CIVIL SOCIETY: MUTUAL ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT
Annual Progress Report October 1, 2018-Setptember 30, 2019
October 25, 2019 Cooperative Agreement Number AID-367-A-16-00007
Project Start and End Date: April 4, 2016 to April 3, 2021
Submitted to: Krishna Pathak, Agreement Officer’s Representative USAID
Submitted by: Bishnu Sapkota, Chief of Party, Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project FHI 360 Email: [email protected]
Revised: Sajana Maharjan, Acting Chief of Party, Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project FHI 360 GPO Box 8803, Gopal Bhawan Anamika Galli, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 977.1.4437173 Email: [email protected]
This document was prepared by FHI 360 for review by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 1 Government.Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
Table of Contents
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS…………………………………………………… 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 6 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 13 2. CONTEXT ...... 13 3. PROGRESS OVERVIEW ...... 16 4. ACTIVITY PROGRESS ...... 43 4.1 DEVELOPMENT AND SUBMISSION OF DELIVERABLES ...... 43 4.2 PROGRESS ACHIEVED TOWARD PROJECT OBJECTIVES ...... 44 5. CROSS-CUTTING INTERVENTIONS ...... 119 5.1 GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION ...... 119 5.2 YOUTH ENGAGEMENT ...... 124 5.3 USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES ...... 125 6. COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION ...... 126 7. MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...... 127 8. TRAVEL UPDATE ...... 137 9. ACTIVITY PROGRESS SUMMARY ...... 137 10. PRIORITIES FOR YEAR 5 (FY 2020: OCTOBER 1, 2019–SEPTEMBER 30, 2020) ...... 137 11. SUCCESS STORIES ...... 138 12. CHALLENGES AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 138 13. LESSONS LEARNED ...... 139
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Abbreviations and Acronyms
AIN Association of International NGOs in Nepal AMO Advocacy, Monitoring, and Oversight AOR Agreement Officer’s Representative ARI Advocacy Readiness Index CA Common Assembly CAG Content Advisory Group CAR Community Action Researchers CDC Community Development Center CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy CDO Chief District Officer CIAA Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority CLFS Critical Listening Feedback Session CS:MAP Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project CR Community Reporter CSC Community Score Card CSO Civil Society Organization DAO District Administration Office DCC District Coordinating Committee DEC Development Experience Clearinghouse DEC Nepal Development Exchange Center Nepal DQA Data Quality Assessment DRR Disaster Risk Reduction EAI Equal Access International FDM Foundation for Development Management FGD Focus Group Discussion FMDC Media for Development and Social Change FNJ Federation of Nepali Journalists FOA Freedom of Association FOE Freedom of Expression GBV Gender-Based Violence
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GESI Gender Equality and Social Inclusion GGB Good Governance Barometer GoGo Foundation Good Governance Foundation GON Government of Nepal HEAD Health, Education, Agriculture, and Disaster Risk Reduction HURADEC Human Rights Awareness and Development Center IEC Information, Education, And Communication ICNL International Center for Not-for-Profit Law ICT Information and Communication Technology IHRC Information and Human Right Research Center IHRICON Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal IJ Investigative Journalism INGO International Non-Governmental Organization INSEC Informal Sector Service Center IIP Institutional Improvement Plan IPS Indo-Pacific Strategy IRDC Indreni Rural Development Center IRDS Integrated Rural Development Services ISO Intermediary Service Organization IVR Interactive Voice Response KII Key Informant Interview LDAG Listening, Discussion, and Action Group LLPP Local-Level Planning Process MAG Media Advocacy Group MC Martin Chautari MEL Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning MITRA Samaj Measures for Intervention Training Research and Action Samaj MOFAGA Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration MOU Memorandum of Understanding MuAN Municipal Association of Nepal NARMIN National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal NEOC National Election Observation Committee
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NEPAN Nepal Participatory Action Network NFN NGO Federation of Nepal NGO Non-Governmental Organization NHRC National Human Rights Commission NNSWA Nepal National Social Welfare Association NRA National Reconstruction Authority OCA Organizational Capacity Assessment OGP Open Government Partnership PEAR Participatory and Evidence-based Action Research PET(S) Public Expenditures Tracking (System) PFMSP Public Financial Management Strengthening Project PIJG Public Interest Journalists’ Group PIL Public Interest Litigation PIR Public Interest Reporting POC Public Outreach Campaign PPWG Public-Private Working Group PSA Public Service Announcement RTI Right to Information RWDC Rural Women Development Center SA Social Accountability SAP Nepal South Asia Partnership Nepal SMS Short Message Service SMV SMS My Voice SOCH Nepal Society for Humanism Nepal SSMK Saathi Sanga Manka Kura USAID United States Agency for International Development VAWG Violence Against Women and Girls
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Executive Summary
Following the 2017 elections, citizens of Nepal hoped for a stable government and support for strong rule of law, civic-government engagement, reduced corruption, special attention to poor and marginalized groups, and freedoms of expression and association. The election resulted in a victory (i.e., a two-thirds majority) for the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist and Leninist (CPN-UML) and the Maoist Centre, which ran the elections jointly. Contrary to this expectation, the government conducted minimal consultation with civil society and media in drafting laws and policies related to freedoms of expression, association, and the press. Provisions within the draft laws and policies were often restrictive rather than facilitatory, and they failed to align with constitutional provisions or with international principles. This proved an impediment to constructive engagement between civil society and the government on matters of public policy. Working against this backdrop, the Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project (CS:MAP) has engaged 1,172 stakeholders – including civil society activists, media, citizens, policymakers, bureaucrats and politicians – to demand government accountability and responsiveness and promote a more effective enabling environment for civil society and media. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, 10 policies and laws with restrictive provisions that threaten of freedom of association (FOA) and freedom of expression (FOE) were put on hold. In response to CS:MAP advocacy efforts, policymakers have publicly committed to revising the laws in keeping with stakeholder recommendations. CS:MAP also coordinated with the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MOFAGA) to promote civic engagement, develop resource materials and tools to facilitate civic-government collaboration and implementation of Open Government Partnership (OGP) principles. Moreover, CS:MAP saw an increase in public and government perceptions of civil society following civil-society campaigns focused on priority citizen issues and education initiatives that educated citizens on the role of civil society and its contribution to resolving social problems that affect citizens’ daily lives. CS:MAP partners are now being consulted by government and elected representatives, and media has started collaborating with civil society organizations to address the public interests. CS:MAP also saw successes at the district level, with cross-sectoral coalitions planning and implementing joint advocacy efforts that resulted in policy revisions to improve the civil society enabling environment, increased budget allocations and improved public service delivery. For example, Suryabinayak municipality allocated four million rupees to targeted communities which was not provisioned in previous years. Likewise, Gorkha municipality allocated 10% of total developmental budget (8.38 million rupees) to targeted communities which was not practiced previously. Likewise, after the intensive pressure to the local and provincial government the development projects are moving smoothly in Dhading, Ramechhap, and Gorkha districts. Civil society actors, media representatives and local government have continued implementing collaborative social accountability initiatives, and local governments have committed to institutionalizing project-supported civic engagement mechanisms to facilitate civic participation in local government processes. Media interventions, too, have yielded results, with journalists trained in investigative reporting and community-based reporting publishing more stories related to local priority issues, and public service campaigns that raise awareness among citizens. The key issues were road construction, supply drinking water, electricity, sanitation, governance improvement and access to development budget from local government for skill development activities.
