support of UNDP Fourth phase of Promoting Dalit Rights and Political Participation (PDRPP) Project continued Food Facility Project with the support of Dan Church Aid (DCA)/EU launched in Banke and Kailali Defending Human Rights of Dalit in Nepal (DHRD) launched in 10 districts: Baitadi, Bara, Dailekh, Darchula, Dhanusha, Kalikot, Kanchanpur, Kapilvastu, Rautahat, and Siraha with the support of FCA Promoting Quality Education project implemented in Kaski district in the partnership with VSO Nepal funded by EU Fourth phase of Promoting Dalit Rights and Political Participation (PDRPP) Project continued efending Human Rights of Dalits in Nepal project continued in Baglung, Bara, Dailekh, Darchula, Dhanusha, Kalikot, Kanchanpur, Kapilbastu, Rautahat and Siraha The pilot phase of Enabling People for Secure and Dignified Life (EPSDL) project with the support of Stromme Foundation commenced in Rautahat District NNDSWO organized Decade of Dalit Rights UN on June 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland Youth Save Project with the support of Save the Children implemented in Bhaktapur and Kathmandu Establishing Para-legal Committees Monitoring System at local level started in far western region of Nepal with the support of UNICEF NNDSWO was co-organiser of International Consultation on Caste based discrimination held at Kathmandu organized by IDSN Fifth phase of Promoting Dalit Rights and Political Participation (PDRPP) Project implemented in Dhading, Dolkha and Ramechhap continued Defending Human Rights of Dalit in Nepal project continued in seven districts- Baglung, Dailekh, Dhanusha, Kalikot,, Kanchanpur, Kapilbastu, and Siraha The NCSEP phased over from old 15 districts and phased in new five districts - Siraha, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Kalikot and Jajarkot The consortium of NNDSWO, FEDO and JMC won the EIDHR call and started implementation of Collective Action Against Caste Based Discrimination in Nepal [SAJHA PAHAL] project in Dadeldhura, Rupandehi and Siraha NNDSWO extended Samvad Programme in Kapilvastu and reached to a larger number of youths of Dalit and marginalised community in partnership with Stromme Foundation with the support of Operation Days Work (ODW) Development and implementation of fourth five years strategic and operational plan ( ) of the organization VII

8 NNDSWO at a Glance Legal Entity Tenure of Executive Committee Registered In: District Administrative office, Kathmandu Registered Date: 2039 Bhadra 29 (September 14, 1982) Registration No.: 6/039/40 Affiliation with Social Welfare Council : 2039 Bhadra 29 Affiliation No: 32 Permanent Account Number (PAN): General assembly Annual General Meeting (AGM) Central Executive Committee District Executive Committee Full Executive Committee Meeting : Every five years : Every year : Every Five years : Five year : Every three months Information about District Chapter District Chapters : 71 District Chapters implementing regular project: 27 District Chapters monitoring cases of CBD: 50 District Chapters with their own land and building: 6 District Chapters with land : 2 Directive Policy and plan 1. Constitution, 2039 (sixth amendment, 2063) 2. Institutional Good Governance Policy, Code of Conduct, Financial Administrative Regulation, Personnel Policy, Advocacy Policy, Gender Sensitive Policy, Fund Raising Policy and Strategy, Information and Technology Policy, Corruption Controlling Regulation, Strategic and Operational Plan ( ) Donor agencies/partner organizations in the fiscal year 2070/71 1. Child Rights Ambassador (CRA) 2. Dan Church Aid (DCA) 3. DanidaHUGOU 4. Etela Tapiola High school, Finland 5. European Union (EU) 6. Fin Church Aid (FCA) 7. Governance Facility (GF), Nepal 8. International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) 9. Mission East 10. Ncell 11. National Endowment for Democracy (NED) 12. Save the Children 13. Stromme Foundation (SF), Nepal 14. Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Nepal Organizational Structure Central Executive Committee : 25 members (reservation for 25% female and 10% Madhesi Dalit) Secretariat Committee : 7 members District Executive Committee : 11 members Village/Municipality Committee : 9 members National/International networks NNDSWO associated with 1. Dalit NGO Federation 2. National Rights to Food Network Nepal 3. Human Rights Magna Meet 4. Social Protection Civil Society Network 5. Human Rights Convention Monitoring Co-ordination Committee 6. UPR Follow-Up Group 7. National Election Monitoring Committee 8. Civil Society Youth Activists Network 9. Informal Education Centre (Informal Education Providers) 10. Asian Dalit Rights Forum (ADRF) 11. International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) Presentation of Real Annual Expenditure 34,758, ,473,311.4 FY 2065/66 FY 2066/67 56,407,487.4 FY 2067/68 32,885,522.9 FY 2068/69 FY 2069/70 71,856, ,730,303.3 FY 2070/71 VIII

9 1 Introduction of the Organization 1.1 Vision, objective and goals Vision NNDSWO envisions an equitable and prosperous society free from all forms of discrimination, exploitation and poverty where human rights, social justice and dignity of all are equally respected. Mission Eliminate caste-based discrimination and untouchability and empower people for dignified life. Goal To promote and protect economic, social, political and development rights of Dalit and vulnerable groups. 1.2 Thematic areas of programme and strategic objectives 1. Human rights - Non-discrimination and access to justice 2. Democratic governance - Inclusion and Accountability 3. Education - Access to education and life skills 4. Livelihood Interrelated issue based areas 1. Gender equality 2. Conflict transformation and peace 3. HIV/AIDS and rights of health 4. Youth participation 5. Disaster risk management 1.3 Norms and values of organization 1. Respect for Human Dignity: NNDSWO believes that every individual is equal and possesses rights to live a dignified life in the society. Therefore, NNDSWO works to ensuring the respect of human dignity of Dalit community in all spheres of social life. 2. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI): NNDSWO fully believes in gender equality 1

10 and social inclusion and gives due priority in this regard. It gives special consideration for promoting gender equality and intra- Dalit inclusion in its organization structures and in targeting programme interventions. While designing and implementing programmes, special attention will be given to Dalit women, Tarai Dalit, and minority/ vulnerable groups within Dalit, and take special measures for promoting inclusion. 3. Professionalism and Integrity: In order to achieve the mission and objectives of NNDSWO, a high degree of professionalism is required by all its personnel and members along with the integrity that is essential to enable all beneficiaries and stakeholders to be confident that NNDSWO is working for the best interests of Dalit in particular and society in general. 4. Committed for Results: NNDSWO is committed to exercise and promote Result Based Management (RBM) for realizing results envisaged under different thematic areas. It employs different strategies and actions to ensure that the results are achieved and that brings about difference in the life of its target groups. 5. Promote Social Harmony: The stereotype of caste structure and attitude prevalent in the Nepalese society has been the main barrier in social transformation. NNDSWO, while advocating the human rights and interest of Dalit, challenges to such structures and attitudes. Therefore, it will put social harmony at the centre of its work and strive for social transformation. 1.4 Guiding principles for organizational planning Five guiding principles of NNDSWO 1. Towards Mission: All interventions should contribute in achieving mission of NNDSWO. 2. Addressing People s Voices and Aspiration: All actions of NNDSWO are based upon and focused to addressing the people s voices and aspirations for and with whom it works. 3. Synergy Building: We avoid duplication and promote collaboration with concerned stakeholders at all levels for synergy and lasting impact. 4. Programme Integration: The inclusion, accountability, gender and youth [issues] are integrated in all programme interventions of NNDSWO. 5. Contributing for achieving national policy, plan and commitments: Our actions complement state initiatives and contribute for achieving broader national goals. 1.5 Strategic approaches Human Rights Based Approach: NNDSWO has been striving for addressing the root causes of caste-based discrimination and untouchability, exclusion, and poverty, and for this, it challenges power structure and relationships. Thus, Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) is central to every initiatives and interventions of NNDSWO. From its experience, it adopts HRBA to empower Dalit community, the rights-holders, to claim their rights and services for which they are entitled to, and hold duty-bearers accountable to fulfil their obligations. Together for Change Alliance Approach: Combating discrimination based on caste requires a strong and independent networks and alliances of Dalit/human rights activists at different levels. To address the enormity of the problems and challenges faced by Dalits, and foster social transformation, all interventions of NNDSWO are initiated in a coordinated 2

