Annual Progress Report

August 2011-July 2012

Action Works Nepal

Thapathali, Kabil Marga, House N0.37 Telephone: 977- 41102103

Fax: 977-41102103

GPO.Box No 23336

Email: actionworksnepal.awon10@gmail.com

URL:www.actionworksnepal.org

Contact Person: Radha Paudel, Founder/President

Email: rpaudel456@gmail.com

Abbreviation

AWON Action Works Nepal

CDO Chief District Office

CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against

Women

CSR Corporate Social Responsibility

DDC District Development Committee

GBV Gender Based Violence

GBVIMS Gender Based Violence Information Management System

GCAP Global Call to Action Against Poverty

GWN Global Women's Network

SHARP Sexual Harassment Response and Prevention

UNSCR United Nations Security Council

VDC Village Development Committee

WHRD Women Human Rights Defenders

Foreword

The mindset always makes matters in delivery of effective development services. Particularly,

the geographical difficulties and funding limitations are not only challenges but also remain great

opportunity to explore new initiatives and creativity. AWON is moving ahead with a big support

from individual and organizational partners and expanding and strengthening its activities

influencing policies and actors at local, national and international levels. N-Peace Award 2012

awarded to Founder/President made its team more serious, responsible and accountable towards

the people to whom AWON representing.

We are pleased to share annual report August 2011-July 2012. It is possible due to significant

contributions of each individual MEET (volunteer)s across world who believe peace and justice

is everyone's business and a global issue.

On behalf of the AWON, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to all of you

who contributed, encouraged, collaborated and stayed with AWON in each and every struggle

and achievement of our journey to work in the most marginalized and conflict affected areas of

Nepal, especially in Karnali.

We look forward to work with you all at same enthusiasm and synergy as usual.

With solidarity,

Radha Paudel

Founder/Action Works Nepal

www.actionworksnepal.org

Background

Action Works Nepal (AWON) has informally initiated its work from 2001. The initial activities

were to contribute in education of marginalized people such as orphans, disables, and other

youths and children from Karnali, Nawalparasi and Dhading districts. During those days, major

partners were Child Haven International Canada Nepal, SVN Nepal and other likeminded

individuals and organizations. A team of colleagues with high level of commitment and passion

continuously worked together and finally decided to formalize their work through an

organization.

The year 2010 remained a remarkable time for the AWON. All members realized that an

institution is essential to sustain and broaden their activities. Despite their associations with other

NGOs and cooperatives, they like to establish their own organization as Action Works Nepal

(AWON). One of the mottos to establish a separate entity was to contribute organizational efforts

in a remote and isolated Karnali region of Nepal. AWON realizes that working in Karnali region

has several challenges due to geographical difficulties, high operation costs, and time consuming

process. The development issues in Karnali are complex due to extreme poverty compounded

with various forms of discrimination, exclusion and isolation. However, AWON team members

realize possibilities and potentials between the challenges and decided to face the challenges. As

a result, AWON formally established with a message “ACTION” not only the lip services’’.

AWON believes on commitment in action. AWON is fully accountable with the population it

serves and would like to create an environment where marginalized population lead their

development on their own with an accountable and responsive state, market and civil society

services and functions.

Organizational mission

AWON 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 societies, media and other likeminded organizations and networks for

policy advocacy and good governance.

To establish as a recognized professional institute in the areas of capacity building,

research and disseminations around human rights, natural resource management and

climate change in favor for poor, excluded and vulnerable communities.

Organization of this report

This annual report highlights the major activities performed by the organization during August

2011- July 2012. The report also highlights major challenges and recommendations for future

course of action.

Major activities and achievements patriarchal

A. Organizational Management:

During this reporting period, AWON has developed a strategy plan 2012-2016 in order to move

more effectively and efficiently. Three strategic directions have developed to streamline AWON

activities in the future.

Strategic Directions:

1. To empower poor, excluded and vulnerable women, men, girls and boys to exercise their

human rights especially focusing on education, health, employment and environment.

2. To improve livelihoods of poor, excluded and vulnerable communities through vocational

training, employment opportunities, reducing vulnerabilities by climate change impacts, and

economic empowerment activities led by local communities.