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National-level achievements Although the law-making process was not transparent, the CS:MAP civil society and media coalitions developed a common position regarding the registration and operation of civil society and media organizations and shared this position with more than 3,500 CSOs, stakeholders, policymakers, and government officials. The common position paper served as a basis for advocacy, even if draft laws were not available. This has been used as collective bargaining tool as different sectoral actors came together and developed this. Additionally, this has given a uniform understanding on principles of freedom of association as per the constitution and international standards. This has also been applied by CSOs at different level to engage with policy makers and for considering freedom of association while developing laws and policies. In addition, the CS:MAP team and partners organized a series of informal meetings with policymakers to understand the policy-making process and to make the policymakers aware of civil society concerns. CS:MAP also supported three provincial governments (Province 3, Province 5 and Gandaki Province) to develop civil society- and media-related laws. And, civil society coalitions and local government associations jointly developed a common position regarding civil society-related policy at the local government level. This included civil society demands and recommendations with regard to civil society registration and operation. This position has been shared with local government associations and 233 local governments. To widen the concept of civic engagement and promote uniform understanding of civic- government engagement, CS:MAP in coordination with the MOFAGA prepared a resource book and drafted a documentary film on civic engagement. Both products summarize the frameworks, tools, and approaches for engaging civic society in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of programs, policies, and laws at the local level. CS:MAP also developed a handbook and a brochure on civic engagement and the principles of Open Government Partnership (OGP) and shared them with more than 2,000 stakeholders through interactions, dialogues, and meetings. CS:MAP supported NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN), parliamentarians, Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN) more rigorously to promote OGP principles. In partnership with MuAN, CS:MAP facilitated a session of the Mayor's Conferences of Province 1 and Sudurpaschim Province. Similarly, CS:MAP engaged with female mayor and chairs of 21 local governments in Pokhara and also facilitated a session on OGP and civic engagement. This provided a basis for civil society and government collaboration to develop and implement OGP principles: transparency, accountability, participation and technological innovation. Thirty-two local government heads have publicly committed to implement these principles in their constituencies. To recreate the vibrancy of civil society, CS:MAP facilitated and launched nine civil society- led campaigns focused on the right to information (RTI), anti-corruption, gender-based violence (GBV), youth and corruption, health, education, local resources and budgets, and issues of gender equality and social inclusion. CS:MAP partners at the national and subnational levels successfully coordinated and collaborated on these campaigns and engaged with other local and national civil society activists and leaders. As a result, civil society activists and citizens were successful in resolving social issues on their own. Through 124 local interactions, CS:MAP helped promote an improved understanding of CSOs among citizens. Citizens were able to raise public issues and link their concerns with the role CSOs have played so far. The
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improved public understanding of CSOs was reflected in the results of CS:MAP’s perception survey of the media and civil society. District-level achievements Strong coordination and synergy among CSO and health, education, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction (HEAD) coalitions in the district helped resolve 31 advocacy issues this year. The initiatives advocacy led to the development of policies related to governance, veterinary services, quality education, health, and agriculture services. The issues selected by local units were prioritized in the provinces and resolved by introducing new policy. For example, the issue of sickle cell anemia raised by people in the Common Assembly (CA) in Ghorahi sub- metropolitan city was addressed by local governments in Dang by allocating separate budget funds for citizens affected by sickle cell anemia. The Province 5 government also allocated budget funds for free treatment, raising of awareness, and required medicine for addressing this issue. In addition, the Good Governance Barometer (GGB) was successfully implemented in seven gaunpalika of Gulmi, Sindhuplachowk, Rukum, and Kapilvastu districts. The GGB has generated positive results by improving the delivery of public services and increasing the accountability of service providers. For example, implementation of a GGB action plan at the Simrutu health post of Triveni gaunpalika in Rukum district improved delivery of health services. In coordination with the local government, the health post now has an operational birthing center with improved facilities, and available staff and free medicines at all times. Due to this improved service delivery, the number of pregnant women seeking prenatal services from the health post has increased 25 percent. The health post has also constructed disabled- friendly structures so that disabled individuals now have easy access to services. The practice of using social accountability (SA) tools has also increased. CS:MAP’s local CSO partners conducted their own institutional social audits, which increased credibility and mutual accountability among CSOs and government agencies in the district. CS:MAP partners implemented 50 public expenditure tracking systems (PETSs) for the distribution of scholarship funds in community schools. CSOs also implemented 45 community score cards in health posts. A total of 76 local governments in CS:MAP districts sought CSOs’ technical support in organizing public hearings, indicating increased collaboration and trust between CS:MAP partners and local governments. For example, Barhabise municipality in Siddhupalchowk district conducted a public hearing with the technical support of CS:MAP partner Samudayik Sarathi. Media accomplishments A total of 286 Sajha Boli episodes were produced (26 central-level episodes and 260 local- level episodes) and broadcasted 2,054 times (1,040 times at the central level and 1,014 times at the local level). This included 44 outdoor productions (four central and 40 local ones). The content covered were: Tax in local level, service delivery mechanism at the local level, roles and responsibilities of municipal executive members, target group budget and its implementation, role of judicial committee, anti-corruption, agriculture services at local level, practices of social accountability tools, open government, local level planning process etc. Please refer to Annex I for the details on the content and messages of Sajha Boli episodes. These radio episodes helped in resulting actions taken by LDAG such as monitoring visits in government offices, creating pressure to implement social accountability mechanism (display citizen charter, proactive disclosure, information dissemination about local level planning
