On 27 January, an orientation meeting with the selected journalists was organized at the Tewa office as a strategic move towards familiarization with Tewa's up-coming events and for future alliance and media support.
The formal function presided by Tewa advisor and wife of the then Prime Minister, Dr. Arzu Deuba, was participated by over 125 guests. On the occasion Tewa distributed eight grants equivalent to Rs. 2,31,500.It was indeed a proud and happy day for Tewa, Tewa Advisors, members, and friends unable to attend the function were truly missed!
Thoughts about Tewa From the president ...
What started as a vision in the Fourth World Conference for Women in Beijing, September 1995 has actualized into Tewa - a philanthropic organization for modern Nepal - that aims to involve communities as a whole for closing the gender gap. The birthing of Tewa has been a fascination process of excitement and learning, particularly since there were no examples or guidelines to follow - not only in Nepal, but probably in the whole region.,
A handful of people thought it was a good idea. A great many had too many doubts and speculations which we did not want to get entangled in particularly at a time when we had nothing more substantial than our own commitments and whole lot of possibilities ! But today, a little over a y ear later, we have more confidence. This confidence has been build with the joint effort of a team dedicated people working together, a stronghold of advisors; a growing group of allies and volunteers who believe and support what Tewa is doing; a widening circle of Nepalis who are now donors to Tewa; and last but not least, a handful of rural women groups working for their own empowerment. The network is only beginning to grow.
We believe in involving Nepali women and men through a process of `giving' to participate in their own development. We want to help them move away from dependency towards self-reliance and in so doing reclaim their dignity. We want to kindle hope for a better future - a better world that we want to leave behind for our children of tomorrow. The funds we raise will go directly into supporting rural women's organizations. Ultimately, Tewa will tap on external resources to develop and train a cadre of village-based youth workers who will provide non-funding support to groups receiving Tewa grant. In all that we do, care is taken to ensure our accountability to all our stakeholders, through a process of ongoing review, analysis and reflection.
While taking this opportunity to wish you all a very happy 1997 and express heartfelt thanks to all who have supported us - I call on all of you to give us a little `tewa' through your ideas, support, time and of course your money!.....and I know you will be empowered by your giving as you become a part of Tewa's growth!
Rita Thapa
FROM A TEWA ADVISOR........
I feel it has been my privilege to participate in the growth and development of Tewa as an advisor. These days I carefully select where I demote my time and energy and have found that my involvement in Tewa has been enriching. This is because I have felt genuine commitment from the Tewa team, and have seen their hard work - two essential ingredients to the realization of any goal.
Nepalis are not new to philanthropy. On the contrary, it is an inherent national trait. But in a society a rapid transition, we may have been a little slow in devising and inculcating a system of `giving' that can replace traditional ways. If Nepalis today can participate in an empowering process towards sustainability and self-reliance through the art of `sharing', - I truly believe it can change the face of future Nepal.
No nation today can ignore the importance of enhancing women's advancement in the development of the country. Realizing this through Governmental and NGO interventions, Nepali women today are more aware and empowered than ever before. What is still lacking is a little support - a little holding of hand towards rediscovery and innovation - until they can be equal partners in the country's development process.
I f eel Tewa has the potential to be Nepali women's partner for progress.
It is true that the dawn shows the day, but it is only over time that Tewa can demonstrate its legitimacy and strength. I extend my best wishes to the realization of Tewa's dreams!
Dr. Mohan Man Sainju
Executive Chairman, IIDS
( A former Vice Chairman of National Planning Commission and Nepalese ambassador to US )
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
With the belief that qualitative human resource is the key to all development efforts, Tewa has plans to build and strengthen its human resource, both at the organizational and national levels. this is perceived to happen by:
a) building the capabilities of Tewa membership, volunteers and staff, and
b) building a cadre of gender balanced local youth development workers who can support and backstop the women groups supported by Tewa.