11 and collaborative approach. Thus, NNDSWO works by bringing people together through networks and alliances to create solidarity and synergy among Dalit and pro-dalit human rights activists and stakeholders. This is essential for combating caste based discrimination and asserting rights of Dalit. NNDSWO adopts this approach from local to national level. Programme Approach and Strategic Partnership: NNDSWO has been making a concerted effort to promote a holistic and integrated programme approach while implementing various interventions. It has adopted programmatic approach through an integrated planning and execution which invites collaboration with other agencies too. NNDSWO is working in strategic long term partnership approach based on mutual respect, trust and strong commitment between partners/donors to bring about synergy impact. NNDSWO will approach donors, international organizations and government institutions to realize this. Result Based Management (RBM): NNDSWO adopts RBM in order to ensure that the programme activities at all level are managed in such a way that ensures the achievement of desired results. NNDSWO will equally focus on planning by reflecting the learning, adopting effective strategies during implementation and document the achievements and learning. A good M & E system in the organization will be strengthened for this, and beneficiaries will be informed about the programme objectives and outputs while communicating the progress. Local Capacity Development: NNDSWO has nationwide networks with its district chapters in 71 districts. It has wide reach to its constituencies and executes programme interventions through these chapters. Thus, it will focus on capacity building of local chapters, networks and constituencies for efficient and effective intervention with lasting sustainability. 3

12 2 Human Rights: Non-discrimination & Social Justice 2.1 Monitoring and documentation of the cases of Caste Based Discrimination and Untouchability from Human Rights perspective Caste based discrimination and untouchability is deeply rooted in Nepali society. This has created an environment where the certain caste groups dominate the other groups who get oppressed always with feeling of humiliation. Due to awareness on Human Rights issues, there is increase in claiming the rights. The dominant groups don't take it easily so the incidents occurred. Realizing this fact and considering caste based discrimination and Untouchability is severe human rights violation, NNDSWO has been monitoring the incidents though mobilization of the Human Rights Defender since Like previous years, this fiscal year 2070/71 (16 July 2013 to 15 July 2014), 132 cases were monitored and documented. The cases were related to caste based discrimination, untouchability and violence against Dalit women. Out of them, 9 were related to murder, 25 battering and physical abuses, 15 verbal abuses, 17 caste based discrimination and untouchability, 12 denial of intercaste marriage, 4 deprived from access to resources and 3 others. Of them 46 cases (11 sexual abuse and rape, 3 accusation of witchcraft, 1 women trafficking and 32 domestic violence) were related to violence against Dalit women. 2.2 Together for rights: Advocacy Alliance Rights can't be achieved through initiative of individual, it is collective efforts. The discussions and dialogues among Dalit community can raise awareness and empower however can't ensure rights. Therefore, NNDSWO has been adopting the approach of alliance formation and its mobilization to drive the Dalit Rights 4

13 Movement or ensuring the human rights of Dalit collectively. To identify and advocate for the burning issues at local level, NNDSWO has formed District Advocacy alliances in different districts. This is a tested and proven approach of NNDSWO. Till to date, NNDSWO has formed and mobilized 196 alliances at VDC and district level. These alliances have become a platform for bringing people together to raise the collective voices in combating caste based discrimination and untouchability and seeking justice for the victims and advocate for different issues. NNDSWO has formed and mobilized District and VDC level Advocacy Alliances in 17 programme implemented districts including Baitadi, Bajura, Baglung, Banke, Darchula, Dhading, Dolakha, Dailekh, Dang, Kanchanpur, Kalikot, Salyan and Sunsari. These alliance identify local burning issues and develop advocacy strategies for promoting Dalit rights and non-discrimination. Altogether there are 258 members (79 females and 179 males) are associated with these alliances. These networks have been extended from 151 VDCs in 2009/10 to 169 VDCs in 2010/11 and to 182 VDCs of 14 districts in 2011/12 and 2012/13 and to 251 VDCs of 17 districts in 2013/14. Likewise, under Defending Human Rights of Dalit in Nepal Project, 68 human rights networks have been formed and mobilized in 8 districts and project wise the name is Awareness program encouraged to seek for justice Harine village is a remote and backwarded VDC of Dhanusa district which is 20 kilometers far away from district headquarter. Yadav, Mandal, Dhanuk, Das, Tatma community people reside in this village and majority are Yadav. Dalit community are facing extreme exploitation discrimination from Non-Dalit in the village. 30 percent Dalit youths have gone to gulf countries for employment due to increasing unemployment and poverty. Govinda Mandal (name changed) is also one of them. He has been to Saudi Arab for employment few years back. But, her wife Parbati (name changed) has been living in the village with her two children and mother-in-law. On Shrawan 12, 2071, Parbati was with her two children in her house and her mother-in-law had gone to her maternal house. Parbati was expecting her mother-in-law's to return at home that night but she didn't return. The three local youths- Devendra Yadav, Ram Chandra Mandal and their other three friends knew that Parbati was alone at house and came to her at mid-night. They asked Parbati to open the door, but she didn't. Ultimately, they kicked the door to enter into the house and raped her turn by turn. One month before that incident, NNDSWO had organized a community level interaction program on Caste Discrimination and Untouchability (Crime and Punishment) Act 2068 and basic human rights issues in that village and encouraged them to proceed for legal action against violence, discrimination and exploitation happen to Dalit. One the next day of the incident, Parbati approached to NNDSWO district chapter Dhanusa for support to justice and informed about the incidents. Upon her request, NNDSWO facilitated to register FIR in the district police office. NNDSWO continuously lobbied and advocated to concern stakeholders in coordination with other human rights organisatios to create pressure to district police office for effective investigation and to make the case strong. Consequently, the perpetrators were arrested for investigation and legal process. At present, perpetrator Devendra Yadav and his friends are under detention in Dhanusa and Parbati is waiting for justice from the district court. In the meeting with district executive committee, after registering the case, Parbati said that the community level awareness program on legal provisions on caste based discrimination and untouchability organized by NNDSWO encouraged me to appeal the cases. This has helped to bring the perpetrator under legal custody and hope court will give me justice.' 5