3. To mobilize civil societies, media and other likeminded organizations and networks for

governance and to link micro level issues with national level policy advocacy.

B: Program Implementation

B.1: ``Miteri Gaun,-Let's Live Together'' campaign

There are series of the activities under implementation to support `Miteri Gau-Let’s Live

Together’ Campaign. As decided in the annual meeting with MEETs (volunteers), the Ichha

Katauti box (donation box), celebration of birth day and other events are achieving good results.

For instance, the eastern region chapter of AWON is heading ahead to identify and mobilize for

the CAUSE. In Australia various fund raising activities have been implemented including bike

ride on ANZAC day, Yoga class, raffles and film show.

B.2: Women's empowerment through human rights and democracy

2.1. Women campaign for peace and gender responsive constitution

As agreed in Comprehensive Peace Accord 2006, drafting new constitution, endorsement of

transitional justice and truth reconciliation commission in order to make the logical end of the

peace making process by addressing the social, cultural, economical, geographical and other

forms of inequalities and marginalization. Unfortunately, the constitution assembly failed to draft

a new constitution due to political deadlock and misunderstanding between political parties and

other stakeholders. However, women’s campaign for peace and women rights had organized

several activities to give pressure to key actors to finalize constitutional drafting and peace

making process. The entire campaign was framed and conducted in different phases.

First phase- It was started from the April 14, 2011 and continued till May 28, 2011. In this

phase, there were many protest programs such as sitting in protest (commence from April 17,

2011), protests, rallies and gathering (May 14, 2011-Rally from New Baneshwor, Ratnapark,

Bhadrakali and Jawalakhel), and delegation to the major political parties to remind their

commitments. The campaign had organized a plan to encircle constitutional assembly on 22

April. However, the plan was failed as the government declared the entire constitutional

assembly and surrounding areas as `forbidden area' on April 21, 2011. During the protest, five

women were injured in a clash with police and 22 women were arrested for five hours. Citizen

leaders and cultural groups participated throughout the campaign phase.

Second phase- Protests of this phase were initiated when constitutional assembly was not able to

deliver a new constitution and rather it has extended for another three months. AWON was

intensively engaged in the series of activities organized in this phase. A sit-in-protest had

organized from 16 June 2011 in front of the constitutional assembly house in Baneshwor and

AWON took active role in this process. At the mean time, the national march was organized

from east to west from 23 to 27 August 2011. During the national march hundred of

organizations expressed solidarity in various gatherings across the country including in Ilam,

Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Siraha, Makawanpur and Chitwan in the eastern and central region.

Likewise, the western march team celebrated campaigns in Dadeldhura, Kailali, Nepalgunj,

Butwal and Chitwan. Both team met and gathered in Chitwan and came to Kathmandu. The

protestors were welcomed by various actors (including AWON) and stakeholders in Kathmandu

on 28 August 2011.

Major demands presented in the protest were as follows:

Implementation of the five point’s agreement made between major political parties to draft a

new constitution and logical end of conflict,

Publish an inclusive and democratic constitution immediately,

Ensure participation of women and marginalized communities in constitution making and

peace building process.

At the end, political parties reached to a 7 points gentleman agreement to draft a constitution and

to support peace building process.

Photo 1: AWON President and Treasurer

leading a protest

Third phase- Strategies for third phase were developed at AWON’s office in Babarmahal,

Kathmandu on 8 November 2011 in the presence of 11 national level women rights

organizations. The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Radha Paudel, Founder/President of

AWON. There were 32 participants in the workshop including 31 women activists representing

different organizations. The workshop reviewed strengths and limitations of the phase II and

come up with a code of conduct and list of activities

for third phase campaign. Major points included in

the code of conduct were: punctuality, efficient and

prompt communication, referring the campaign not

the organizations as joint responsibility, shared

Responsibility. The workshop declared “Women's

Campaign for Peace and Constitution- Phase III”.

Fourth phase- In order to create pressure to the

constitutional assembly members and political

leaders, there were series of activities organized in

Kathmandu where AWON contributed significantly.

