What started as a loose network of ten women groups five years ago was celebrated on Thursday 22th of September, as they launched their new organisation called SANKALPA.
Sankalpa’s launch is historical for the women’s movement in Nepal. The word “Sankalpa” means “commitment” in Sanskrit, and as we congratulate Sankalpa on this big day and offer our best wishes for their continued work, we also want to express our commitment as a partner to support the transformation of Nepal to ensure that Nepali women can live as equal citizens in the society.
"The Embassy recalls the excitement, enthusiasm and the motivation in coming together as a loose alliance to fight for space in all structures of the stat” – shared Charge d’Affaires Camilla Røssaak in her speech. The Embassy was part of the formulation of the loose network of ten divers organisations called “Women’s Alliance for Peace, Power, Democracy and the Constituent Assembly” (WAPPDCA), and has been part of its transformation to a more formalized network. The birth of WAPPDCA was a landmark in Nepali women’s movement, and their vision of having a strong women’s movement in the country, which enabled women to voice out, express and advocate for their rightful share has led to the birth of Sankalpa
These women’s belief in “unity in diversity” and that united they could make a difference has been an inspiration for many women in Nepal. The confidence, knowledge and inspiration the women of Sankalpa gained from uniting in their diversity, has taught them that they need to be the change they want to see in Nepal: standing up for their rights in all aspects of society.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy signed a three year contract with Sankalpa on June 29th 2011 to support their ongoing work on strengthening women’s position in all structures of the State. Yesterday’s inauguration of Sankalpa marked an important step for the organisation.