Owing to a very diverse membership, this y ear Tewa h as focused on in-house training limited to its members, volunteers, and staff. The training was intended to clarify our goals and objectives, team build, and acquire necessary skills in the area of our work.
The training were conducted with the technical expertise and assistance of HURDEC (Human Resource Development Centre), and the financial assistance of Redd Barna/Nepal.
RAISING FUNDS
OUR FUND-RAISING STRATEGY
For the past year and 1997, Tewa has/will focus on the following fund-raising campaigns:
* reaching out to Tewa members' and Tewa Volunteers' families, friends, neighbors and acquaintances;
* seeking 100 donors who can give Rs.10,000 to Tewa annually; and
* reaching out to Nepalis who are living abroad.
* cause related marketing
* launching event led programme
In the last year we have been successful in raising a little over five hundred thousands rupees in cash, and have received a pledge for one hundred fifty thousands rupees more. A sum of Rs.20,000 was donated to Tewa by Life Fitness, as a part of a proceed of a fund-raising dinner organized by Kanchan Rana.
An additional amount of approximately $2,500 has been collected in the US as individual donation and as money raised at `Tewa Tea', a fund-raiser organized by Susanne Jalbert, who is an independent consultant and a supporter of Tewa, living in Denver, Colorado.
Tewa Tea
Susanne Jalbert, has volunteered to organize occasional Tewa Teas selling mainly Nepali Dhaka and craft products to her friends and colleagues, with the intention to fund -raise for Tewa. Susanne has organized two such teas so far, one in San Francisco and one in Denver itself.
Besides a source of support, these events are mutually perceived to represent global goodwill and network between women groups across national and geographical boarders.
GROUPS ASSISTED
Tewa's Grants-making Committee is Co-chaired by its Board members Near Rana and Mohini Maharjan; staffed by Programme Manager, Deepak Dewan assisted by Lily Thapa and includes the Tewa Coordinator, and two outside experts, Dr. Vijaya L. Shrestha and Mrs. Lalita Thapa. In the past months the Committee worked hard to develop criteria for selection and appraisal of the proposals submitted to Tewa and other guidelines in relation to grants-making.
The first set of grants is being awarded to women's groups identified through the Tewa network of NGOs working directly in the rural areas. Care has been taken to ensure that recipients are not drawn into a cycle of dependency for having received a Tewa grant and also in equalizing the relationship between the grantee groups and Tewa by building a process that allows/encourages them to be donors to Tewa.
Tewa plans to have two grant-making cycles, in June/July and December/January each year. Two discretionary grants in each grant cycle, are also being considered from 1997.
Proposals for Approved for Tewa Grants January 1997
|
Sl . No. |
Name of the Group |
Intermediary Agency |
Grants requested for
|
Amount Awarded |
Remarks |
|
1 |
Mahtilo Kopche Mahila Samuha, Rauta, Udayapur
|
WOREC |
Piggery |
12,000 |
Field visit conducted, grp in the process of being registered. Highly motivated grp. |
|
2 |
Chauki Devi Mahila Samuha, Bhumrasua, Udayapur
|
WOREC |
Co-operative retail shop |
20,000 |
Field visit conducted, grp in the process of being registered. Very empowered grp |
|
3 |
Kopila Jan Jagriti Mahila Samuha, Jogidaha, Udayapur
|
WOREC |
Co-operative retail shop |
20,000 |
Field visit conducted grp in the process of being registered. Conceptually clear |
|
4 |
Nepal Disabled Women Society, Kathmandu |
NDWS |
Support for office set-up to start Secretarial & Communication office |
30,000 |
Special need grp. Site inspected discussed with NDWS |
|
5 |
Dalit Mahila Sangha, Siraha |
FEDO |
Seed money for co-operative savings scheme for 10 women groups |
40,000 |
Field visit conducted. Highly motivated grp |
|
6 |
Jan Swabalamban Bikas Kendra, Kathmandu |
LACC |
Legal literacy to women of Bhukehl VDC |
22,000 |
Work area of grp visited positive feed back from villagers. Meet and discussed with applicants |
|
7 |
HOPE/Nepal, Jajarkot |
HOPE/Nepal |
Scholarship for girl child, revolving fund and institutional support |
40,000 |
Discussed with HOPE/Nepal. Have good sustainable plan |
|
8 |
Digo Bikas ko lagi Karya tatha Anusandhan Samaj Baluwa VDC, Kathmandu |
SOARS |
Sericulture |
47,500 |
In-depth discussions with SOARS, recommended for funding Disbursement to be made after field visit at end of Jan 97 |
A National Workshop for Women's Enterprise
Development Programme
A new initiative has been started with the objective of responding effectively to the needs of the producer women in Nepal, to help empower assets producer women through enterprise development. A similar approach was developed and implemented in India by an organization called Udyogini. to assess the potential of adapting such a process in Nepal, a Needs Assessment Research and a workshop involving NGOs and GO representatives has been carried out. A national Core Group was formed at the end of this process to take the programme forward.
