Suvekchya Rana

Saathi

Established in 1992

First organization to address domestic violence in Nepal

Initial years focused on raising awareness on domestic violence

Opened the first women’s shelter in Nepal in 1995

In spite of funding challenges Saathi now operates four shelters

As lack of legal provision was a major handicap n securing the rights of victims of doemestic violence Saathi started to advocate for DV Law from 1995

After 14 years of persistent advocacy along with other network members the Domestic Violence Law was passed in April 2009

Saathi manages the national network against domestic violence (42 NGOs)

Saathi’s initial program focused on women only – building capacity, raising awareness and providing support services

From 1997 limited engagement of Men through interaction and sensitization program to media, police and legal and medical professionals and the youth

Realizing the important role of men in addressing VAW from 2005 Saathi started specific program to engage men

Formation of community men’s groups and their capacity building

Formation of Inter Faith Men’s Groups

Creating an ally of media men (mainstream media)

Partnership with All Nepal Football Association

Reason for Partnership

Football very popular all over Nepal across all generations

Footballers are revered and idolized by young men and boys

Disciplined Institution so easy to instill changes and programs

Has national level institutional strength (41 District Associations)

Effective role models to create greater national level awareness

Signing of MoU and Launching of the campaign “Our Goal: Stop Violence Against Women”

Organize awareness and training on gender based violence for football officials and footballers

Aware the general public, particularly the youth about violence against women and girls by placing banners and carrying the slogan of the campaign before the start of every event and tournament organized by ANFA

Selected footballers to serve as role models to aware the public on the issue through different media and public outreach programs

All footballers to raise awareness and combat violence against women and girls at the district and national level through personal and institutional initiative

Contribute to the effective implementation of the Nepal Government’s National Plan of Action on Gender Based Violence

Reaching out to a whole lot of new stakeholders Greater awareness amongst men and boys (footballers and football lovers)

Policy Changes within the institution

Recognition from the government GBV unit

The campaign activities institutionalised in ANFA programs and events

Personal attitudinal change recorded (family and social role)

The program has been successful in creating a more impressive outcome rather than just raising awareness.

Close partnership with ANFA in all processes to strengthen ownership

Develop messages that are relevant to the issue and that which appeals to the footballers

Capacity Building workshop to be based on the footballers own individual case studies

Full time human resources and allocated financial resources required to sustain the momentum of the campaign

Consultative Workshop in 5 selected districts

Formation of a steering Committee

Orientation Workshop to “A” Division Clubs

Public Event

Thank You.