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process and conduct public hearing); membership in user committee, and other oversight activities at the local level. A total of 44 content advisory group (CAG) meetings (four for central and 40 for local production) held this year brought 561 participants together to generate content ideas, while allowing for fruitful multi-stakeholder discussions. Additionally, the meetings served as suitable platforms for coordination among the radio stations, representatives from government offices, CSOs, media and academicians, among others. In addition, 12 episodes of Saathi Sanga Maanka Kura radio programs resulted in 725 youth providing feedback. The feedback demonstrated an increased awareness among listeners of the issues raised by the radio episodes, ranging from local planning, SA tools, and public service oversight to the utilization of public resources. The 44 outdoor discussions conducted by the radio production team also provided a platform for engaging multiple stakeholders at the community level on priority local issues. A total of 104 public service announcements (PSAs) produced in this reporting period were broadcast 16,640 times through 10 radio production partners and two broadcast partners. These PSAs provided information on local plan implementation and civic oversight in nine languages and dialects,1 and they were broadcast at least 16 times a day for 10 days in each quarter. The PSAs were also disseminated through interactive voice response (IVR), MeroReport, and the Sajha Boli radio episodes. As demonstrated by the PSA assessments conducted this year, more than 95 percent of the respondents stated that they clearly understood the messages in the PSAs, and found them useful in their contexts. Outcomes under the objectives of the Indo-Pacific Strategy In FY 2019 CS:MAP contributed to the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) under the governance pillar. CS:MAP built the capacity of civil society and media to increase government accountability and responsiveness to promote civic freedoms. CS:MAP contributed to the following areas during this reporting period: Under the governance pillar and in support of the IPS Transparency Initiative, CS:MAP promoted the integrity of electoral processes. CS:MAP, through its partner the National Election Observation Committee (NEOC), carried out three workshops on electoral reform based on a review of Nepal’s electoral legal framework. When the government declared by- elections, CS:MAP shared recommendations regarding improvements to the electoral legal framework identified by CS:MAP in the comprehensive assessment that it conducted in FY 2018. The report highlighted the major areas of reform needed to strengthen the credibility of the electoral regime in the country. CS:MAP also contributed to the IPS areas that promotes the independence of media and information integrity, as well as strengthening civil society. In FY 2019, CS:MAP worked with federal as well as local governments to widen civic space and strengthen the enabling environment for civil society and media. CS:MAP provided technical expertise to national actors in reviewing laws and policies2 related to civil society and media from the lens of freedom of association (FOA), freedom of expression (FOE), and freedom of assembly. CS:MAP efforts also contributed to the adoption of a new civic charter by different federations of CSOs in Nepal. CS:MAP efforts also helped prevent regressive bills/policies that potentially circumscribe FOE and FOA. For example, CS:MAP efforts helped in the withdrawal of the
1 Nepali, Magar, Newari, Awadhi, Tamang, Chepang, Sherpa, Tharu, and Doteli 2 Please refer to the table mentioned in Activity 1.1.1.1 for the details on laws and policies
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National Integrity Policy within weeks of its release, the repeal of CSO reporting directives circulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the withdrawal of drafts of the Social Welfare and Development Acts, as well as the development of multiple drafts for discussion and improvements to online media directives. For fostering accountability and transparency, including fighting corruption, CS:MAP worked with local governments and civil society to increase financial transparency and curb corruption. CS:MAP piloted the open budget portal in two local units in Nepal. The portal (http://namunamun.csmapdev.org/) is now owned by MOFAGA, which disseminated a circular in November 2018 to all local governments in Nepal for possible replication of the portal. The portal is an information and communications technology (ICT) tool that supports effective citizen participation in governance to promote transparent and accountable government. However, low internet access and outreach of this system need to be addressed through necessary modification and sensitization programs. To increase the transparency of local governments, CSO coalitions from 34 project districts raised concerns about audit arrears at the sub-national level. The CSO coalitions collected the audit reports of relevant municipalities, analyzed the reports, and developed a memorandum/demand letter/position paper requesting that the District Coordination Committee (DCC) and concerned municipalities settle the audit arrears as soon as possible. The CSO coalitions organized district-based interactions, Sajha Sabha, and joint CSO-media action on this issue. As a result, local government committed to address the problem of disallowed budgets – for instance, elected representatives of Narayan municipality, Dailekh, disclosed their assets at a public program organized to mark the 11th Information Day on December 11, 2018. CS:MAP also contributed to advancing OGP, another IPS focus area. Through its programs, CS:MAP intensified discussions on OGP, orienting 287 individuals through nine events (four at the federal level and five at the local level) on the values and importance of OGP in the Nepali context. Through 106 Sajhedari Manch (Partnership Forum) meetings and 213 CA meetings, CS:MAP created a mechanism for citizen and government engagement. The