The group has decided that the next step in the process will be a national workshop involving the producer women. Tewa has decided to house the process and conduct the workshop.
In this context, Tewa organized a workshop in SFDP Training Center, in Birendranagar, Chitwan during 11-13 December 1996, with the technical support of HURDEC. Thirty-eight women from 21 districts from the far west to the eastern hills of Nepal participated in this workshop. The objectives of the workshop were as follows:
- get participant's perspective regarding their problems as producer women
- identify the necessary steps to be taken towards the solving these problems
- identify ways in which they can themselves manage and run such a programme
The workshop was successful in creating a cooperative environment among the participants through participatory methodologies. The women analyzed their problems and formulated their goals towards being successful entrepreneurs and developed strategies towards achieving these goals as well. They also designed possible organizational frameworks in which the women would design, develop, and manage the process with the support of organizations such as Tewa.
Tewa Coordinator Rita Thapa, member Chhaya Jha, and staff Lily Thapa were present during entire workshop. On the final day of the workshop, Dr. Mohan Man Sainju, Tewa staff Deepak Dewan and Rabi Chitrakar and seven representatives of NGOs and governmental agencies contributed to the strength of the workshop.
Significant for Tewa was the informal bonding created with the participants who were motivated and inspired by Tewa's philosophy of self-reliance. The workshop provided a great learning experience and witnessing the strengths and the commitments of the participants was a lesson in humility for Tewa,
This initiative was conducted with the financial support of IRIS/Nepal and Redd Barna/Nepal.
(Audited) TEWA
INCOME & EXPENDITURE STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 1996
EXPENDITURE AMOUNT INCOME AMOUNT
Advertisement 2322.00 Donation 504825.00
Donation/Gift 4200.00 Membership Fee 10500.00
Fuel 21468.00 Interest from Bank 30.10
Electricity Fittings 2296.00
Newspaper 1000.00 Grants
Postage 6170.50 Global Fund for Women 1092068.00 Printing 5900.00 Redd Barna 204000.00
Refreshment 4879.50 Caritas 477210.65
Rent 22200.00 WEMTOP 106116.00
Stationary 42956.50
Service charges 31560.00
Subscription 11795.00
Salary 371900.00
Staff Tiffin 500.00
Electricity/Tel/Email 45744.00
Temporary Assets 3700.00
Travel 62920.00
Wages 2420.00
Training Expenses 432803.75
WEMTOP Expenses 106116.00
Miscellaneous 15017.50
Depreciation 71881.50
Excess of Income 1124684.20
2394749.75 2394749.75
BALANCE SHEET AS ON 31ST DECEMBER 1996
LIABILITIES AMOUNT ASSETS AMOUNT
Excess of Income 1124884.20 Fixes Assets 477210.65
Depreciation Reserve Fund 71881.50 Refundable Deposits 16000.00
Payable 200.50 Investments 790000.00
Grant Liabilities Advances 20700.00
WEMTOP 560696.50 Cash in Hand 5000.00
Global Fund for Women 27932.00 Cash in Bank 662489.65
Red Barna 96000.00 Tewa/A/C 287184.80
Caritas 90005.60 Tewa/Adm. 84608.35
Tewa/wem.290696.50
_________ _________
1971400.30 1971400.30
A True Story of Rural Women Group
CHAUKIBARI MAHILA SAMUHA
READY FOR BUSINESS
_______________
Deepak Dewan
It was still dark at 5.30 a.m. when my bus reached Gaighat in early January. Gaighat in Udayapur is a sleepy little town, but that morning, because of the hattiya(weekly market), people wee already up, getting ready to start business. Trading seemed quite light though, contrary to my expectations of Terai town. There were a lot of oranges in the market brought from the nearby hilly districts.