14 different. For example, VDC level advocacy alliance, Rights Concern Groups, women's rights groups. A total of 3229 members (1312 females and 1917 males) are associated with those networks. 2.3 Support to the victims of Caste Based Discrimination for justice NNDSWO has made an effort to support the victim of caste based discrimination and untouchability for justice. This year NNDSWO monitored and documented a total of 132 cases of caste based discrimination and Untouchability and violence against Dalit women, out of which 130 cases were dealt by NNDSWO for justice through formal and informal procedure. Out of 130 cases, 105 were reported to the police administration and 25 were settled at community level through discussion and positive dialogue. NNDSWO has been raising voices for punishment to perpetrators and justice to the victims of caste based discrimination and untouchability. 54 cases were settled through negotiation after the discussion between the both party and 32 cases were proceeded for legal action though FIR registration. Remaining 19 cases were in pending due to inactiveness and frustration of both parties. Similarly, 16 cases of caste based discrimination and physical violence which were supported and advocated by the organization had the verdict from respective district and appeal court in the fiscal year 2013/2014. Out of which 11 had the verdict in favor of the victims and 5 other were against the claimant. 2.4 Human Rights and Legal Awareness Even though the government has enacted different laws and legislations on nondiscrimination, the community people are 6

15 "We have been waiting since childhood to end Chhaupadi ultimately it ended" Jogbudha -1 of Krishnapur VDC, of inner Terai part of Dadeldhura has been inhabited by the people migrated from Doti since 2022 BS. The system of chhaupadi (a tradition of keeping female member in cowshed or in a separate small house during their menstruation cycle) exists in the VDC. Due to which women are compelled to suffer different problems. The practices was not fully ended despite the various awareness raising programme were conducted by different organizations. Dadeldhura district chapter in coordination with Care Nepal's implemented Community Support Programme and initiated a campaign to remove the sheds that was used during the menstruation. It was a collective effort of Civic Awareness Centre, Youth Clubs, local journalist, Avenues Television, Jhilmila Weekly, Rangun Darpan, employees of Community Support Programme, Mothers Groups,, VDC Office, Ward Civic Forum, local political parties and communities. After the campaign a total of 8 sheds were destroyed in Krishnapur VDC. The campaign become successful due to active participation of all stakeholders despite many hurdles and obstacles. The women of Krishnapur who were facing the problem from the deeply rooted chhaupadi system are happy to see the damaged chhapadi sheds. Sanja Devi Kami, the president of civic awareness centre, Krishnapur said that "We have been compelled to face the problem of this Chhaupadi system and thought it will end someday, today we did. "Similarly, Karan Bahadur Kami from Jogbuddha-1 Krishnapur who had just come back from India said that, "I was in India and saw chhaukudi (sheds) being destroyed on TV. I recognized my house easily and feel ashamed and was thinking when it will end" Yamunadatta Joshi, VDC secretary says, "If some one practices or forces others to practice chaupadi then they will be deprived of all facilities available from VDC level." To end the Chhaupadi system. Now, Jogbudha VDC is in the process of establishing as a model VDC free from Chhaupadi and Open defecation. Consequently, women of Jogbuddha, in coordination with other stakeholders, proved that civic awareness centres are formed for social transformation through establishing the rights of voiceless, to eradicate the malpractices and superstitions from the society and to raise burning issues and an environment to lead positive and dignified life has been created. unaware about the provisions and procedures for justice seeking. In order to inform and aware people living in remote areas beyond the access of information and communication about the different legal provisions that protect their rights i.e. Caste Based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offence and punishment) Act 2011, community level interactive workshops were organised in selected 90 VDCs and 1 Municipality of different 12 districts Dhading, Dolakha, Salyan, Dadeldhura, Morang, Dhanusha, Baglung, Dailekh, Kalikot, Bajura, Kanchanpur and Darchula. Through these programmes, altogether 5431 people (2584 female and 2847 male) were informed about the provisions of Act and fundamental 7

16 human rights. Similarly, a booklet consisting of frequently asked questions of Act was also distributed to the participants 2.5 Solidarity and mass mobilization for the implementation of national and international commitments National and International Days NNDSWO has not only taken national and international days as a celebration only but as an opportunity to make national and international stakeholders and community more aware and sensitive on the issues of equality and human rights and draw attention about the situation of community. With this objective NNDSWO, this year, marked the national days- 24 May (Jestha 10- Caste based Discrimination and Untouchability (Crime and Punishment) Act 2011, 4 June (Jestha 21- Untouchability Free Nation Declaration Day) and international days -8 March (International Women's Day), 10 December (International Human Rights Day) with different events like peace rallies, interactions and conferences from district to central level with special importance. A total of 1277 people (482 female and 795 male) participated in 25 such events organized at local level and 174 people (76 female and 98 male) participated in events organized at central level. 8

17 An effort to make the traditional occupation of Dalit a respectful business Traditional occupations of Dalit, that are rich in art and culture, are in difficult situation due to lack of the government protection and proper investment. Therefore, the youths are not ready to continue the traditional skills and art as business. Many Dalit are still dependent on their traditional occupation. Dalit youths are interested in finding alternative professions because the traditional profession has been still in the form of 'Balighare' system and there is not cash income and respect in these profession. NNDSWO district chapter Dadeldhura organized one day gathering of Dalit artisans in 2070 Bhadra with an objective to organize all Dalit artisans following traditional occupation and to make this job dignified and respectful, and to make a joint effort to raise the voice for their occupational rights. The gathering came up with 11 membered district level Dalit artisans' network led by Ram Pariyar, a artisan businessman of Amargadi municipality of Dadeldhura district. This network is a union of all traditional business holders of Dalit communities. It helps to make all Dalit dependent on their traditional occupation more confident. According to Jogi Kami, a Dalit artisan of Koteli VDC, state should recognize the traditional occupations of Dalit communities because there is art, skill and creation in this occupation but unfortunately the people who follow such occupations have to face the discrimination. Mahadev Tamata, artisan of Ajayameru VDC ward no 8, has been making iron pots, copper statues in a furnace inside a shade in Amargadi municipality ward no 5, Bagbazar. He says, 'we can not compete in the market because there are machinery products in the markets which are cheaper but it's very time consuming to prepare the hand-made objects, therefore our production cost is more, so are expensive. Thus, first, we need the machine and place to work. Then we can compete in the market by producing the objects within short duration in low cost. 'But unfortunately we don't have money to do so. Bank asks deposit if we request for the loan. How can we have such deposit who live in others' house? The state should give us the opportunity to run the business by providing the loan without deposit. The costumers dominate us when they see us running a small business in the corners of the markets. Non-Dalit dominate us more when they see us doing works in the streets, yards and in the corners of the cities. If we react towards it will be difficult to earn for living. ' The condition of all Dalit is not same. Prakash Jairu has opened a tailoring centre and has been working as a successful businessman. He started a tailoring shop in 2060 who once used to work in other's clothing store. From 2065 he shifted the shop in a shutter and ran his tailoring business by hiring 2 tailors. Nowadays, he earns many thousands a day by giving the job to 10 tailors with a coat pasting machine. He is not a single person running such business. There are other many successful businessman running tailoring centres and jewelry shops, but very few of them are Dalit artisans whose condition is pitiable. The effort of Dalit artisans have contributed to promote the traditional occupation respectful business. Ram Pariyar, Chairperson of artisan network says, "Being organized through network we have been simultaneously continuing both movements against caste based discrimination and the effort to promote the traditional occupation". In the same way jewellery businessman, Sudip Paudel says, "Since promoting the occupation of Dalit artisans is a creative work, all the artisans organized in the network are committed in this movement". If we go ahead with new strategies, this occupation can be established in the society. The government should put an especial effort to promote the traditional occupation of Dalit community and to make it a respectful". 9

