Celebrated 98th International Women's Day:
WSPG organized 98th International women's Day on 8th March 2008. The day was organized on the leadership of WSPG. The women's organizations; We Can, Jagaran Nepal, ATTWIN, INSEC, ABC Nepal, CWIN, Oxfam, women activist, representatives of civil society participated in the program. The rally was begun from New Baneswor and converted it into the mass meeting at Maitighar Mandala. Participants from different organizations demonstrated the issues of women by banners and slogans. Leaflets and pump lets were distributed in the program. A total numbers of 600 participants attended. The women leaders explained the importance of women's day as well as action to be done in future by the women in the mass meeting. A team of We Can presented the cultural program on the subject of violence against women. The program was successful to disseminate the message of women's day. Planning Workshop
WSPG organized two days National Level Planning Workshop on the subject of
"National Campaign to Ensure 33% Representation of Women in the Peace Process Mechanisms and Structure" on 31st October and 1st November 2007 at Jain Bhawan, Kamalpokhari.
On first day, the Acting Chairperson of WSPG, Ms. Sharada Pokharel chaired the program and Central Member of WSPG, Ms. Radha Gyawali welcomed the participants. A total number of 98 participants including 32 representatives from district chapters and representatives of the networks participated in the program. To ensure 33% women participation, the outcomes of the discussion were as follows.
i. Each national program should be conducted effectively to include by women's points of view.
ii. Political parties should be flexible about women from the local to the central level.
iii. Political parties should be pressured to implement the concept of equal participation.
iv. To increase the participation of women in the non-government and private sectors, marginalized groups, such as disabled and minorities (Janajaties), should be provided special seats from the nation.
v. The process adopted to enter service should be comparatively easier for women than men.
The program schedule and manifesto for the campaign were approved in the workshop.
Press Release
WSPG made a press release on 2nd November 2007 announcing "The National Campaign
to Ensure 33% Representation of Women in the Peace Process Mechanisms and Structures"
. The forthcoming program with the manifesto was decided at the National Level Planning Workshop, which was held 31 October to 1st November 2007.
The Press Release was sent to 10 newspaper publishers, 5 radio Stations and 2 TV stations. The press release was published in 2 national daily newspapers (Gorkhapatra, Nepal Samachar Patra), one weekly newspaper (Rastravani Saptahik) and broadcasted from 2 FM radio Stations (Sagarmatha F.M) as well as on Channel Nepal television.
Publication of brochures, fliers and poster
WSPG published 5000 brochures, 3000 fliers and 10000 posters to increase awareness about women participation in all level of the state, as well as decision making levels of all concerned structures. The published materials were disseminated all over the country through stakeholders. Slogans, issues and appeals were included in the published materials. The publications succeeded to disseminate the message of the national campaign.
National Poster Slogan Contest
WSPG organized a slogan contest among students of Women Studies to select a proper, effective and evocative slogan based on "
The National Campaign to Ensure 33 % Representation of Women in the Peace Process Mechanisms and Structures".
To organize the contest, WSPG sent a letter to the department of Women Studies at Padmakanya College, Bagbazar, Kathmandu asking for 10 selected slogans and announcing the prize of Rs.5000.00 for the winner. WSPG planned to publish poster with the winning slogan to ensure 33% women participation.
The Padmakanya Campus, Department of Women Studies selected 10 slogans entered by the students. The slogan of Ms Narayan Maya Bohara was first. WSPG honored her with Nrs. 5000.00 cash at the National Level Rally Program on 8th January 2008. The selected slogan was "Niti Nirman Ma 33% Mahila ko hat, Desh bikash ra mahila swotantrata ek sath" (Access 33% participation in decision making level, freedom and development of women together)
District rallies
Thirty three district chapters organized rallies in the respective areas. More than 250000 signatures were collected during the rallies. They conducted the rallies with different slogans concerning women rights. According to the reports of district chapters, the numbers of participants in the rallies were as follows:
1. Jhapa Above 700
2. Morang 701
3. Sunsari 500
4. Saptari 500
5. Udaypur Above 400
6. Rautahat Above 700
7. Mahhotari 350
8. Parsa 400
9. Bara 300
10. Dhading 500
11. Nuwakot Above 500
12. Sindupalchok 500
13. Dolakha 500
14. Kavre 5700
15. Lalitpur 350
16. Nawalparasi 350
17. Rupandehi Above 500
18. Kaski 500
19. Parvat 350
20. Syngja 350
21. Dailekh 350
22. Surkhet 400
23. Banke 350
24. Doti 350
25. Dadeldhura 350
26. Kathmandu district 1000
27. Bhaktapur 350
28. Narayani Anchal Comittee 350
29. Kailali 350
30. Kanchanpur 350
31. Dhankuta 710
32. Siraha 371
33. Chitwan Above 350
National rally
WSPG organized a national level rally on 8th January 2008 (24 Poush 2064). The rally started at New Baneshwor chowk at 11:00 o'clock and it ended at Maidenhair Mandala and converted into a mass meeting. More than 2000 participants attended the rally.