resource book for citizen engagement produced in collaboration with MOFAGA also outlines OGP principles and provides guidance for implementing OGP at the local level. In addition, CS:MAP supported a mayor, a political party leader, and an officer from a local unit in Kathmandu to participate in an OGP Summit in Tiblisi, Georgia. Though Nepal is yet to sign on to OGP, the local unit in Dhading district, Neelakantha municipality has already formed an OGP steering committee with 50 percent civil society participation. The steering committee is co-chaired by a civil society leader. Sustainability and local ownership The Open Local Government Digital System (http://namunamun.csmapdev.org/) developed by CS:MAP was handed over to MOFAGA in November 2018. MOFAGA sent a circular to all local units asking them to replicate the application, and published additional information on its official website. CS:MAP has started the process to support MOFAGA in replicating the system to the local governments and has also planned to directly support 5-7 local governments directly in establishing the system. Civic engagement platforms initiated through CS:MAP efforts are gradually attracting buy-in from local governments. CS:MAP has lobbied MOFAGA for civic-government engagement structures at the local level, and these are described in the civic engagement handbook
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prepared by MOFAGA with support from CS:MAP. These structures, which have now been institutionalized, are expected to continue beyond the life of the project. CS:MAP has planned to orient the local governments using the resource book in addition to engage with the universities and government institutions in using the resource book for effective civic- government engagements. CS:MAP’s CSO partners’ efforts to market capacity development services, especially Organizational Capacity Assessments (OCAs) and minimum standards, in 14 districts led to target local ownership. One hundred seventy-two CSOs (199 participants) participated in 14 orientation programs held in the 14 CS:MAP target districts. Ownership and scale-up of institutional development tools such as OCAs by non-CS:MAP partners in different districts suggests that these mechanisms will continue beyond CS:MAP. This also indicates that non- CS:MAP CSOs have begun recognizing the importance and relevance of the tools and mechanisms implemented by CS:MAP partners. The resource materials, knowledge products and people trained under CS:MAP will remain at the local level beyond the life of the project, which will contribute to a culture of joint coalitions for effective advocacy, evidence-based advocacy, policy advocacy and work for the public interest. For example, Siddhalekh gaunpalika in Gorkha has been using the education checklist that CS:MAP produced for monitoring the schools in its local unit. Challenges and Mitigation Measures The government of Nepal’s (GON) has increasingly indicated its interest in exerting more control over the civil society and media sectors. As a result, draft legislation has often included provisions that limit FOE and FOA. In addition, the government continues to draft legislation without meaningful stakeholder input, and to pass legislation without meaningful public participation or debate. As a result, positive legislative changes are more difficult. In response, CS:MAP is working with its partners to create effective advocacy plans for this new context. Efforts in FY 2019 included a multi-pronged approach, focused on education on international principles, identification of “champions” within Parliament and ministries, building of diverse coalitions, and calls for greater transparency in the lawmaking process. However, legal reforms are outside the control of civil society. But CS:MAP worked to ensure that its partners have the support and technical expertise needed to make the best possible case for positive legal reform. CS:MAP also envisioned a collective advocacy approach by CSOs in target districts to address problems with delivery of public services and use of resources. However, different CSOs have different priorities, often aligned with funding requirements. So, to encourage them and engage them in collective efforts, CS:MAP intensified its discussions with the CSOs and their leadership on the role of CSOs in democratic governance, and provided an orientation to public service oversight. CS:MAP’s comprehensive capacity building efforts were affected by staff turnover, especially of capacity building specialists in intermediary service organizations (ISOs). To avoid this problem in the future, the CS:MAP capacity building team and project manager for ISOs are prepared to provide technical support to new staff in ISOs when necessary. Civil society and media actors have realized the need to improve the legitimacy and credibility of their institutions through enhanced internal governance and self-regulation. However, developing and implementing widely-accepted internal governance and self-regulation mechanisms is complicated due to the heterogeneity of the sectors. Consultation with a wider
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sector, alliances and networks will help promote ownership of the mechanisms, uniform basic guidelines, and a morally-binding document among CSOs and media across the nation. Lessons Learned Working through civil society champions in the districts helped energize civil society and engage stakeholders in governance oversight. If the capacity of these champions is strengthened and they are provided with reference/resource materials, they will drive civil society in the districts and engage with the government and citizens for better governance. During formal and informal meetings, parliamentarians and policymakers continuously raised issues such as lack of transparency, accountability, and internal control mechanisms within CSOs, as well as reluctance to work in the areas of national priority. Further, they stated that these issues stimulated the government to develop strong regulatory oversight. This indicates that efforts of CSOs to initiate self-regulation initiatives and ensure effective implementation while they undertake advocacy efforts to bring about CSO-friendly laws and policies should be increased. The concept of capacity building through ISOs is technically sound. However, the limitations of ISO staff capacity in policy provisions, local government policies, and federal structures require that the project hire more short-term experts for capacity building. The formation of Sajhedari Manch at the gaunpalika and municipal levels helped link local issues directly with decision makers in the federal system. Participants in the local structures now feel ownership, feel heard, and are motivated to put forth effort for effective local planning and implementation with increased citizen engagement.