18 12 Days National Campaign against Discrimination NNDSWO in collaboration with Feminist Dalit Organisation (FEDO) and Jagaran Media Center (JMC) and in coordination with different organizations working for Dalit Rights organized a 12- days national campaign against caste based discrimination on the occasion of two historical days of Dalit Movement- 24 May (10 Jestha, the day Caste based discrimination and Untouchability (Crime and Punishment ) Act 2011 enacted) and 4 June (21 Jestha, Untouchability Free Nation Declaration Day). Though this campaign, the wider society and stakeholders are sensitized on the commitment of state and legal provisions for ending of caste based discrimination as well as promote collective action among the lead stakeholders. During the campaign, different activities like peace rallies, press conference, media mobilization, lobbying visit to different stakeholders, submission of memorandum, awareness meeting and interactions were organized. 2.6 Awareness for Women's Participation in Peace Building NNDSWO has been working for protection and participation of women in conflict transformation and peace building process as well as increasing access of survivors of sexual violence during conflict to justice. In this connection, community level interaction programmes were organized in DHRD project implemented districts- (Morang, Dhanusha, Baglung, Dailekh, Kalikot, Bajura, Kanchanpur and Darchula) and Sajha Pahal project implemented district Dadeldhura (4 VDCs and Amargadhi municipality). This has helped to inform the local Dalit and non-dalit community on national plan of Nepal government and major provisions and encouraged to seek the participation on women in different committee and mechanisms formed at local level during the peace process. A total of 1259 people (724 females and 535 males) participated in interaction programmes organized in 20 VDCs and 1 municipality of 9 districts. 10

19 2.7 Radio Program for Social Awareness Radio information can play a important role in sensitizing a larger society. NNDSWO has broadcasted a total of 1041 messages messages were broadcasted from districts which includes Dhading, Dolakha and Salyan where Promoting Dalit Rights and Political Participation Project implemented, Dhanusha, Baglung, Dailekh, Kalikot, Darchula, Kanchanpur and Bajura where the 'Defending human Rights of Dalit in Nepal Project implemented, Sunsari, Dang, Dailekh, Baitadi and Kalikot districts where 'Capacity Building and Advocacy for Dalit Rights' implemented; and Dadeldhura district where "Sajha Pahal project is being implemented and 2 from central level. The messages were developed and broadcast specially focusing on ending of caste based discrimination and untouchability, protection and promotion of human rights and appeal for the participation and commitment in different national and international days and campaign. 2.8 Orientation on Universal Periodic Review After the establishment of United Nations, the general convention of UN has been developing human rights laws and different mechanisms related to it in order to protect and promote human rights. As a mechanism to make a micro review of the situation of human rights in member states, the UPR, established by the general convention of UN in 2006, is a unique new process of protecting and promoting human rights. Universal Periodic Review of each member state is carried out every four years. This review is facilitated by a three member troika. The United Nation Human Rights Council conducts periodic review on the basis of the duties and commitments on human rights as mentioned on UN charter, Human rights global declaration, International humanitarian law, International treaties on Human rights between respective countries, commitments made by the nation and other documentations. Nepal was included in this process in 2011 for the first time and had presented the progress on the protection promotion of human rights. Nepal is going to participate in the 23 rd second convention of periodic review for the second time in State must be accountable to any violation of human rights occur in any corner of the country. Therefore, with an objective to aware the concern agencies and stakeholders on the issues and develop solidarity among the human 11

20 rights organization as well as collect feedbacks for the periodic review, NNDSWO has been organizing discussion and feedbacks collection programmes in 8 districts. NNDSWO organized interactions on universal periodic review at central and district level where the with the participation of human rights organizations, government agencies related to implementation of law, representative of political parties, Dalit and human rights activists. A total of 315 (89 females and 226 males) participated in the programmes organized in 7 districts where DHRD project was implemented. 2.9 Lobby and Advocacy Despite Act against Untouchability the injustice towards Dalit is still prevalent in our society. NNDSWO has been pro-actively advocating for the effective implementation of the Act and protection of human rights of Dalit. This year the memorandum is handed over to the Honourable Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on behalf of Dalit civil society and appeal for the strong implementation and punishment to the perpetrators. Similarly, the memorandum was handed over to Chief District Officers, political parties, VDC Secretaries of different districts. 12

21 3 Democratic Governance - Inclusion and Accountability 3.1 Lobby and advocacy for participation in budgeting process NNDSWO has been forming and mobilizing local networks in lobbying and advocating for the budgeting process to promote civic participation in local accountability and good governance process. This year, 18 district chapters participated in district development planning process. In this process, a total of 210 network members of 18 districts lobbied with 96 VDC and 6 municipalities for development of pro-dalit budget. During the period, 46 plans were submitted in 96 VDC/municipalities and facilitated for demanding budget. 96 VDCs has increased the allocation of budget to Dalit in comparison to past fiscal year which is 1% in average. 3.2 Awareness on Social Security Scheme Since the social security scheme is not only temporary relief but is a programme brought as the commitment to social justice and human rights, therefore, NNDSWO has been conducting different awareness programs at community level to develop common understanding and ownership towards scheme. During the fiscal year, 4 community level orientation classes were conducted in 2 VDCs and 1 Municipality of Dadeldhura though which 220 (97 Females and 123 Males) were benefitted. This has contributed to reach to target groups as the state bring scheme targeting the most vulnerable community. During the period, NNDSWO has published 3000 copies of compilation of the different Dalit targeted plans and policies of Nepal government and information about the social security scheme. 13

22 3.3 Participation of marginalized farmers in Food Security Governance With the objective of increasing the participation of small and marginalized farmers in the decision making process of Food and nutrition security, NNDSWO with the support of DCA and EU, initiated campaign in Banke district. This Food Security Governance improvement programme will be implemented in East and South Aisa from 2013 to This fiscal year, a total of 7452 HHs farmers of 22 VDCs of Banke are re/organized through 366 farmers groups and oriented about the campaign. Leader farmers were selected from each VDC and build their capacity. NNDSWO formed VDC level farmers organization to advocate for the common interest of farmers groups at VDC and municipality level. Till the end of the Ashad 2071, 20 females and 18 Dalit have been leading 22 farmer's organization. 3.4 Voters' education for the political rights NNDSWO has been conducting awareness campaign related to voter education at the community level in different districts in order to ensure the civil, political and voting rights. In the fiscal year 2070/71, NNDSWO organized awareness programme on voter and citizenship education targeting settlement of Dalit and localities of 197 VDC and 7 municipalities of 9 districts of Far western region through district chapter Kailali. Altogether of members from Dalit and marginalized community including females were directly informed about the voter education, voting rights, importance of registering name in the voter list and citizenship. A total of including