Glimpse of rally
In this procession there were 35 WSPG district chapters, WSPG network members, housewives, trade union activists, and women entrepreneurs', participation of different NGO's and media representatives.
We displayed all the signatures collected clothes having more than 7 lakh signatures from different district chapters as well as center. In the mass meeting the chief guest was Mrs. Sahana Pradhan the Foreign Minister. In her address, she emphasized the importance of women participation in all spheres of the nation. The crowd was addressed by the other women leaders and some grass roots women leaders as well.
The collected signatures clothes were displayed at Mandala. The next day all the collected signatures were handed over to the Chief Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Subas Chandra Nemgmang
Signature Campaign
WSPG organized signature campaigns demanding 33% women representation in the peace process mechanisms and structures from November 25 to December 10 at 35 district headquarters and Capital city of Nepal. More than 16000 signatures were collected at the Kathamandu. The program was started from New Baneswor then it moved to Dillibazar chowk, P.K.Campus, Swapna Batika School, Kamalpokhari and so on. The network members, Assistant (Sahayogi) groups, ABC Nepal, Adhasila and NNAGT and Swapna Batika Schools helped to organized the campaign.
Glimpse of signature campaign
Similarly, the district chapter of WSPG organized the signature campaigns at district headquarters. More than 2500000 signatures were collected in the district level. The name lists of district chapters were as follows:
i. Jhapa
ii. Morang
iii. Sunsari
iv. Saptari
v. Siraha
vi. Udayapur
vii. Mahottari
viii. Rautahat
ix. Bara
x. Parsa
xi. Makwanpur
xii. Chitwan
xiii. Dhading
xiv. Nuwakot
xv. Sindhupalchowk
xvi. Dailekh
xvii. Kavre
xviii. Kathmandu
xix. Lalitpur
xx. Bhaktapur
xxi. Nawalparasi
xxii. Kaski
xxiii. Parvat
xxiv. Syangja
xxv. Dolakha
xxvi. Surkhet
xxvii. Kailali
xxviii. Kanchanpur
xxix. Banke
xxx. Doti
xxxi. Dadeldhura
xxxii. Rupandehi
xxxiii. Dhankuta
Deliver letter and signature list to key Government official
A group of WSPG Executive Members and WSPG district chapters members submitted the letter and collected signatures to the Honourable Chief Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Subas Chandra Nengmang to ensure 33% representation of women in the peace process mechanisms and structure on 10th January 2008 (Poush 26, 2064). The signature collection campaign was conducted in all district by the district chapters of WSPG from 25 November 2007 to 10 December 2007 (Mansir 9 to Mansir 24, 2064). More than 3 lakh signatures were collected during the campaign.
The objectives of the campaign was to show united support for 33% representation of women in the peace process mechanism and structure.
The Honourable Chief Speaker of parliament, Mr. Subas Chandra Nengmang appreciated the initiation of WSPG and comitted to apply as much as possible. He suggested to pressure all concerned authorities and key leaders of political parties. In summary, the visit was fruitful.
Produce 3 radio programs
Women Security Pressure Group (WSPG) conducted 3 radio programs entitled "Samuhik Aawaj" (United Voice) to ensure 33% women participation in all decision making levels of state. The programs were broadcasted from Radio Nepal Centre Broadcasting Station, Singhdurbar, Kathmandu at 8:30-9:00 am, 8:30-9:00 am and 3:15-3:45pm respectively on 22nd, 26th and 28 February 2008 (10th 14th and 16th Phalgun 2064).
The main objective of the program was to sensitize all concerned persons, authorities and organizations to ensure that there is 33% representation of women in the Constitution Assembly election, which will be held on 10th April 2008 (Chaitra 28, 2064).