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1. Introduction
CS:MAP, implemented by FHI 360 in partnership with Equal Access International (EAI) and the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), aims to foster a more legitimate, accountable, and resilient Nepali civil society that can advance the public interest. It will achieve this by accomplishing four objectives, while incorporating gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) across all project activities. The objectives are:
1. Strengthened enabling environment for civil society and media 2. Improved civil society and media capacity for effective policy advocacy and government engagement 3. More coordinated and effective civil society and media oversight of public resource use and public service delivery 4. Strengthened organizational capacity and sustainability of selected CSOs working in USAID priority sectors to advance local solutions
2. Context
National context: The 2017 election results gave new hope of political stability to Nepali citizens, as the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist and Leninist (CPN-UML) and the Maoist Centre, who contested the elections jointly, won by a resounding two-thirds majority. The parties in government had since long been assuring their electorates of consolidating the rule of law, strengthening civil society, reducing corruption, uplifting the situation of the poor and marginalized groups, ensuring FOE and FOA, introducing new schemes for social security, and facilitating the equitable distribution of public resources, among others. The key slogan in the election manifesto of the victorious alliance was, "Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali." Formed on February 15, 2018, the current government has now been in office for more than one and half years. Within a changed political and administrative context, the government is in the process of drafting new laws and amending older laws to make them consistent with and relevant to the national charter. More than a dozen laws and policies related to civil society and media have been drafted at the federal, provincial and local levels. Aligned with long-standing political commitments and assurances provided by political parties, it was anticipated that the new government would support the strengthening of an enabling environment for civil society and media. Contrary to people’s expectations, there was minimal public consultation in the subsequent drafting of laws and policies related to FOE, FOA and press freedom. Provisions within new draft laws and policies were often found to be restrictive than facilitatory, and failed to align with constitutional provisions and/or with universally accepted principles. This unexpected development has certainly posed an impediment to constructive engagement between civil society and the government on matters of public interest. The biggest challenge facing the government stems from confusion with regard to their individual and concurrent jurisdictions and authorities, and a resulting lack of coherence between the three tiers of government. This is visible in how the federal government functions in terms of delegating power. The challenge has been further compounded by the lack of legal and policy instruments, and the human resources required to effectively deliver public services, especially in the health, education, and agricultural sectors. The governments at the different
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tiers definitely need to be given some time, as the practice of federalism is completely new to Nepal. However, if attempts by the federal Public Service Commission (PSC) to recruit civil servants for the provincial and local governments is anything to go by, there is a marked disjoint in the manner that the different governments have been functioning. While the newly-elected representatives of the local and provincial governments were eager to formulate laws and policies, the gaps between elections and the delay in federal government formation, meant that there was a gap of nearly nine months from when the local, and the provincial and federal governments were formed. As a result, the federal government failed to keep pace with the local and provincial governments who needed to promulgate new laws, or reform existing ones in order to implement constitutionally stipulated provisions for federalism. There was also an observed reluctance among lawmakers and bureaucrats at the federal level, to let go of powers that historically resided in the capital city. Such a move was often guised under the justification that federal laws needed to be formulated first, and provincial and local laws could only then be formed, ensuring that they remained in harmony with those at the federal level. This proved a bottle-neck on various occasions, and often necessitated the drafting of federal laws and policies in haste, again drawing public ire. Examples include the federal government's decision to amend the Land Reform Act, 1964 and allow landowners to sell off the land in excess to the limit set by the Act, which further tarnished the government’s image. The pressure to initiate and implement timely legal reforms and the lack of public consultation in the process, has led to widespread public opposition. Some, such as the Guthi (Trust) Bill, have resulted in the government needing to withdraw the Bill entirely, while others have been stalled in their development. Civil society actors have also protested efforts by the government to put forward amendments that limit civic freedoms, or have drawn attention to problems within the existing Bills. For instance, in the spring of 2019, victims of the Maoist insurgency and the human rights community urged the government to amend the Transitional Justice Act. Five special UN rapporteurs to Nepal wrote a letter to the government on April 12, seeking transparency in the selection of leadership to the transitional justice commission, and amendment to the Act in line with international standards. The government's attempt to amend the Electronic Transactions Act, 2006 invited protests and demonstrations by Nepali journalists and rights activists. Human Rights Watch, an international rights body, urged the government to stop prosecuting journalists and social media users and limiting their freedom of online expression, issuing a press statement in New York on April 19 and asking the government to review and reform the Act. The central government also issued an Integrity Policy that although purported to promote transparency and good governance, was seen as intended to control CSOs. In response, CSO representatives and civic leaders opposed the policy, resulting in the government removing it from formal consideration. However, there is a discernible propensity in the government to curtail FOE and FOA, either by introducing stringent clauses in existing laws or by formulating new laws like the Media Council Bill that restricts media freedom and independence. At the federal level, ruling and opposition lawmakers express concerns that they are often not consulted during policy-formulation processes, with laws originating out of the Office of the Prime Minister or relevant ministry, without an opportunity for meaningful input. In addition, some draft Bills had been tabled at the parliament without discussion in the relevant parliamentary committees. When Bills are put up for discussion, many parliamentarians do not
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read the clauses of the Bills or are directed by senior leaders of their parties to not comment on the Bills. As a result, civil society leaders are needed to continually keep up their efforts to advocate for wider stakeholder consultation in formulating laws. Political party leaders often agree to stakeholder agendas in private, but do not raise the agreed-upon issues in public forums. Of greater concern, are efforts to keep draft Bills a secret from civil society and media actors, which limits the amount of time to organize consultations on the Bills. In order to shield themselves from criticism, the government officials shift the burden of sharing such draft Bills with civil society, to other entities in the process. Although federal-level policymaking remains challenging for civil society and citizens, lawmakers at the provincial and local level are comparatively more open to stakeholder consultation. However, local officials’ relative lack of knowledge and confidence, limits their ability to formulate effective laws. There is therefore the likelihood for them to follow the lead of their senior leaders at the federal level, by remaining restrictive towards public access and consultations. The provincial governments are also observed to follow the operating model of the federal government. Province 1 has drafted the Social Development Act, 2019, which requires an international non-governmental organization (INGO) to acquire a “prior approval” from provincial authorities before implementing its activities in the province. In a “development dialogue” organized recently by the Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN) with CSOs in the province, the government officials in attendance defended this clause on the basis that a list of INGOs is necessary for coordination in carrying out development work. However, the provision of the “prior approval” in the legislation can be applied differently to restrict or exclude specific INGOs if government personnel are displeased with their work.