23 females members from Dalit community have been able to registered their name in the voter list with the direct support of NNDSWO and informed about the importance of voter list. They have been sharing the information to their neighbours and other members to ensure the political rights. Since 2011 in partnership with USAID/IFES, NNDSWO has been regularly implementing voter education campaign in far-western region targeting Dalit community by the mobilization of voter education facilitators and volunteers. Similarly, local election and voter education campaign was conducted in 14 VDCs of Promoting Dalit Rights and Political Participation Project (PDRPP) implemented districts-dhading, Dolakha and Salyan. During the campaign, the participants were oriented on importance of election and role to voter, election system, types of ballot paper, voter rights, and responsibility through interactive method. The participants were sensitized on exercising voting rights, registering name in voter list, voting potential/right leader without any self interests. There was participation of 1132 (703 females and 469 males) local Dalit and non-dalit including the representatives of political parties. The programme was facilitated by locally trained volunteers. 3.5 Capacity development for participation and inclusion NNDSWO has been developing the capacity of the community by conducting different programmes for promoting the participation and inclusion of Dalit in every agencies of state and decision making process. This year NNDSWO organized different trainings on people participation and democratic accountability and discussion on participation and inclusion of local people and leaders at community level and targeting Dalit and marginalized community. The capacity of 417 community people (172 females and 245 males) was developed directly through the trainings. Bir Bahadur Mijar of Salyan, leading ward level drinking water committee Dalit of Jimali VDC of Salyan district, few kilometre away from the headquarter Khalanga, have very less access to the local resources due to lack of participation in decision making process. Dalit community have no development plans. Eventhough, the VDC allocated certain budget for Dalit, the amount is used for other purposes as Dalit don't approach VDC with their plan as said by local resident Bir Bahadur Mijar. Mr Bir Bahadur Mijar, as the representative of Dalit community of Jimali VDC, got any opportunity to participate in 4 days training on leadership and democratic accountability organized by NNDSWO district chapter Salyan. He is the resident of ward no 6 of Jimali VDC. There were participation of representative from 6 VDC. During the training the discussion on need of leadership, technique and skills and role of leadership to hold local agencies accountable The training encouraged him to understand local problems and issues of the Dalit community and to take the leadership. After the training he called the meeting of all Dalit communities to address the problem of drinking water in his ward. After the meeting, 7 membered ward committee has been formed in coordination of Bir Bahadur Mijar. The committe submitted a proposal for maintenance of water tank of the VDC. The VDC provided NRs.50, to repair the drinking water tank. Consequently, there is regular drinking water supply in the Dalit community. 15

24 Types of Training Female Male Total One day orientation to the Dalit skilled workers for the preparation of skill certification through the technical education (Dadeldhura) One day orientation to the members of the local human rights network on Human rights issues. Three days training on Budget advocacy for economic, social, cultural rights (Dadeldhura) Three days' Four-community level trainings on Legal rights and access to justice process (Dadeldhura) Five days trainings to social mobilizers and interns on Social mobilization, advocacy and networking (Dadeldhura) Orientation to SAMVAD Support Committee (Rautahat and Kapilbastu) Training on SAMVAD operation guideline to Samvad facilitators (Rautahat and Kapilbastu) Workshop on discrimination free child friendly education in school for SMT, Parents and teachers (Rautahat and Kapilbastu) Community level discussion on the situation of girls trafficking, and other forms of discriminations (Rautahat and Kapilbastu) Workshop on Women empowerment (Rautahat and Kapilbastu) Workshop on cooperative to the members of self-help groups (Rautahat and Kapilbastu) Empowerment and leadership development training to Adolescent girls and boys

25 3.6 Training on local election, people's participation and democratic accountability During this fiscal year 2070/71, NNDSWO organized training on local election, people's participation and democratic accountability in 15 VDCs of Dhading, Dolakha and Salyan districts in order to increase participation of Dalit and marginalized communities in local election by enhancing their capacity. The training was focussed on need of participation of Dalit community in local election and role of Dalit leadership, human rights activists and representatives from local political parties. A total of 417 (172 females and 245 males) were informed about how to increase the access of Dalit and marginalized communities to resources and decision making process, importance of local election, how to present in front of the candidates by identifying the common issues of Dalit. 3.7 Training on Leadership Development and Democratic Accountability With an objective to increase participation of Dalit community in the local governance system through the leadership development of potential Dalit candidate in the upcoming local election, the training on leadership development and democratic accountability was organized in Dhading, Salyan and Dolakha districts. The training was provided to selected 25 participants from 5 VDCS of each project district which includes the human rights activists and potential leaders from Dalit communities who are effectively working in the local communities as human rights and having the probability of being candidates in the upcoming local election. During the training the discussion on leadership skills, role of leadership in mobilization of local resources and planning, importance of democratic accountability and provisions made in the Local Self-Government Act The training was facilitated by renowned facilitators Prakash Kumar Pokharel, Babita Basnet and officers of District Development Committee as a local facilitators. A total of 116 including 44 females were benefited from the training. 17

26 4 Education - Access to Life Skills & Education 4.1 Educational materials and uniform support to the students With an objective to support the students who were dropped out and not able to continue their study due to poverty, NNDSWO has been providing education materials and uniform support to the students of the project areas. NNDSWO, in 2013, provided stationery to 548 students in Kaski, Rautahat and Kapilbastu district and school uniform, bags, copies, pencil support to 210 students (183 girls and 27 boys) of 39 schools who belongs to poor, Dalit and backward family and not able to continue their education and re-enrolled in the schools. 4.2 Scholarship to increase access to education With an aim to increase access of Dalit and poor children to education, NNDSWO, in partnership with Save the Children, providing scholarship to Dalit Children through Nepal Children's Scholarship Endowment Fund (NCSEP) since Scholarship programme, primarily, NCSEP established with the support of USAID and Ensly Ross Mac Cormak Fund established in the name of late daughter of executive chief of Save the Children US, are implemented through the interest of fund yearly basis. The scholarship program had been implemented for 20 years in 15 districts of Nepal: Kanchanpur, Kailali, Bardiya, Surkhet, Dang, Chitwan, Parbat, Rupendehi, Udayapur, Bhaktapur, Kaski, Nuwakot, Saptari, Dhankuta and Jhapa. Since April 2013, the program is being implemented in Siraha, Sarlahi and Mahottari of Terai Region and Kalikot and Jajarkot of Hilly region which are socially, enomically and educationally weak and backward in educational indicator and have highest population of Dalit. The scholarship amount for Sarlahi, Kalikot and Jajarkot district is provided from NCSEP and for Siraha and 18