The current interim parliament has decided to ensure 33% women participation in all levels of state. Women participation is limited in high levels committees of political parties and major decision structures of the government. Ensuring that 33% women participate in all decision making levels has been very challenging work. The radio programs aimed to appeal to all to secure women's participation in the Constitution Assembly election. Leaders of political parties were involved in the programs. The programs were conducted as follows.
First radio Program
On 22nd February 2008, the first radio program was broadcasted between 8:30-9:00A.M. The Treasurer of WSPG, Ms. Kalyani Shah, launched the interactive program. UML Parliament Member, Ms. Tirtha Gautam, Nepal Communist Party (United) parliament member, Mr. Ganesh Shah and the Chairperson of National Women's Commission, Ms. Nainakala Thapa participated in the program. The discussion was focused on the Constitution Assembly election and how to ensure that 33% women participate. An introduction was made on the present status of women and WSPG's achievements. A discussion followed. A summary of the remarks made by the participants follows:
Ms. Tirtha Gautam
· We are lobbying to ensure that 33% women participate in the party structures from the grass roots to top levels.
· We don't expect physical participation of women. Women should actively participate in all decision making levels of state.
· According to women's capablities, opportunities should be given.
· Political parties and stakeholders should create an environment to encourage women candidates to win in the Constitution Assembly election.
Mr. Ganesh Shah
· Women participation should be ensured in policy making levels.
· The state should make it a priority to encourage women's ableness.
· Women's participation should be inclusive (Women, Dalits, Janajaties and Madhesi etc).
· Political parties and the state should provide for quality education to girls and women.
Ms. Nainakala Thapa
· The National Women's Commission is trying to make women participation inclusive.
· Stakeholders should enhance the program to empower women.
· Women participation in all levels is necessary to construct the new Nepal.
· Competition among women candidates should be conducted in election and special women's election areas should be split.
· Women should pressure from the grassroots level to the central level to ensure 33% women participation.
Second Radio Program
On 26th February 2008, the second radio program was broadcasted from 8:30 to 9:00AM. The Executive Member of WSPG, Ms. Bimala Tumkhewa introduced the interaction program. The program was also interactive. Nepali Congress, Interim Parliament Member, Ms. Uma Adhikari, and Nepal Communist Party (UML), Interim Parliament Member, Mr Bijay Subbha, participated in the program. The participants insights are summarized as followed:
Ms. Uma Ahikari
· Political parties should nominate a minimum of 30% the women candidates for the Constitution Assembly election.
· Political parties should increase women participation in their high level committees. The present status of women in the high level committees of political parties are as follows;
ü Nepali Congress - 11% UML – 7%
ü Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) - 6% Marksist/Laninist - 4%
ü Janmorcha Nepa l - 19% Rastriy Prajatantra Party - 20%
Mr. Bijay Subbha
· Political parties claim to ensure 33% women participation, but we will see the actual results in the nominations of political parties for the election.
· Competition should be among women candidates in election. It ensures women participation.
· The social inclusion concept should apply in women participation.
· Awareness programs should be conducted for active women participation. The patriarchal system is one of barriers of the women development.
Third Radio Program:
On 28 February 2008, the third radio program was broadcasted from Radio Nepal Centre Broadcasting Station from 3:15-3:45PM. The Secretary of WSPG, Ms. Kalpana Rijal introduced the program. She interviewed with Ms. Bidhya Devi Bhandari an Interim Parliament Member and the President of Akhil Nepal Women Association. Questions were focused on the Constitution Assembly election and how to ensure 33% women participation in the election. Ms Bhandari expressed her views which were as follows:
· The decision of parliament to ensure 33% women participation in all level of state is historical.
· The patriarchal system is one of the barriers preventing equal participation of women in all decision making level.
· The legal provision is necessary to increase women participation.
· 33% is an entry point, but our target is 50% women participation of women in all level.
· Political parties are not nominating 33% women candidates for the Constitution Assembly election. The main cause is a traditional concept of leaders and an unfair competition among the political parties.
· Women should pressure from the grassroots level to the central level to ensure 33% women participation.
After hearing the program, stakeholders had positive reactions. They have requested to expand the radio programs, as well as, broadcast this valuable information that encourages women's empowerment. Radio program's CDs are submitted herewith.
