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UPDATE: 18 new District WHRD Networks Formed

WHRD network Baglung

From 15 June - 6 August, 18 new Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) networks were formed namely: Central Development Region (Chitwan), Western Development Region (Kaski, Baglung, Parbat, Gorkha,Myagdi, Lamjung, Rupandehi, Argakachhi, Kapilvastu, Nawalaparasi, Palpa and Gulmi), Mid Western Development Region ( Banke) and Far Western Development Region ( Dadeldhura, Kanchanpur, Accham, Doti and Kailali).

In all the aforementioned districts, WOREC Nepal organized a mass gathering of active WHRDs engaged in defending and advocating their rights and the rights of women at the grassroots level. The mass gathering was attended by WHRDs from the government sector such women development officers, active women politicians, Dalits, indigenous women, women with disabilities, teachers, youth, medical personnel, laywers, community-based organizations, NGO representatives etc.

WHRD network Gorkha

The networks were formed to discuss, strategize and form a support mechanism to protect WHRDs. This came as a result of discussions and sharing of WHRD issues and concerns such as: the lack of recognition of WHRD work as human rights work, activities hindered due to the stakeholders’ lack of conceptual understanding on women's human rights and gender equality, discrimination and violations while defending the rights of other vulnerable women, among others.

Guest speakers expressed the need for the formation of such networks, as participants stressed the need to have a network that will speak for the rights of women defending the rights of other women. They also reiterated the need for women to be organized and committed to enable them to effectively defend their rights.

District chapers were formed with a committee of 9-12 members consisting of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary and Vice Secretary.

WHRD Parbat

WHRD Syangja