27 Mahottari from Ansly Ross Mac Cormac Fund. The scholarship recipient includes 60% girls in NCSEP and 100% girls in Ansly Ross Mac Cormak Fund. This programme has been implemented in coordination with Ministry of Education at central level and District Education Offices, schools and concerns stakeholders. NNDSWO provides scholarship under this program by categorizing the students into three groups- specially targeted children (from class 6 to class 12), vulnerable children (from class 1 to class 12) and role model students (higher education and technical education) This year, NNDSWO has been providing scholarship to 579 Dalit children (429 girls) in 5 districts (Siraha, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Jajarkot and Kalikot) which includes 373 specially targeted children (276 girls) 172 vulnerable children (124 girls), and 34 role model students (27 girls). 4.3 Advocacy for access to scholarship The government of Nepal has been providing scholarship to the children of Dalit, backward region and ethnicity to promote their access and development. It has been monitoring the implementation status at local level, collecting information and advocating for the effective implementation and policy revision I am confident that I can be a successful person after getting education Nisha Sunar lives in a small hut in Jajarkot district with four members in her family including her mother, Bimala, her brother and her sister. Currently, she is studing in Tribhuwan Higher Secondary School. Her family is poor and her mother has to struggle hard to manage the foods for the family. In such situation, it was very difficult for Nisha to continue her study. 'She worried about how to continue my study because it was very difficult to manage foods from my mother's income.' Nisha says, 'I used to think to discontinue my study and to help my mother when I saw her painful days of struggle from morning to evening. I questioned about what I could get from education? 'Money is needed for everything, so Nisha also thought that working is better than reading. Her mother had a plan to continue her study up to 7 classes but she was able to reach to 9 class from her continuous effort and dedication. Studying in secondary level is expensive as high monthly fee, books, copies, pen, school uniform also are essential. But her mother did not have money to purchase the uniform. She used to go to school without uniform therefore she was not only scolded from the teachers but also had to return from the school without getting chance to entering into the classroom. She gets hurt many times from such incidents. Nisha, who used to worry about how to continue her studies, had to leave her school one day. Like 'if there is will, there is a way' Nisha got scholarship managed by NNDSWO in collaboration with the collaboration of Save the Children. She became very happy. Nisha was not only able to go to school after she had got the scholarship, she could also manage her other requirements like books, copies, pen, bag and school uniform. Nisha has been reading carefully with her effort and going to her tuition classes now. 'I think my dream will be fulfilled with the help of this scholarship. I am confident that I can be a successful person after getting education. If I continuously get the support until I could finish my education, my dreams would be fulfilled and I would be happy. Perhaps other friends who got such scholarship may also think the same. 'At the end, she is thankful to all who helped me to fulfil my dream'. 19

28 based on evidence. The major objective of the advocacy campaign is to study and research the situation of distribution of the scholarship amount allocated to Dalit students in the government, community and private schools and implementation status of the Dalit targeted education related policies and programme, access of Dalit students to higher education and based on the evidence and information from the research and lobby with local and national level stakeholders. This year 2013/14, NNDSWO has conducted the monitoring of 225 schools at different level about the distribution of scholarship to Dalit and its implementation in 15 districts. During the monitoring, the organization observed and monitored number of the Dalit children who received the scholarship, number of children who have not received the scholarship, condition of changes of budget amount according to the record of the concerned schools as well as direct interview and discussion with the Dalit children and their parents, and studied about other supporting programs for the Dalit children managed by the school. Likewise, NNDSWO has been monitoring the schools selecting 10 strategic districts representing all five Development Regions of Nepal: Panchthar, Taplejung, Parsa, Makawanpur, Sindhupalchok, Myagdi, Tanahu, Pyuthan, Dolpa and Achham along with advocacy for access of Dalit children to education in 5 districts- Siraha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Jajarkot and Kalikot. 4.4 Support to infrastructural development of school NNDSWO has been supporting the government and community schools to improve the infrastructure for quality teaching and learning with the support and collaboration with different donor agencies and other organizations. This year, NNDSWO in partnership with NCELL, under corporate responsibility programme, and in coordination with school management committee, constructed school building, of Shree Kalika High School in Haldekalika VDC, 20

29 Ward no. 3 of Nuwakot District. The support includes construction of three room building, toilet, supply of drinking water, compound wall, desk/benches, sport materials, library and educational materials which was handed over to SMT on Ashoj Through this construction 450 children (218 girls) and 16 teachers (5 female teachers) and the staffs of the school have been directly benefitted. It provides access to school building with facilities, drinking water, toilet and library and sport materials that supports the teaching learning activities. 4.5 SAMVAD 'Dialogue' for Adolescent empowerment Dialogue "SAMVAD" means discussion and interaction. It is community based and complete participatory educational activity. This program has been successfully running in Bangladesh with the name 'Songalap'. It is being implemented in Nepal with support of Stromme Foundation by contextualizing it with our social context and named SAMVAD programme since Total adolescent girl Samvad Kendra, 64 No. of Participant adolescent girl 1315 Adolescent Girls and Boys Samvad Kendra No. 2013/2014 Total adolescent boy Samvad Kendra, 21 No. of Participant adolescent boy It is the major activity of the programme. SAMVAD Kendra is such a place which is conducted for 12 months separately for school dropped out or not enrolled into school girls and boys adolescents. SAMVAD Kendra is a suitable place to discuss and analyse the social condition and context by boys and girls adolescents. The adolescent gathers every day discuss on issues and subject that directly affect their life and analyse the positive and negative aspect and find the solution to the problem in participatory way. The 21

30 Topics to be discussed in Samvad Kendra No. of days to discuss 1. Adolescent 1 day 2. Life skills 4 days 3. Primary health care 13days 4. Social evils and practices 9 days 5. Girls trafficking 6 days 6. Sex and Gender 9 days 7. Gender based violence 6 days 8. Rights and responsibilities 12 days 9. Safe immigration 6 days 10. Vital registration/ family law 13 days 11. Caste based discrimination and 13 days untouchability 12. Social Inclusion 6 days 13. Reproductive health 25 days 14. Sexually transmitted diseases and women 8 days related diseases 15. HIV and AIDS 6 days 16. Disaster 6 days 17. Group 6 days 18. Saving 4 days 19. Credit 4 days 20. Income generation 5 days 21. Basic information about business 10 days 22. Local level businesses 18 days 23. Essential information to run business 24 days trained facilitator facilitate the discussion. They develop plan to solve the problem in the society and move ahead with commitment. NNDSWO has been implementing SAMVAD programme with the financial and technical support of Stromme Foundation in Santapur, Dumariya, Bishrampur, Fatuha Mahespur, Jhunkhunwa, Badrahawa and Basatpur VDC of Rautahat and Dhankauli, Kajrahawa, Maharajguaj, Manpur, Thuniya VDCs and Kapilbastu municipality of Kapilbastu districts since Under this programme altogether 173 SAMVAD Kendra (88 in 2013 and 85 in 2014) have been running. A total of 2751 adolescents (1295 Dalit, 1355 Janajati, Muslim and others backward caste) of 2612 Households (963 in 2013 and 1649 in 2014) of 145 Samvad Kendra have completed 12 months of Samvad course. 4.6 Child club for child rights and empowerment In order to organise the children from Dalit and marginalized communities through child clubs to empower them for child rights and educational achievements and mobilize them, three child clubs have been running in Dhanusha district 22