Celebrated 98th International Women's Day
WSPG organized 98th International women's Day on 8th March 2008. The day was organized on the leadership of WSPG. The women's organizations; We Can, Jagaran Nepal, ATTWIN, INSEC, ABC Nepal, CWIN, Oxfam, women activist, representatives of civil society participated in the program. The rally was begun from New Baneswor and converted it into the mass meeting at Maitighar Mandala. Participants from different organizations demonstrated the issues of women by banners and slogans. Leaflets and pump lets were distributed in the program. A total numbers of 600 participants attended. The women leaders explained the importance of women's day as well as action to be done in future by the women in the mass meeting. A team of We Can presented the cultural program on the subject of violence against women. The program was successful to disseminate the message of women's day.
Publication of leaflets, appeals and dissemination:
WSPG published 5000 leaflets for 98th International Women's Day and 50,000 appeals regarding voter's education for the CA election. WSPG distributed leaflets/appeals in the women's day and CA election respectively. Appeals were distributed to the voters widely through political parties, women activists and district chapters of WSPG. The objectives of the publications were to support women candidates in the constituent assembly election and raise the awareness about the women issues. A sample of appeal and leaflet are included in annex-1 and 2 respectively.
Organized press meets:
On 27th March 2008, WSPG organized a press meeting in Reporter’s Club, Kathmandu. About 20 journalists were attended in the meeting. They were from the Nepal Samachar Patra National Daily, the Himalayan National Daily, the Gorkhapatra National Daily, the Rising Nepal National daily, the Annapurna Post National Daily, the Rastriya Bani weekly, the Kantipur National Daily, Sagarmath Television, Nepal-1 Television, Image Channel, Sagarmatha FM, Rajdhani Daily, and so on.. The press meeting was focused to share women issues that how could we “Ensure 33% Representation of Women in all levels of state structures".
On 19th April 2008, WSPG organized press meeting in its central office. In the meeting, about a dozen journalists were attended. They were from the Nepal Samachar Patra National Daily, the Himalayan National Daily, the Gorkhapatra National Daily, The Rising Nepal National daily, Annapurna Post National Daily, Rastriya Bani weekly, Kantipur National Daily, Sagarmath Television, Image Channel, Sagarmatha FM, and so on. The press meeting was focused on how could we secure 33% women representation in all decision making level of state structures as well as political parities. WSPG distributed appeals to the journalists. The matters of appeal were; why should women candidates need to win in the constitution assembly election?
On 29th May 2008, WSPG organized a press meeting at Reporter's Club, KTM by taking issue of Ms Sanjita Giri who was suffering from domestic violence for 7 years. Ms Sanjita Giri, who is victimized by her own husband Mr. Rajesh Giri (Section Officer, Department of Agriculture). She had dropped an application to the WSPG for the security and justice. So, WSPG immediately conducted the press meeting to highlight her problem through media. She explained that husband has been given her mental and physical torture. The media persons committed to highlight her issue. Similarly, WSPG committed to support her for security and justice in the future.
- Under the leadership of Women Security Pressure Group a press meeting was conducted in Hotel Mountain on 30th May 2008. The representative of Santimalika, NNAGT, FEDO, Ama Milan Kendra and so on, women organizations attended in the meeting. Similarly, 21 journalists participated in the program. The meeting was focused to ensure 33% women participation in the remaining 26 seats of CA which is going to nominate by the Cabinet. All the participants agreed to give pressure to the concerned stakeholders. They showed their solidarity for this issues as well as women rights.
Media mobilization
WSPG organized media mobilization program to highlight the women issues and progress of WSPG from 1st March to 14 th May 2008. By the effect of the program the number of articles and audio video programs about the women issues were published and broadcasted through different media. Some articles are included in annex-4.
Produced jingle and broadcasted from Radio Nepal and FMs
WSPG broadcasted message with jingle entitled "SAMUHIK AAWAJ", lets elects the women candidates in the constituent assembly election, it is the foundation of development" preparing effective jingle from 26 March 2008 to10th April 2008 . The Radio Nepal, Central Broadcasting Station, Singh Durbar Kathamandu, Kantipur F.M, Sagarmatha FM and Nepal FM were broadcasted the message with jingle three times a day (Morning, evening and night). It was the effective program to sensitize the voters to realize the importance of women candidates in the constituent assembly election
3.6. Memorandum submission and delegation:
1. First delegation-Submission of memorandum to Election Commission:
A group of WSPG executive members, representatives of network organizations and staff member visited Election Commission on 13th March 2008. The delegation group met the Election Commissioner Ms. Usha Nepal and submitted the memorandum. WSPG send copies of memorandum to political parties by the fax and mail. The matter of memorandum was to secure 33 % women participation in constitution assembly.