Major activities organized were Thali rally, WHRD day, and submission of petition to five major

political parties, Prime Minister and President. Likewise, interaction program was organized

with constitutional assembly members in December 2, 2012. Similar activities were also

organized in Karnali as well.

Fifth phase- Although there were some confusions and contradiction among the activist

organizations to run the campaign in the phase, finally the campaign took a good momentum

with various successful activities. One hour sit-in- protest was organized every day starting from

15 April to 6 2012 in front of the constitutional assembly at Baneshwor. The campaign leaders

met and submitted a petition to major political parties and prime minister. The national women

commission also came ahead and organized a grand meeting in its office. The campaign

members continuously organized sit in protest from 7-27 May 20121 in Minbhawan everyday

from 7 .00 AM-7.00 PM for peace and constitution.

In the mean time AWON also joined and significantly contributed in citizenship rights campaign.

The campaign had following demands:

Declaration of gender responsive constitution by 27 May 2012,

Ensure women’s equal rights in the constitution,

Ensure women’s proportionate participation in all structures and levels, and

Ensure gender responsive electoral process and ensure meaningful engagement of

women in politics.

2.2. SHARP –Sexual Harassment Response and Prevention, Campaign

AWON has been working on SHARP since beginning. Sexual violence in public spaces in Nepal

is increasing. In some instances public gang rapes have occurred, as in the case of a 21-year old

nun who was gang raped on public transport in June 2011. In August 2011, two

invigilators/proctors sexually harassed 28 university students during their final exam period.

Although the students reported the event to the authorities, no government agencies took their

testimonies seriously; and those taking the side of the lecturers consistently encircled, threatened

AWON president for disclosing the issue and advocating on behave of students.

During this reporting period, AWON has organized an interaction program with Constitutional

Assembly members, human right activists, transport associations, trade unions (driver), student

unions and passengers in Kathmandu.

With the financial assistance from Urgent Action fund, AWON worked very seriously on sexual

harassment prevention and response campaign. In November, AWON organized two press

conferences to raise public awareness about recent incidents of sexual harassment against girl

students and women’s rights activists. By submitting a petition to major political parties and to

the university in which the student harassment took place, AWON contributed to two cases being

registered in the district court and the police office, one about sexual harassment in educational

institutions, and one about harassment in public transport. Also in November, AWON conducted

well-attended educational sessions for unions, researchers, media, lawyers, taxi drivers,

lawmakers, and university representatives on the issue of sexual harassment.

Another major component of AWON’s campaign was partnering with a media group to produce

and broadcast a radio program on sexual harassment. Thirteen episodes were aired, containing

interviews with human rights activists, lawyers, school representatives, lawmakers, and a police

deputy, and also made available online. So far, AWON has received very positive feedback

about the radio program. By also linking the campaign with 16 Days of Activism Against

Gender-Based Violence, AWON was able to integrate its work into the larger human rights

movement and broadened the scope of its outreach.

In the journey of the sexual harassment response and prevention, AWON registered a case to the

Head of Public Traffic Office, first time in Dec 6, 2011. A Nepal Yatayat’ conductor and driver

physically abused. Traffic police office arrested these driver and conductor, and released in Dec

7, 2012. However, it was also noticed traffic police head office is also not safe and secure for the

victims and they do not know basic concepts of code of conducts of public transport Act 2067

and the basic principles of supporting the victims. Neither there is separate room for neither

discussion nor the women police. Such pervasive forms of violence of human rights are largely

ignored by the major key stakeholders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8--WuKTNuec Series of

programs such as orientation on sexual harassment, street drama, training to the traditional

healers, youth mobilization and radio program were organized in Jumla as well.

2.3. Interagency GBV Capacity Training

The national level training in Kathmandu

As a trainee organization, AWON took lead role to organize

a training on GBV (August 1-3, 2011) in order to build the

capacity of the Nepal humanitarian community, sponsored by

the ECHO funded Inter-Agency Project, Bangkok, Asia

Regional Office.

Various activities related to response and prevention on

humanitarian setting are ongoing at local as well as national

level by government and other actors in Nepal.

