- This is a unique network that will promote social justice for the most marginalized women in Nepal, President of Sankalpa, Ms. Durga Sob said.
Sankalpa will work to increase and enhance women representation in the government, political parties and the private sector and ensure that conflict affected women have access to social justice. Through capacity building of women leaders at all levels women’s representation, advocacy and awareness raising will be key priorities to empower women working at the grass roots as well as women parliamentarians and other national leaders in areas related to peace, security and transitional justice.
The project will furthermore support the implementation of Nepal’s National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on Women Peace and Security. Sankalpa will continue to implement programmes through its networks throughout the country and work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction. –The Ministry is happy to continue the good relationship. Together we can achieve a lot for women in Nepal, said Mr. Sadhu Ram Sapkota, Joint Secretary of the Ministry on the occasion of the signing.
Sankalpa’s member organizations have through joint work in WAPPDCA already played an important role in the peace process in Nepal and in the development of the National Action Plan. A close network of women ‘s organizations all over the country was involved in both securing the 33% women in parliament at the 2008 election and in the development of the National Action Plan in an inclusive manner. These women are well known for their advocacy work, and some have also been elected as CA members. Moving from an alliance of ten different organizations into registering as one independent organization is a welcomed achievement that will surely strengthen their joint efforts for women’s rights and political particiapation in Nepal. This is seen to be particularly critical in a time of consolidation of a peace process that is yet to be concluded.
The contract was signed by Ambassador Mr. Thor Gislesen, and President of Sankalpa, Ms. Durga Sob, the ceremony joined by members of both organizations. The Embassy has supported the network, previously named WAPPDCA since 2006 and is pleased to enter into a renewed partnership with Sankalpa and look forward to work together for women, peace and security in Nepal.