2. Second delegation- Submission of memorandum to CPN (UML):
On 14 March 2008, a delegation of WSPG visited party office of Nepal Communist Party (UML) at Balakhu Kathamandu. The team met the General Secretary of CPN/UML Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal and shared the present scenario of women candidates represented by the political parties for the constitution assembly election. The team submitted memorandum to ensure 33% women participation in all the decision making level of political parties and structure of Government. Mr. Nepal accepted memorandum and he said women participation in the decision making level is increasing positively and the efforts will be continued. NCP/UML is positive to ensure 50 % women participation in all level. He expressed the commitment to secure 33% women participation in all decision level of NCP/UML.
3. Third delegation- Submission of memorandum to Foreign Minister:
On 4th April 2008, a team of WSPG visited Ms Shahana Pradhan a Minister of Foreign Affairs at Sital Niwas, Kathmandu and submitted the memorandum. The team and Ms. Pradhan shared the then situation about the nomination of women candidates from different political parties for the constitution assembly election. She expressed that 11% women nomination for the CA election is not good sign. Political parties are not sincere about the women issues. She emphasized that women activists and organizations must support women candidates to win the CA election.
4. Forth delegation – Submission of memorandum to General Secretary of CPN (United):
On 27th April 2008 a team of WSPG visited the General Secretary, Mr. Ganesh Shah and other Central Members of CPN (United) at Maitidevi, Kathmandu and shared the result of Constituent Assembly Election and the present situation of the country. A team thanked to the CPN (United) for their positive role to the equal participation in the CA election result. The subject of memorandum was to pressure to ensure the equal participation in the remaining 26 seats of CA member which is going to nominate by the Cabinet. The team discussed on the periphery of women participation in the CA and the role of CPN (United).
5. Fifth delegation-Submission of memorandum to CPN (ML):
On 28th April 2008, a delegation team of WSPG visited Communist Party of Nepal (Marist and Lennist) at Maitidevi, Katmandu and shared the positive result of Constituent Assembly Election and the present situation of the country. The team submitted them a thanking letter with an expectation of positive role in the future too. And it was discussed about the nomination provision of 26 members by the cabinet stressing for equal participation (50%). So, on the provision, there should be nominated 13 women expertise from different field out of 26.
6. Sixth delegation – Submission of memorandum to Chief Election Commissioner.
On 28th April 2008, a delegation under the coordination of WSPG and its network organizations met the Chief Election Commissioner Mr. Bhoj Raj Pokhrel and other commissioners and submitted thanks with memorandum. A letter of thanks was given by the side of women activists, women's organizations, voters, elected women Constituent Assembly Members for their good performance and completed successfully the CA Election in the peace and harmonious environment.
7. Seventh delegation – Submission of memorandum to CPN Maoist.
On 29th April 2008, a team of WSPG visited the central office of Maoist at Buddha agar, Katmandu and submitted thanks letter with memorandum to the President of CPN (Maoist) Mr Puspa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda). The team could not meet the President and other leaders of the CPN (Maoist) because of their busyness. The subject of memorandum was to ensure 50% women participation in the remaining 26 constitution assembly members.
8. Eight delegation – Submission of memorandum to Nepali Congress:
A team of WSPG visited the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction at Singh Durbar, Kathmandu on 29th April 2008. The team met the Minister/Vice Chair person of Nepali Congress Mr. Ram Chandra Poudel and submitted the memorandum to the Nepali Congress Party and Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction. The subject of memorandum was to pressure to ensure 50% women participation in the remaining 26 constitution assembly member which is going to select by the cabinet. The Acting Chairperson of WSPG, Ms Sarada Pokhrel, explained the importance of women participation in constitution assembly. Mr. Poudel got the positive response. He said that 28 minorities (Janjaties) are not representing in the constitution assembly and we will try to include 50% women participation. At the end, He thanked the delegation team.
9. Ninth delegation – Submission of memorandum to CPN (UML):
WSPG submitted memorandum to acting General Secretary Mr. Amrit Kumar Bohara on 29th April 2008. Because of busy on their central committee meeting a team could not discuss with the leaders.
Round Table Discussion on ‘Inclusive Democracy- Why and How ?’.
