UNSCR 1325
UNFPA Nepal has taken initiative on UNSCR 1325 in Nepal, having the advantage of knowledge and lessons learned from UNFPA's work and expertise globally in this area. The aims of the initiative include sharing and improving local knowledge of the provisions of the resolution; promoting the inclusion of women in all steps and levels of the peace process; ensuring adequate protection for women and girls in the post-conflict situation; and facilitating the implementation of the recommendations of the resolution with wide participation of key Nepalese stakeholders.
ACTIVITIES
Coordination
Peace Support Working Group on UNSCR 1325
The PSWG on UNSCR1325 is a UN and donor coordination and cooperation forum. The primary objective is to enhance cooperation and coordination among UN agencies and donors. I/NGOs are invited to present their work to allow for discussion on what are the local initiatives and how can UN and donors assist in that. The regular meetings, which UNFPA chairs and the Norwegian Embassy co-chairs, and for which UNFPA provides secretariat services, has allowed for joint efforts to bridge programming and advocacy gaps in an efficient manner as a result of pooled resources.
Activities which have been completed or ongoing as joint initiatives of the Working Group:
- Mapping of gaps programming and implementation of UNSCR 1325 recommendations, particularly for addressing protection needs;
- One paged reference documents of key points on UNSCR1325 as relevant to Nepal;
- Joint advocacy letters to policy makers to raise awareness on issues including the need to integrate women's concerns in cantonment planning and implementation and the need for mechanisms to ensure women's election into the Constituent Assembly;
- Publication of a book called 'Who is Who' of influential and capable women in Nepal.
Cooperation and Coordination with the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN)
UNFPA Representative Junko Sazaki was invited to be a member of the UN Technical Assessment Mission in December 2006. As part of the result of the participation, it is evident that gender is relatively well mainstreamed into the final report of the mission.
UNFPA has provided, on request, trainings on women and social inclusion, and sexual exploitation and abuse, to the arms monitors arriving in Nepal as part of the mission staff.
Research
Gender Violence Assessment in Dang and Surkhet
UNFPA has commissioned an extensive study on the levels and forms of sexual and gender based violence as they relate to conflict in two districts. The research is being conducted by local NGOs. Technical assistance has been sought from the International Rescue Committee. The study is being conducted to support evidence-based programming to address SGBV.
Tools and Materials Development
UNSCR 1325 Cartoon Booklet
UNFPA commissioned a local NGO to develop a cartoon booklet which presents the key points about UNSCR 1325, mainly the need for women's participation and protection in the peace process, to a semi-literate audience.
Media Information Kit
UNFPA has worked with a local NGO to develop an easy-to-use tool-kit on UNSCR 1325 for the media. The tool-kit will be introduced through workshops for the media.
UNSCR 1325 Facilitator's Manual and Participant's Handbook
A local NGO is working to develop a facilitator's manual and participant's handbook for capacity-building on UNSCR 1325 targeted for semi-literate, grass-roots audiences.
Capacity-Building and Advocacy
Trainings for Health Service Providers on Clinical Protocols of GBV
As an initial step to strengthen response mechanisms available for women who suffer from GBV, a training on the clinical protocols for GBV was conducted by a national consultant. The training was targeted for UNFPA's Mobile Reproductive Health Unit (MORHU) health service providers.
Grass-roots level trainings
The UNSCR 1325 Facilitator's Manual and Participant's Handbook were used to conduct two tiers of trainings on 1325 in UNFPA's programme districts. The first training was a TOT for UNFPA's Training and Social Inclusion Officers, and local trainers at the regional level. These trainers conducted further trainings to mixed groups at the grass-roots level.
UNMIN - UNFPA communications strategy on UNSCR 1325
UNFPA and UNMIN have agreed to work closely on awareness-raising on recommendations of the UNSCR 1325 for decision-makers and grass-roots communities.
UNFPA and UNMIN jointly supported a drama project for this purpose. The street drama was conducted in the regional centers and approximately 15 districts for media awareness and specifically awareness-raising at the community level in November and December 2007.
Naya Adhyaya - Street Drama for Women's Increased Participation in the Peace Process
The street drama 'Naya Adhyaya' (New Chapter) by Sarwanam created in cooperation with UNMIN was performed in 12 more districts through April and May 2008 thanks to new UNFPA, UNIFEM and Women for Human Rights (WHR) project funded by the Danish Embassy in Kathmandu. The project aimed to increase women's participation in the peace process through a series of street dramas and workshops in remote areas of Nepal, starting from Chandragodi in Jhapa on April 23rd and ending in Pyuthan on May 15th 2008. Workshops focused on discussing key messages on women's participation, presented in the street drama, and on women's role in the ongoing Constituent Assembly process. The workshops were led by WHR, an organization which works for the empowerment of all women, but particularly widows and single women.