Unfortunately, the GBV portion is largely ignored e.g.

interim plan and disaster plan do not reflect GBV at all and

planning seems to be gender blind. Thus, in order to avoid

such gap, this orientation remained very important to disseminate knowledge and skills on GBV.

The main objective was to disseminate the knowledge and skills that was acquired from training

in April, 2011. The specific objectives included:

To customize the curriculum for the Nepali context,

To improve capacity of humanitarian organizations to respond to GBV, and

To improve coordination of GBV activities in humanitarian settings.

The training agenda and materials were adopted and modified according to the Nepali context

followed by series of consultative meeting with among members of steering committee as well as

CPs where the Asia Regional Manager provided input. Altogether 31 participants, representing

government, NGOs, UN agencies as well as diverse profession, geography and experiences. The

workshop held in Yalamaya Kendra, Lalitpur.

The three days trainings were facilitated by CPs. The group discussions, group exercises, lecture,

games, quiz, question-answer, review/reflections etc were used as methodology. The pre-test and

post test also carried out. The 23 participants have improved their performance in some degree so

far. The daily evaluation also made and reviewed along with social welfare monitors (2

person/day). The individual organizations develop actions plans while back to their organization

which can be follow up through CP's. The entire workshop was very interactive and

participatory. However, participants said that the three day is not enough to know deeper

understanding of such tools and asked for refresher training as well as open to participate in face

book as a member.

The program was inaugurated by representative of UNHCR and closed with participatory

certification among participants followed by remarks from participants (women and men) and

coordinator.

The district level training in Jumla

By considering the geographical difficulty, incidences of disasters, conflict affected districts and

organizational capacity; Action Works Nepal rolled out this training in Jumla as well.

Photo 2: Participatory certification with

closing up the workshop

Photo- 1:

Photo 3: Participants preparing action plans

The main objective of the training was to build capacity of stakeholders of proposed districts

about GBV and its relevance during disasters.

The specific objectives include:

To improve capacity of district stakeholders to respond to GBV,

To improve coordination of GBV activities in humanitarian settings

The training agenda and materials were adopted and modified according to the local context of

Jumla followed by series of consultative meeting

with trainees. A total 25 participants representing

NGOs and government agencies participated in the

training. The workshop was held in Rara Karnali

Hotel, Khalanga, Jumla, from 15-17 October, 2011.

The three days trainings were facilitated by CP Ms.

Radha Paudel and Mr. Laxman Chaulagain. The

group discussions, group exercises, lecture, games,

quiz, question-answer, review/reflections etc were

used as methodology. The pre-test and post test also

carried out. The program was inaugurated by chief

guest ex-state minister of peace and reconstruction

and chaired by chief district officer where as Radha

welcomed and highlighted the objectives of the training workshop.

2.4.6 DAYS ACTIVITIES

There were series of activities organized at local, district, national and international levels. The

following table presents a scenario of various activities.

S.N. Date Activities Remarks

1 Throughout

the year

Online Display Action Works Nepal

2 Nov onwards Radio program Action Works Nepal

3 Nov 8 Strategy formulation workshop for 16 days Facilitated by Action Works Nepal

4 Nov 9 Interaction program on sexual harassment in

educational institutions

Action Works Nepal

5 Nov 17 Thali Rally Along with campaign members

6 Petition Way forward for constitutional

process

Participation

7 Nov 24 Press Meet Action Works Nepal

8 November

2011

Rally with Thali Action Works Nepal

9 Silent Rally

9 Petition submission with protest–CPN Maoist Action Works Nepal

10 Petition submission with protest–CPN Maoist Participation

11 Petition submission with protest–CPN Maoist Participation

12 Petition submission with protest–CPN Maoist Participation

14 Nov 29 WHRD –Rally

15 Nov Interaction program on public transport Action Works Nepal

16 Dec 1-2, Stall in the Khulamanch

17 Nov 25 Mark 16 days Activism in Jumla

18 Nov 29 Deuda song competition, Jumla

2.4.7. GBVIMS at the national level

In order to endorse GBVIMS in to the policy level, AWON had been significantly contributed

since April 2011. In September, AWON participated in national level training which was

organized by National Women Commission and facilitated by UNFPA HQ. AWON is one of the

implementation as well as signatory agency in Nepal. As a rollout of the GBVIMS, AWON

contributed in GBVIMS training in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj where partner organizations and

AWON field staff were participated from Chitwan and Jumla.