I was in Udayapur to make an appraisal of the proposals received by Tewa from the women's groups in that district and neighbouring Siraha. My destination in the Gaighat was Rajhabash where I was to meet the group members of the Chaukibari Mahila Samuha. Through WOREC we had received their proposal for a grant to open a cooperative retail store. At Rajhabash I met Mr. Kush Ram Dhauniyar in WOREC's office. After I had briefed him about my trip, about Tewa and its philosophy, he escorted me to the women's group.
As the group had been informed earlier, they had already assembled by the time we reached there. After the initial introductory formalities, I gave the group a run-through on what we were try to do at Tewa.
Then it was my turn to listen as the group members told me about themselves, their group, their aspirations and their achievements. I had no doubt then that Tewa had found the right group to initiate its grant disbursement activity. The women of Chaukibari Mahila Samuha seemed quite empowered. They had the full support and co-operation of the men folk. Their faces reflected their inner dedication and commitment to improve their lives and of those around them.
Their capability and determination was also exemplified by the very well maintained track that circles the village. The women built the track all by themselves. Their meeting room had a small wooden cupboard where they kept their minute books, their documents and other possessions.
The group has received donation of 2 katthas of land worth Rs. 40,000 from the spouse of one of the group members. As their plan to conduct tree plantation in that land fell through, the group has been thinking about selling the property and buying another one for the same purpose. They feel that planting trees would be very beneficial for themselves as well as for the community. The group has also been conducting a very successful anti-alcohol and anti-gambling campaign in the village.
These women seem to have a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm. They told me that last Tihar they played Vhailo and added Rs. 800 to their savings. They also seem to enjoy a lot of goodwill in the community. It seems some individuals, who can afford to open their private retail stores, decided to lay off their plans when they heard of the group's plan to open one.
At present there are no retail shops in the community, and the ones in Gaighat are a good hour's walk away. The cooperative shop that the group wants to open, therefore has immense potential. It can tap a high volume of business the local villages, the schools, government offices and the WOREC office. WOREC has a permanent base in the locality and there seems to be a constant flow of people coming in for various residential training. The retail shop will definitely save a lot of time and efforts for the locals of Rajabash and its neighbouring communities.
The stage seems set for Chaukibari Mahila Samuha's business venture to prosper and grow. All they need now seems a little "Tewa".
A v
isit fromThe Founder President of The Global Fund for Women U.S
During 1-13 August 1996 Tewa had the honour to host the visit of Ann Firth Murray, the Founding President of the Global Fund for Women, based in San Francisco/USA. Anne's visit was a big support in clarifying Tewa's fund-raising strategies and in training Tewa staff and volunteers in fund-raising. In a spirit of partnership, Anne and Rita co-facilitated a fund-raising workshop for the staff of Redd Barna. Owing to Anne's long and successful experience with fund-raising, having her with us proved to be both inspirational and reassuring.
Highlights of Anne's visit were a meeting organized with all of the 34 Global Fund grantee groups in Nepal, a tea hosted in her honour by Dr. Arzu Deuba at the Prime Minister's residence and a field visit to Syangja to meet with women groups.