“I used to be only involved in household chores. I was unaware of the issues of GBV, gender equality, legal rights, and women’s empowerment. I was scared to speak with new people, so most of the time I remained silent in meetings. However, after associating with the POWER project and receiving various training on these issues, I built my confidence. After becoming a Women Human Rights Defender (WHRDs), I was able to make a positive impact not only in my community but also in my personal life. Being a WHRD, I got the opportunity to participate in this workshop and share my achievements and challenges with this large group of people from various districts. I feel more empowered and honored to be a part of this. I would like to express my thanks to the entire team for developing this project to empower rural women in Nepal.” POWER II Participant.
A three-day consortium-level annual review, reflection, and planning workshop of the POWER II project was completed in Sauraha Chitwan from 28 – 30 May 2024. The workshop aimed to review and share progress, best practices, lessons learned, and challenges from July 2023 to May 2023 and to plan for the next phase of the project. A total of 41 participants from consortium members ADRA Nepal, LWF Nepal, INF Nepal, and Caritas Nepal as well as its implementing partners took part in the workshop. Among them, 10 were from ADRA Nepal consisting of Women Human Rights Defenders, Partner’s staff, and ADRA staff.
As the second phase of the project is set to be completed in June 2024, tentative planning for the next phase was also conducted during this workshop. As a practice of joint project design workshop, the next phase’s conceptual framework was successfully developed. Representatives of Australian counterparts (LWF Australia, INF Australia, and Caritas Australia) and Ms. Kamakshi Yakthumba, Program Manager of the Australian Embassy in Nepal participated and provided guidance virtually.
ADRA Nepal, CARITAS Nepal, INF Nepal, and LWF Nepal are collaboratively operating the POWER II project which aims to empower women in rural areas. The project is funded by the Australian Government and ADRA Australia. The project is being implemented in 10 districts in partnership with local NGOs.