31 as a model clubs. 45 children are organized through these clubs and 150 children are aware about issues of child rights by direct and indirect participation in the different activities in Dhanusha district. 15 youths volunteers, five from each club, have been facilitating the activities of child clubs. NNDSWO has been conducting promoting child rights programme in joint partnership with Child Rights Ambassador (CRA)/Danish Youth Council - DUF Denmark since October Samvad Kendra brought drastic change in my life: It makes me aware of life and education' "If the samvad Kendra was not opened in my village I would have become ' wife and daughter-in-law of someone houses, and would be in trouble and mental pain", says by 16 years old Shanti Paswan, an inhabitant of Sakhuwadhamoura VDC ward no. 3 of Rautahat district., says. Shanti left school after studying grade 5 and use to spend her time by cutting the grasses and other household chores. NNDSWO district chapter Rautahat initiated samvad Kendra in her villagewith support of Stroma Foundation Nepal in 2011 A.D. She participated in it the centre. She says 'I got opportunity to learn many things from samvad kendra. I am aware of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation and able to speak out with others for my rights as well as I have enrolled into school and continue my study'.' She also adds, I have become aware of the physical and mental effects due to child marriage from the discussion held in Samvad Kendra and I able to convince my parents to stop my marriage when they were trying for my marriage. The topics discussed in Samvad Kendra are very practical and are not only used for today, they are useful for my future when I will be mother I have been sharing it to other friends in my community. Finally, Shanti Paswan says, 'I would like to thank to Samvad Kendra and this project for making many youths like me aware of the life and education.' 23

32 5 Livelihood 5.1 Financial education to Youth for Saving In collaboration with Save the Children and Bank of Kathmandu, NNDSWO organized financial classes on saving in 5 community schools in Suryabinayak of Bhaktapur, Panauti of Kavre and Sankhu of Kathmandu district. The students of aged 11 to 10 years studying in 6 to 10 grades participated in those classes. They were taught about seven steps of saving: importance of saving, difference between need and interest, goal determination of saving, saving plan, control of expenditure, saving in safe place and moral issues to be careful while saving to develop the habit of saving through the games, story, group discussion, presentation, and interaction method. 750 students (409 girls and 306 boys) from 10 schools participated in the classes. Among them 196 students have been regularly saving by opening accounts in Bank of Kathmandu. 5.2 Family development plan Family development plan is a plan to achieve the goal and objective of dream of family to progress within in definite time. NNDSWO has developed family plan of 371 inlcuding 18 adolescent of self-help groups under Enabling people for secure and dignified life project implemented in Rautahat district. This has helped family members to achieve goal at individual and family level. 5.3 Self-help group for developing social capital The experience shows that the creation of social capital and power to increase social bargaining in the community through the social mobilization by organizing the poor and marginalized community in the self- help group and their mobilization is very important for the strengthening livelihood and poverty eradication. Taking the experience into account, NNDSWO 24

33 has been organizing specially women into selfhelp groups. During the fiscal year 2070/71, 1865 women of 1865 Households from 4 VDCs and 1 municipality have been mobilized through 79 self-help groups. 5.4 Saving and credit program To develop the finance capital at the community level and increase access to loan for investing in the income generating activities and micro enterprise is an important strategy of livelihood intervention of NNDSWO. Under this program, NNDSWO has been encouraging the organized members of the community for saving and facilitating to invest the saving capital in productive areas. During the fiscal year 2070/71, a total of 79 mobilized self-help groups have started saving on regular basis. The total amount saved by all the groups till the end of Ashad has reached to NRs 18, 15, According to the business plan of the group members, NRs 14,55, has been invested for income generating activities and NRs. 24, has been utilize for the fulfilment of the practical needs of the group members. Similarly, 28 adolescent girls and 8 adolescent boys groups in Rautahat and Kapilvastu have regularly been saving and have saved NRs. 63, during the year 2070/ Skill Development Training Skill development is also very important for the improvement of livelihood. Skill development helps to increase the product and productivity. It also helps to make the youths competent in the labour market. During the last fiscal year, NNDSWO has provided skill development trainings to 904 individuals in 8 business areas. 25

34 5.6 Income generating activities NNDSWO has initiated income generating activities by selecting the potential diligent youths in order to increase the income of the targeted households by investing the skill and capital of individual in productive business. During the fiscal year 2070/71, 904 individuals have been supported to start income generating activities and provided with NRs to NRs capital per person. 5.7 Leasehold farming: Collective farming and individual ownership NNDSWO is implementing leasehold farming support programme targeting Dalit and the landless families depending upon agriculture labour whose children are associated with Samvad Kendra. Under this programme, observing the situation of adolescents and their parents, NNDSWO has provided amount for leasing land, minimum essential farming material, management of irrigation system, fertilizers, productive seeds, and technical advice and orientation. According to the concept of "Collective Farming and individual ownership" through the adolescent girls and boys, and with the direct support and involvement of their parents farming in leasehold land has supported to improve the economic status of the family and their education, health and social status of adolescents of Samvad Kendra. This year NNDSWO supported 20 families for leasehold farming. It directly helped 150 family members. From leasehold farming each family has been able to earn at least NRs 20,000. Among 25 families (20 Dalit and 5 Muslim) are involved in leasehold farming. 5.8 Support for drinking water, sanitation and construction of toilet The organized effort (mobilizing networks/ 26

35 Dhankarna, making the society alert on disaster risk reduction Dhankarna Bishwokarma, 25 years old youth, is a resident of ward no. 7 of Dhaulagoha VDC in Kalikot district.. He is a primary level teacher as well as a good social worker. He had not got any chance to participate in trainings and seminars held in his district and village because no one informed him about such programs. NNDSWO in partnership with Mission East and in coordination with KIRDARC Nepal and Samjhauta Nepal implemented "Inclusive Community based disaster risk reduction" (ICBDRR) project in Kalikot district. Dhan Karna Bishwokarma was selected as a member of Community Disaster Management Committee formed under the project. After taking the responsibility as a member of the committee, he got opportunity to participate in the training related to disaster risk reduction organized under the project. Dhan Karna Bishwakarma says that 'although I had been contributing in social work, before my involvement in the project I had no knowledge about disaster risk reduction.' 'After my participation in the different activities of the project, I started to aware my community on disaster risk reduction.' He is drawing attention of the neighbours and community on the probability of disaster while implementing development activities and not to build houses in landslide prone areas. Dhan Karna played vital role in making the community aware in extinguishing the fire in the forest near Dhaulagoha. He says, "There are many benefits to my neighbours and myself from the knowledge, and skills about disaster risk reduction I learnt from being the member of the 'community disaster management committee.' But I am worried about how to continue such activities. I will try to unite the community people for the disaster risk management as much as I can with my skill and knowledge. alliances, self-help groups, child clubs and samvad kendra) for the sanitation campaigns were community level was continued in the fiscal year 2070/71 too. During the period, a total of 10 sanitation campaign was organized by 10 Samvad Kendras. There was participation of not only adolescent girls and boys of Samvad Kendra but also of members of Samvad Support Committees, parents and community members. NNDSWO supported 19 households of 15 VDCs of Kapilbastu and Rautahat districts to construct model toilets. Similarly, NNDSWO supported for the installation of 8 tube wells in 6 VDCs of Kapilbastu and Rautahat districts where poor and Dalit people have scarcity of drinking water. Through this 150 families have been benefitted. 27

