Relief rebuilding to 25 communities in Nepal

"I would like to see my organization grow in the aspect of physical infrastructure (building) and a capable team to run this organization." says one of the board members of Pourakhi mahila Samaj, Ramechhap. The answer to the question where would you like to see your organization in coming 5 years was realistic and attainable.

Meeting with the Board members of this organization and having a formal cum informal conversation, we got to know more in details about their perspective towards development and sustainability of their organization. It has been doing an incredible work to the women belonging to the community of people working as fishermen. It has organized programs focusing on women's economic empowerment and awareness on the rights of women, also Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR). Recently they successfully organized a program at three different places about legal awareness and health rights of women. To make this happen, the local level government also provided them with financial support. This organization is doing well in the aspect of organizing programs as per the requirements of their community women. But somewhere in the process of doing something for the community, it lacks in the self-growth of the organization. The members were very much aware of this fact and a discussion on the meeting was more focused in the current issues. Founded 5 years ago, this organization has worked a lot to combat the issues of women from their own community. So through the Mentorship Program, Tewa is providing a backup support by deploying a mentor who will organize monthly meetings. By reflecting on their needs and problems, the members themselves come up with the solution. This program has been effective in team building, strengthening the policies, creating a vision of a sustainable organization and development of leadership skills.

Under this program, other two women's organizations of Ramechhap district (formed after Earthquake 2015) are selected as mentee organization to internally strengthen and develop leadership of the members. A reflection visit to these organizations on mid- August was prolific to our team. The commonality that we found among these organizations were that they have the willpower and are motivated to strengthen their organizations. A little push from our mentor to provide guidance and support so far has helped build their self-confidence and trust among themselves.