While the formation of a two-thirds federal government conveyed a message supporting political stability, it also meant that there was very weak opposition in the federal parliament. As a result, the opposition party, Nepali Congress, has failed to live up to people’s expectations, as it faces its own leadership challenges and internal disputes. Many senior leaders across party lines have been accused of past involvement in many serious cases of corruption. Time and energy have been lost in the inept handling of large-scale alleged corruption cases, like the reported 39 billion rupees worth tax evasion by Ncell, a private telecom operator; public land encroachment by a high-level political leader from the government party; and widely-perceived corruption in the purchase of two wide-body Airbus A330 jets by Nepal Airlines, among others. Context in the Earthquake-affected Districts: As noted above, the inadequate number of government employees is most evident in its effect on local-level public service delivery and public resource use. On the one hand, local governments have not been able to spend their annual development budgets, hampering development work. On the other hand, there are cases of rising arrears at the local level mainly due to lack of accounting knowledge and misappropriation of the budget. On the reconstruction front, after the earthquake in 2015, the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has been reconstructing private houses, government buildings, public infrastructure and heritage sites, among others. As of September 2019, the NRA has supported reconstruction work in 272 local governments in 32 earthquake-affected districts. According to the NRA, by August 30, 2019 it had surveyed 1,036,568 households, of which 816,419 are eligible for housing grants. It had further identified 69,973 beneficiaries for retrofitting their houses, and it signed agreements with 776,888 beneficiaries. By August 30, 2019, a total of
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767,449 beneficiaries received the first tranche of housing grants; 608,058 received the second installment and 498,890 families received the third tranche of grants. However, distribution of the grants to earthquake victims remains sluggish, and public services delivery in other sectors in these districts is not yet satisfactory, in part caused by delays in the formulation of new policies and laws at the federal level. Context in the Western Districts: The delay in formulating new policies and laws at the federal level has resulted in delays in policy and law formulation at the provincial and local levels, since local-level laws must align with federal policies and laws. The impact of the delay is more apparent in the local governments of the western districts. The quality of education has degraded; for instance, governments have not fielded the required number of teachers in public schools in the hills. At the same time, the student-teacher ratio in the plains is skewed and there are more students than the prescribed ratio in the plains. The dearth of government employees has directly affected public service delivery particularly in the health, education and agriculture sectors. The delay in hiring and deploying required staff is also affecting the service delivery. Most the local elected representatives lack the required skill and knowledge to operate the government in the new political context, while at the same time there is a lack of coordination between the local, provincial and federal governments. In addition, the delay in devolving power has created confusion. The local governments are also facing challenges for not being able to attract youth population stay in the country. The increased number of youth moving out of the districts also adds to the crisis in getting capable human resources in the local government functioning. As in the earthquake-affected districts and elsewhere, a large number of local governments in the western districts are unable to spend their development budgets. There are also cases of growing, unsettled accounts due mainly to a lack of knowledge of account-keeping and misappropriation of budgets. Citizens in the least-developed communities have been facing problems in accessing health service and medicines, which are procured late and are often expired by the time they arrive in communities. This has not only deprived citizens of the services and benefits to which they are entitled, also perpetuated malpractice and waste of resources. At the same time, local government officials demonstrate willingness to engage with civil society experts to support the policy-making process. Again, however, local officials’ lack of experience and limited understanding regarding policy formulation creates confusion about due process and roles and responsibilities. Although there have been delays in formulating new policies and laws at the provincial and local levels, civil society leaders and activists have used this time to engage with elected representatives and government officials, paving the way for policy formulation. They are also wary of potential constrictions in civic space, given the power devolved to the local and provincial governments and their tendency to control media.
3. Progress Overview
The following outcomes were achieved as a result of CS:MAP activities during this reporting period:
Objective 1: Strengthened enabling environment for civil society and media
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Result 1.1: Improved legal and policy framework, based on international standards, that leads to better operating environment and strengthened capacity for civil society
● FOA and FOE issues remained a priority of political parties, media, civil society and government officials. Discourse on FOE and FOA has been continued using different platforms and mechanisms. For this, collaboration among major stakeholders including Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and NFN has been strengthened. Additionally, Civil society and media actors timely reviewed of proposed laws and policies and engaged with stakeholders including member of parliament for advocacy and improvement in different level of government.
● A total of 1,172 key stakeholders including policymakers, bureaucrats, politicians, media, and CSO activists were sensitized on gaps and options of improvement on draft laws related to civil society and media through 10 policy briefs3 prepared by CS:MAP. As a result of continued advocacy of civil society and media sectors, all 10 draft policies were put on hold pending further improvements. Policy makers involved in the drafting and promotion of these draft laws have publicly committed to making the necessary changes as per the recommendations from stakeholders.
● A new federal umbrella bill titled Social Organization Act 2019 was reviewed with a GESI lens and interactions and policy dialogue were held between parliamentarians and civil society organizations including media to present/discuss GESI gaps and CSOs’ concerns over the legal framework for Registration, Renewal and Operation of CSOs. Further, CSOs’ recommendations for ensuring GESI integration into the draft Social Organization Bill were handed over to lawmakers. Seventy-eight (female 26) locally elected representatives now understand the basic principles of GESI and Minimum Standards to be observed while developing laws and policies to ensure GESI lens.