2.4.8. SOP (Standard Operating Guidelines)

AWON has contributed in consultation meeting and orientation meetings organized by PM's

GBV unit and facilitated by WOREC at national level. AWON is also contributing as an actor to

raise awareness on SOP.

2.5. Contribution to Women Human Right Defender -related activities

AWON, has involved and contributed in women human rights defenders in following ways

1. Participated in regional workshop of WHRDs and workshop for peace and constitution

2. Contribute in 100 days VAW celebrations (Founder/President of AWON contributed as

a member of 100 days committee)

3. Contribute in women's campaign for peace and constitution; throughout the third and

fourth stage in coordination, organizing the events, preparing the documents such as

petitions and memorandum papers for political parties.

4. Participated in 60 days witchcraft campaign

5. Contribute in monitoring in human right violence during eviction of squatters in Bagmati

river including meeting with diplomat e.g. EC

6. Press release against gender based violence e.g. witchcraft of Jorpati case

7. Media mobilization e.g. www.onsnews.com

8. Protest against violence of human right e.g. bomb blast and death of Manju jha

9. Contribute in citizenship right

10. Capacity building of WHRD Members in Kathmandu

11. Documentation of violation of women's human rights

2.6. Activities at and international level

Presented a final accomplishment on GBV in humanitarian setting in Bangkok,

December 2011,

Participated in the Asia Regional Workshop in Colombo, Sri-Lanka, in Nov 2011,

Participated in a training on Peace ,women and security in Bangkok, organized by

UNDP and Inclusive security in February 2012,

Contributed in UNSCR 1325 beyond Europe online discussion, October 2011,

18 May Memorial Foundation, South Korea, July 2012.

2.7. Popular Education (REFLECT Methodology)

The poorest and marginalized women in 17 groups are being mobilized to claim their rights

in Lamra and Tatopani VDC in Jumla and Phoi Mahadev VDC in Kalikot. They met in

monthly basis and discussed about their practical issues. The major issues include Chaupadi,

gender based violence, and women's land rights.

This program is also started in Humla from August 2012 organizing and mobilizing two

groups as a pilot program. Similar activities are planned in Achham district from June 2012.

Chaupadi free community in Jumla

In Lamra VDC of Jumla 95% households were practicing Chhaupadi practice during the

menstrual and birthing period. It was a strong culture where women and girls were restricted

for mobility at home and public places and thus living with very low self-esteem. Many

studies showed that women and girls were died from cold, snake and animal bite and faced

several forms of gender based violence when they were kept in the Chaupadi house.

Therefore, AWON engaged with traditional healers, youths and men members in order to

sensitize local communities on various aspects of Chaupadi system. AWON mobilized

women affiliated in Popular Education Centers to lead the initiatives against Chaupadi

system. The message also reached out to the nine schools and district women’s network. The

radio jingle also aired key message four times a day. The street drama, debate competition,

home visit, interaction program etc were conducted during the reporting period. As a result,

the practice has been significantly reduced in Lamra VDC of Jumla and the VDC is going to

declare a Chaupadi free VDC soon.

Similar campaign has been expanded in Tatopani and Haku VDCs of Jumla district and

Kalikot districts. This issue was incorporated into the national policy advocacy discourse.

B.3: Educational Support Program

AWON is working with nine schools, 1,500 students, 45 school management committee

members in Karnali from the beginning for access quality education by poor and marginalized

boys and girls. AWON is strengthening institutional capacity and governance of school

management committees, capacity of teachers, providing scholarships for poor and

marginalized students, mobilizing parents for quality education and library supports.

Tripartite meetings including teachers, parents and school management committees organized

on monthly basis to review the quality of education and institutional performances of schools

and school management committees.

Similar practices have initiated in two schools in the Humla district from August

2012.Likewise, education support program is ongoing in one village of Achham district since

this reporting period.

