Interview med Dhruba, RUWON Nepal

Emily Wasell från den brittiska NGO ”Safe World for Women”  intervjuar Dhruba i Kathmandu.

”The main problem is the attitude that women are only materials to decorate the house with, and they can’t be outside of the house, in society.”

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What programmes does RUWON offer at the moment?

Now, we have programmes with children, youths, and female empowerment. We are very interested in starting up, and developing new projects to develop a gender balanced society.

Why is the education programme particularly important?

For personal or societal change, education is the main tool. In Nepal, there is still a high rate of illiteracy among women, which hinders their personal and social emancipation. So, we focus on women’s empowerment through education.

You say on your website that RUWON teaches women new skills they could use to earn a living, can you give me some examples?

Yes, we offer different kinds of training for women, such as; capacity-building training, skill-based training classes, literacy classes, weaving and knitting classes. All these are aimed at developing their livelihood opportunities.

Do you think the women who participate in these programmes gain confidence that they otherwise would not have had?

Sure, they have developed skills and confidence at the same time because in the starting phase of training, they often feel uneasy speaking in front of friends, but after our training they can speak without fear.

What are the key factors in Nepalese society that contribute to the oppression of women?

The lack of education and the high levels of poverty are the main problems.

Does the present instability of the governing forces have any effect on the situation of women, or on RUWON?

Yes, political instability is a major problem for the development of women in our country too. RUWON works in a context where there is no sustainable public system to support women, and this represents a considerable problem. Some many different government have governed Nepal, and time and again, policies have changed and this is due to political instability, which affects not only women’s rights organisations, but any type of other organisations too.

What cultural attitudes or traditions lead to the disempowerment of women in Nepal?

The main problem is the attitude that women are only materials to decorate the house with, and they can’t be outside of the house, in society.

What are the main problems faced by women?

Domestic violence, prostitution, human trafficking, marginalization from the education system, and illiteracy.

Does the government recognize any sort of human rights condition in Nepal, or offer any programme to help or finance help from other organisations?

No, the government does not give funds to any organisations, but it has some projects that helps to empower the women.

Is there anything RUWON would like to do, but doesn’t have the funding for?

We want to start women’s helpline and rehabilitation centre for women who have faced domestic violence.

As a man in a patriarchal society, do you ever come up against resistance for trying to empower women?

Sometimes, yes. I do come up against resistance, but I always do my best for the empowerment of women.

How does working with RUWON affect you personally?

I’m a man working for women, and I have been especially involved with RUWON Nepal since its starting phase. So, these days I’m working full-time in RUWON on the networking and empowerment of women. As the result, I’m seeking an ideal future for women.

How do you see the situation of women in an ideal future?

I see most women being involved in field work and independent through their built-up capacities and empowerment. I would like to see the government promoting projects related to women, and the political constitution should be in favour of women.

What future plans does RUWON have?

Our future plan is to run different projects, to support women’s economic, political and social development.

What do you think is the key to empowering women?

The first factor is women’s empowerment policy with strong governmental support. The policy should focus on spreading education to women and provide trainings. To sum up; education, leadership development, economic empowerment and capacity development are important.

What exactly is ”capacity-building training”?

 We do capacity-building training in the empowerment project. We do this by giving training on leadership, empowerment, democracy and gender equality.

Do you have any stories about the women who work for RUWON who serve as an inspiration for others?

Yes! Mrs. Bandana Kumari Shrestha joined RUWON Nepal as a volunteer, then she became a staff member, and now she is the president of RUWON Nepal. She always inspires women to be empowered, and to build their capacity, and leadership skills.

What about women that RUWON has helped, any case that moved you the most or were the most memorable?

48 years old Bhagbati Nepal, was completely illiterate. She couldn’t even speak properly before attending the class. By the end of the class, she is able to read, write, and speak smoothly. She can now present a speech in front of a crowd.