The "NGO movement" in Nepal is overwhelmingly urban-based and entirely dependent on foreign assistance. There are more than 50 non-governmental organisations that claim to work for upliftment of women, but do they?
In 1989, a group of women gathered in a lawyer's office in Kathmandu for a tea-meeting. The convener, a man, suggested that they open an NGO and left the room. There was silence for a minute while all the ladies present considered the idea. Yes, why not?
That was how a "successful" NGO on women's and children's affairs was initiated The organisation was launched in hallowed Kathmandu tradition, with a seminar at a local three-star hotel. It subsequently ran a child rights awareness programme in which Kathmandu-based workers spoke earnestly to villagers about the need to send daughters to school. The villagers simply looked away.
THE BEGINNING