By Rachana Khatri and Rashi Maharjan
As we continue with our ongoing effort to strengthen the civil society members and amplify civic voices in Lumbini and Madhesh, we organized the final 4 skill-building workshops in June and July! The Capacity Development and Leadership Coaching Program is a part of the USAID Civil Society and Media (CSM) program led by Impact Hub Kathmandu with support from The Asia Foundation. The Civil Society and Media (CSM) activity is a five-year program (2022-2027) funded by the USAID with The Asia Foundation as the lead implementer. CSM’s overarching goal is to support independent civil society and media led by and for women, youth, and marginalized communities to enhance public interest, fundamental freedoms, and accountability. Impact Hub Kathmandu is leading the Year II of the Capacity Building and Leadership Coaching Program for 36 emerging community leaders in Banke, Bardiya, Bara, and Parsa! This past month our focus was on four significant themes for civil societies: 1) Emotional Community of Support 2) Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), 3) Fundraising and Donor mapping, and 4) Legal Advocacy, Law, and Governance!
Workshop 3: Emotional Community of Support
In June, our third workshop, centered around the theme of Emotional Community of Support, created a space for civic actors to reflect on their personal growth and the bonds they’ve formed along their journey. Led by the inspiring Jamuna Maharjan Shrestha, with support from the IHK CSM team, this session delved deep into self-care, stress management, and mental health practices. As our civic actors continue their fight for a better and just Nepal, the importance of nurturing their well-being cannot be overstated. Witnessing their shared experiences and learnings was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from a united and supportive community.
Workshop 3: Emotional Community of Support
Workshop 4: Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)
Our fourth workshop in June brought together civic actors from Banke, Bardiya, Bara, and Parsa to explore the critical themes of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI). This session, part of our ongoing Capacity Development program, offered a deep dive into the nuances of gender equality, the gender spectrum, social inclusion, and intersectionality. The discussions were enlightening and crucial in broadening the understanding and commitment of our civic actors toward fostering inclusivity in their communities.
Workshop 4: Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)
Workshop 5: Fundraising and Networking Skills
July’s fifth session focused on equipping our civic actors with essential Fundraising and Networking Skills. Expertly led by Amrita Tamang, the workshop navigated the myriad possibilities and challenges in grassroots activism and advocacy. The goal was to empower our civic actors with the tools to proactively seek out potential donors and diversify their networks, ensuring they have the support needed to sustain and grow their impactful work. The strategies discussed are set to strengthen the long-term sustainability of their activism.
Workshop 5: Fundraising and Networking Skills
Workshop 6: Legal Advocacy, Law, and Democracy
The final workshop of the series, held in July, was an insightful session on Legal Advocacy Skills, Law, and Democracy. We had the pleasure of collaborating with advocate Shoumya Risal, who led the session for our civic actors from Banke, Bardiya, Bara, and Parsa. The workshop aimed to bolster the legal knowledge and advocacy skills of 38 grassroots civic actors, with a special focus on enhancing the engagement of women, youth, and marginalized communities. This session was a significant step in preparing our civic actors to be more effective and informed advocates for justice and democracy in their provinces.
Workshop 6: Legal Advocacy, Law, and Democracy
Post-Workshop Engagement: Continuing the Journey
Following the completion of the Capacity Development Program, the IHK CSM team embarked on visits to Bhairahawa and Janakpur to reconnect with the civic actors from Year 1. These follow-up sessions focused on Fundraising and Networking Skills, adding another layer of support to their ongoing efforts. It was inspiring to see where they are on their activism journey and to continue nurturing their potential to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Gearing up for ‘Strengthening Civic Threads: Lumbini, Madhesh and Kathmandu Nexus 2.0’
After another year of the Capacity Development Program implemented by IHK, the IHK CSM team is gearing up for the culmination event: Strengthening Civic Threads: Lumbini, Madhesh and Kathmandu Nexus 2.0 set to take place in Bhairahawa! The open networking and demo day in Bhairahawa, Lumbini will have the presence of TAF, some key external stakeholders, partners, and fellow champions from the sectors in Bhairahawa. We will inform you of the event venue and details in the coming week. During the nexus, we will have 30 civic leaders and mentors from Banke, Bardiya, Bara, and Parsa. Similarly, our vision is to engage 19 civic heroes from the year I cohort in Lumbini and from Madhesh to join us for the culmination program in Bhairahawa this September. The grand culmination networking event with Year II and I will be extremely fruitful in having meaningful exchanges and learnings, showcasing their impactful work, and building a wider network.