● CS:MAP supported three provincial governments to develop civil society- and media- related laws. In addition, the civil society coalition led by CS:MAP coalition lead, NFN and local government associations jointly developed a common position regarding civil society-related policy at the local government level. This includes civil society demands and recommendations with regard to civil society registration and operation. This has been shared with local government associations MuAN and National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal (NARMIN)) and 233 local governments.
● Approximately 200 members of the central and provincial committees of both FNJ and NFN were trained on policy advocacy and civil society engagement. As a result of this improved capacity, both institutions have developed an outline of regulatory framework improvement plan for CSOs and local governments while formulating policy framework for CSOs and media.
3 Bill on Management of Advertisement Regulation 2075; Bill on Management and Regulation of Information Technology 2075; Media Council Bill 2076; Draft Social Organization Act, 2075; Development Cooperation Policy 2075; Bill to amend National Human Rights Commission Act 2068, Media Management and RTI Bill-Province 3; Integrated Mass Communication Bill (Draft)-Gandaki Province; Communication Policy, Broadcasting and draft Press and Publication Bill- Province 5; Broadcasting Bill- Karnali Province
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● More than 2,000 stakeholders have been informed of the OGP concept and principles through a CS:MAP-developed handbook, brochure, interactions, dialogues and meetings. This has provided a basis for civil society and government collaboration to develop and implement OGP principles: transparency, accountability, participation and technological innovation. Thirty-two local government heads have publicly committed to implement these principles in their units.
● Through four interactions, 200 political leaders from four major political parties were sensitized on basic standards of civil society and media-related laws and policies.
Result 1.2: Improved public understanding and confidence in the role of CSOs and media
● In order to improve the public perception and confidence on role and importance of civil society, CS:MAP partners are using new media to engage with their constituencies and to inform actors on their good work. These initiatives are based on the action plans developed in two new media workshops organized by CS:MAP. A new module has been also developed for CSOs through research and an expert consultation.
● Civil society leaders have been able to highlight mutually reinforcing role of CSOs and Media in protecting and promoting the Civil Rights including rights to social and political freedom, equality, non-discrimination, justice and underscored the need to collectively strategize to address shrinking civic space and further, find a common space to come together for constructive engagement and improve public trust and confidence and defend civic space through interface between CSOs and Media.
● Altogether 46 stakeholders including representatives of CSOs, Media, LGBTI community, people with disability, policy makers, students of Social Work and Economics, university professor along with federal assembly members, officers from Department of Women and Children and member of National Planning Commission now understand the gaps and concerns on the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget from GESI perspective.
● Social media monitoring shows that civil society and media-related outreach materials reached approximately 132,684 individuals. Similarly, 1,400 local citizens in CS:MAP districts took part in local fairs, which promoted understanding of civil society's role, and civic engagement and CSOs’ contribution to society. These materials and products can be seen in the office of different civil society organizations, uploaded by different actors in social media and positive comments and complements are posted in the CS:MAP developed pages.
● CS:MAP facilitated and launched nine civil society-led campaigns focused on right to information (RTI), anti-corruption, gender-based violence (GBV), youth and corruption, health, education, local resources and budget and GESI issues. CS:MAP partners at the national and subnational level were able to coordinate and collaborate successfully for these campaigns and to engage with other local and national civil society activities and leaders. This has strengthened the civil society capacity and confidence to design and implement public interest campaigns in a coordinated way. Similarly, these campaigns have raised the awareness of citizens and service providers on the importance of these issues and their role to address those.
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● The CS:MAP civil society coalition lead prepared and shared a civic charter as a binding civil society self-regulation mechanism and roadmap for the future. Both of these documents have been shared with more than 3,500 CSOs.
● A collaboration mechanism between civil society and media actors has been established at federal and provincial level to promote civic participation in the law-making process. Both sectors formally came together to revise proposed provisions in the National Human Rights Commission bill and Media Council bill. This collaboration has also improved the relationship of the civil society and media sectors.
● CS:MAP, in consultation with MOFAGA, has finalized a resource book and drafted a documentary film on civic engagement. Both these products give an overview of the frameworks, tools and approaches for civic engagement in the formulation, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of the programs, policies and laws at the local level.
● CSOs, media, government agencies and other actors have started ongoing discussions on the role and importance of civil society in 34 project districts. CS:MAP partners facilitated 124 local-level interactions in the CS:MAP districts and helped promote understanding of CSOs among citizens. Citizens were able to raise public issues and link their concerns with the role CSOs have played in Nepal’s history and development. The improved public understanding of CSOs has been reflected in CS:MAP’s perception survey of media and CSOs.
Result 1.3: Improved self-regulation of the sector and internal governance of CSOs and media
● National and international civil society working in Nepal came together to promote civil society internal governance and self-regulation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between NFN and AIN to strengthen the enabling environment for civil society and promote its internal governance and self-regulation. AIN has agreed to promote the civic charter and internal governance standards—developed by the civil society coalition lead—through its members’ civil society partners.
● Fifty-six media groups from Kathmandu and different districts have applied the CSO self- assessment toolkit and developed action plans for their institutional improvement. Moreover, the civil society coalition lead has developed a set of minimum standards for CSO internal governance and self-regulation and shared them with more than 3,500 CSOs.
● Civil society in Nepal has initiated the application of a CSO accreditation system as an advanced instrument of self-regulation. A Joint Commitment was signed by 52 civil society actors and a five-member working committee was formed to develop CSO accreditation indicators.