36 6 Institutional Development st Anniversary and Annual General Meeting 31 st Annual General Assembly (AGM) of NNDSWO was held on Setember 14, 2015 in Pragya Bhawan Kamaladi, Kathmandu. There was the participation of central committee members and representatives from 46 district chapters in the anniversary and annual general assembly. Trilok Chand Vishwas V. K., the General Secretary of the organization, presented the annual progress report with the policy and program of the coming year; whereas Rabindra Nepali, Treasurer, presented the financial report and estimated annual budget (detail of the income and expenditure) of the coming year. The AGM endorsed the reports after the detailed discussion. Pratap Ram Lohar, the founder member of NNDSWO, inaugurated the AGM. On the occasion of AGM, district chapter Sunsari was awarded with the best district chapter for its outstanding performance for the fulfilment of the organization's objectives in 2069/70; whereas Anil Kumar Shah Finance Manager ofthe central office and Lila Nepali Human Rights Defender in Kanchanpur district Chapter were awarded with the best staffs. Rudra Charmakar who entered into government sector as the lecturer in Tribhuvan University, Mr. Prashant Kumar B. K. in Nepal Airlines Corporation, and Mr. Dashrath Ram Od in Civil Service, were given farewell with the appreciation letter. The general assembly had disseminated four points declaration as a pressure to address and make others to address about current issues. 6.2 Development and Amendment of Policy and Regulation During the fiscal year 2070/71, the existing 28

37 Declaration of 31st Anniversary and General Assembly 1. To give pressure to the political parties to guarantee the participation 14% of Dalit community in both FTFP and proportional election system, in the second CA Election (2070 Mangsir 4) by central executive committee, district executive committee and VDC executive committee from their own sides. 2. Campaign against caste discrimination is not only the issues of Dalit community, rather it is a national issues, therefore to promote collaboration between Dalit and non-dalit to raise the issues of as great social commitment through human right perspective. 3. To mobilize all district chapters, VDC executive committees and it's network members as catalyst in the social security provided by the state, access to information and the planning process. 4. To conduct voter education campaign by NNDSWO to increase the participation of Dalit community in the coming second CA Election. Personnel Policy, 2060 has been amended for third times. Likewise, to strengthen the institutional good governance Corruption Controlling Policy, 2070 has been drafted. To provide the organization's rules and regulations to the district chapters, all the policies- Organization's Code of Conduct 2065, Personnel Policy, 2060, Institutional Good Governance Policy 2065, Fund Raising Policy and Strategy 2064, and Information Technology Policy 2065 have been compiled and published 300 copies and distributed. 6.3 Program evaluation During the fiscal year 2070/71, NNDSWO has conducted independent evaluation of its all programme/projects implemented in fiscal year 2066/67 to 2069/70 and effort for institutional development. The evaluation was carried out by independent Consultant Mr. Arun Dhoj Adhikari. During the evaluation process. The feedbacks were collected from member of cooperative formed with the facilitation of NNDSWO in Banke, district alliance members in Dailekh and VDC alliances in Dang as sample of beneficiary groups. The feedbacks of the evaluation has become the important basis for the development of current strategic plan of the organisation. 29

38 Essence of the independent evaluation and its feedback 1. The approach of 'district level network' and 'VDC level network' was important for the strategic success of the organization. It should be continued as a 'Focused Network' without registering as a non-governmental organization. 2. VDC networks are comparatively weaker and they need the guidance of district network and the organization. 3. Since the members of VDC networks have to listen to the interest about livelihood from own members and other citizens, they have to be oriented to increase their access to budget available from the VDC and other sources. 4. Advocacy and social empowerment is still important for the Dalit movement. But Economic empowerment/ livelihood improvement should be new priority in the Dalit movement in the coming days. 5. NNDSWO is a pioneer organization to increase access of Dalit children to education. It should also work by developing mechanism for monitoring the scholarship provided by the government. 6. Transforming the self help groups into cooperatives have increased access to loan and sustainability. But to protect the social capital of such groups, the groups should to be properly identified and regular effort should be managed for their support. 7. NNDSWO's annual work plan and budget as well as monitoring and evaluation system should cover all the activities of its district chapters. NNDSWO should rethink for the communication and delegation of authority to create the feeling of ownership in all district chapters towards the programs and the projects run by NNDSWO. 8. The mechanism to provide space for the projects contributing towards the consolidated strategy and operational plan is also important. It is important to give priority to project concept in the program framework by the organization. 30

39 6.4 Human Resource Development NNDSWO needs skilled human resources to achieve its objectives. Therefore, the organization sends its employees/staffs and executive committee members to internal and external trainings according to their needs for the individual and institutional development of skill, knowledge and capacity. This year NNDSWO has developed the capacity of 104 staffs and executive members (58 females and 46 males) through the trainings and other programs in 8 different themes - Case reporting and documentation, social mobilization, advocacy and networking, English language, Professional writing, FAMAS training, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, Project management, Report writing and Partnership management. 6.5 Fund Raising During the fiscal year 2070/71, 11 concept papers and 3 project proposals were submitted to 12 donor agencies out of which 6 proposals were selected. Approximately, NRs 2,15,81, fund have been raised in the organization through which programme will be implemented in 20 districts Partner and partnership During the fiscal year 2070/71 NNDSWO implemented a total of 15 programs/projects with the support and collaboration with 14 international organization, Nepal government agencies like District Development Committee, Municipality, VDC and Poverty Alleviations Fund and 3 are new among them. 31

40 7 Financial Report 32

41 33

42 NNDSWO in Print Media 34

43 Some Unforgettable Moments of the Year NNDSWO National Chairperson handing over the memorandum on the occasion of 4 June 2014 (Untouchability-free Nation Declaration Day) to Right Honourable Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, NNDSWO National Chairperson handing over the memorandum to former chairperson of CPN (UML) Jhala Nath Khanal on behalf of the Dalit Civil Society. NNDSWO National Chairperson and Vice-President participating in Minority Rights Forum organized by OHCHR in Geneva NNDSWO General Secretary and Education Coordinator participating in a program organized by CRA/DUF in Morocco. NNDSWO National Chairperson with UNISDR Chief presenting Dalit related issues in sixth Ministerial Level Disaster Risk Reduction Conference in Bangkok. Ejjr Alis (M.) of Kavli Trust, Run Morland, Nimal Martinas, Gunar Sajsen and Jiban Basnet of Stromme Foundation observing the SAMVAD Project in Rautahat. NNDSWO National Chairperson, welcoming the OHCHR representative Arnu Chaltin in Central Office. NNDSWO central committee in Ilam during the exposure visit 35

44 Publications of NNDSWO in 2013/14 36