B.4: Economic Empowerment

Under the economic empowerment initiatives, over 300 women in Jumla district are

mobilized in a saving and credit scheme through 15 women’s groups. Following the

establishment of saving and credit groups, money borrowing from local lenders has been

reduced and women organized in saving and credit groups are organizing awareness and

capacity building activities in the villages. For example, a saving and credit group in Lamra

has planted trees in about two ropani land in the Lamra village.

B.5: Humanitarian activities:

AWON heavily involved in two humanitarian support activities since beginning. AWON has

been providing primary psychosocial support in Jumla and Kathmandu who have been

suffering from gender based violence. Legal services are also provided to the needy people. d.

AWON provided treatment, psychosocial and emotional support to Mr. Ananda Pandey, a

victim of bomb blast from Kalikot district from the last year. Ananda is now well recovered

and initiated his school after about one and half year’s treatment in Kathmandu.

B.6: Training/researches/studies

AWON has been organizing various trainings such as gender based violence, women’s rights

including UNSCR 1325 and 1820, proposal writing with other and for other organizations at

national and local level. AWON has contributed in the training on GBV in emergencies in

Kathmandu where four AWON members were capacitated.

AWON contributed significantly in rolling out training on `women, peace and security’ along

with trainers who trained in February 2012 in May, 2012 in park village, Kathmandu.

AWON supported four women from Kalikot, Jumla and Achham districts for their

participation in five days training on GBV funded by UNDP, Search for Common Ground

held in Kathmandu.

In June and July 2012, AWON significantly contributed in rollout the national GBVIMS

training in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj where AWON's field staff ( Jumla and Chitwan) also

participated.

B. 7: N-Peace Award 2012

Based on outstanding contribution in advocating women’s rights and peace building process,

president of AWON is recognized as a role model for peace building in Nepal. AWON's work

and commitment is identified and recognized by international communities in July 31, 2012

through awarding N-Peace Award. This award is organized by UNDP, Search for Common

Ground, Inclusive Security and funded by Australian Government. Details of this information

is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqWYecI6PEE.

B.8: Media Mobilization

During the reporting period, AWON has closely engaged with media in order to raise

awareness and policy advocacy at local, national and international levels. AWON partnered

with Radio Nari Awaj in Jumla in order to raise awareness in the Karnali. The radio jingles on

Chaupadi and women's right are being aired though the radio program.

Likewise, the OUTLINE Media is working as Corporate Responsibility and doing great work

in the media mobilization. First time in the history of women's rights in Nepal, the radio

program on Sexual Harassment Response and Prevention (SHARP) on public transportation

and educational institutions has been broadcasted through Ujyalo Network. The network has a

national and global network of all radios and other communication media.

B.9: Partnership and collaboration/linkages/membership

During this reporting period, AWON has expanded the partnership with following

organizations/networks/alliances at local, national and international levels.

18 May Memorial Foundation, South Korea

GBV in Emergencies, UNFPA/UNHCR/UNICEF

Sexual Violence/Harassment, Urgent Action Fund

Australia Support Group- CSU-Education

Youth VIP-Australia

Child Haven International Canada Nepal

PACE Nepal, Jumla (local level)

Hilsa Travels and Tours (Local)

OUTLINE Media (National Level)

US embassy, peace and conflict management training

Women's campaign for peace and Constitution (Network at national level)

Private and Individual donors across world

B.10: Monitoring and evaluation

AWON executive members have been seriously involved to carry out monitoring and

evaluation of its activities in program districts. The major field visits by executive members

were organized in October, April and August 2011 in the project districts in Karnali.

B.11: Financial management

Financial management and procedures of AWON are guided by its financial policy. We have

separate financial report that is shared each year publicly.

Challenges

Fund raising is a big challenge for a growing organization.

Poor documentation and reporting system of the organization is a challenge.

Recommendations

Expansion of the networks, collaborators, implementing partners and supporters,

Strengthen and systematize `Miteri Gaun-Let's Live' Together campaign,

Expansion of the general members and review and reflection meeting,

Recruitment for human resources for daily activities and fund raising,

Coaching, mentoring and capacity building of program team,

Emphasis on fund raising and develop strategies and expertise on fund raising.