● CS:MAP focused its efforts on organizing discourses and delegation visits to different government authorities, focused on promoting laws that are favorable to civil society and the media. A series of dialogues were organized, policy briefs were prepared and shared, and technical support was provided to civil society partners for constructive advocacy. All CS:MAP national advocacy partners also worked in a coordinated way as coalition
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members. To strengthen the impact and legitimacy of its advocacy initiatives, CS:MAP partners worked with civil society champions from different sectors, such as National Planning Commission members, parliamentarians, academicians, media leaders, and retired senior government officials. As a result provincial governments have asked civil society and media coalitions to support in developing and drafting civil society and media related policies; National Planning Commission has consulted with civil society regarding the next periodic plan and included a chapter about civil society engagement; and media coverage about freedom of association and expression has been increased. Similarly, CS:MAP national partners have shown willingness to engage with national and sub- national governments for policy advocacy processes.
● FNJ and NFN, with support from CS:MAP, participated in developing and adopting self- regulatory mechanisms as a strategy to improve the credibility of civil society and media organizations. FNJ worked on the internal governance of media houses as well as its own restructuring and rolled out its self-assessment toolkit at the national and sub-national level in 50 organizations. NFN formed an expert committee to review the draft standard developed by the civil society coalition, consulted with the wider sector, and developed a set of indicators that may be acceptable to most. NFN collaborated with alliances and networks to promote the standard as a uniform basic guideline and morally-binding document for CSOs across the nation.
● CS:MAP helped to expand citizens’ understanding of civil society and its role through public outreach campaign. CS:MAP partners organized workshops and interactions with the objective of building the capacities of CSOs to use social media to promote and advocate for accountable, legitimate, and resilient civil society. Social media was used to promote understanding of the role of civil society and media. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube were the major social media platforms used for dissemination of information and messages, and for promoting viewers’ engagement on public issue. To expand its reach, CS:MAP branded the campaign with the hashtag #MaNagarikSamaj; and posts and pictures of events and activities have been shared using the hashtag. CSOs increasingly used social media to advance their causes and promote their activities through websites, audio and video products, social media, and occasional press releases.
Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption:
During the reporting period, Nepal continued to implement the federalism with all three levels of government mandated by the 2015 Constitution. This demanded the customization of the existing CSO related laws in federal set up. It also created window of opportunities to make new laws and policies for the CSOs and media to ensure civic space in the changed context. In this backdrop, CS:MAP focused its efforts to organize discourses and visit delegates to different government authorities in advocating CSO and media laws. A series of dialogues were organized, policy briefs were prepared, and shared, and technical support was provided to civil society for constructive advocacy. All CS:MAP national advocacy partners also worked in a coordinated way as members of coalitions. To strengthen the impact and legitimacy of its advocacy initiatives, CS:MAP partners worked with civil society influence champions from different sectors such as NPC members, parliamentarians, academicians, media leaders, and retired senior government officials.
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Similarly, CS:MAP national partners have shown willingness to engage with national and sub-national governments for policy advocacy processes.
While civil society and media is focusing on advocacy to improve legal and policy framework, they are also being asked to improve their own systems and practices internally. It was equally important to encourage the development and implementation of sectoral self- regulation for strengthening and protecting the credibility and legitimacy of both civil society and media. In this context, FNJ and NFN, with the support from CS:MAP, involved in developing and adopting self-regulatory mechanisms as a strategy to improve the credibility of civil society and media organizations. FNJ worked on internal governance of media houses as well as its own restructuring and rolled out its self-assessment toolkit at national and sub-national level in 50 organizations. The civil society coalition lead formed an expert committee to review the draft standard developed by the civil society coalition, consulted with a wider sector, and developed a set of indicators that may be acceptable to wider civil society. NFN collaborated with alliances and networks for making the standard a uniform basic guideline and moral binding document for CSOs across the nation. CS:MAP helped to expand understating of civil society and its role among citizens through public outreach campaign. CS:MAP partners organized workshops and interactions with the objective of building capacities of CSOs to use social media as one of the tools to promote and advocate for accountable, legitimate, and resilient civil society. Social media was used to promote the understanding and role of civil society and media. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube were the major social platforms used for dissemination of information and messages and promote viewers’ engagement on public issue. For increasing effectivity, CS:MAP branded the campaign with the hashtag #MaNagarikSamaj; and posts and pictures of events and activities have been shared using the hashtag. CSOs and media developed stronger relationships in year through CS:MAP initiatives. Similarly, CSOs increasingly used social media to advance their causes and promote their activities through websites, audio and video products, social media, and occasional press releases.
Challenges faced and CS:MAP mitigation measures adapted:
As anticipated in the FY 2019 workplan, the policymaking process was observed to be unpredictable and confidential. Civil society and media actors did not have access to the process, and draft laws were not easily available. To mitigate this challenge, CS:MAP civil society and media coalition leads developed a common position regarding the registration and operation of civil society and media organizations and shared it with different stakeholders, policymakers, and government officials. The common position paper was the basis for advocacy even if the draft laws were not available. In addition, the CS:MAP team and partners organized a series of informal meetings with policymakers to understand the policymaking process and to make them aware of civil society concerns.
The diversity of civil society and media organizations and the contexts that evolved in made it almost impossible to create a single standard, structure or scheme that is relevant for all organizations. To address this challenge, CS:MAP supported civil society and media coalitions to develop civic charters to serve as roadmaps for sectoral improvement. The civil society coalition, in consultation with wider civil society actors, initiated the drafting of specific standards for different organizations. CS:MAP also consulted with AIN to
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enforce self-regulation and internal governance standards among its partners in order to motivate CSOs to adopt the concept of self-regulation in order to receive funding from AIN members. With CS:MAP facilitation, NFN and AIN signed an MOU to collaborate on a joint venture that aims to improve the credibility and image of the civil society sector.
Due to the new government structures described above, citizens, civil society and media representatives and government officials alike were confused about the process for involving civil society and citizens in the democratic process, including public policy development. In response, CS:MAP, in collaboration with MOFAGA, developed a resource book on civic engagement at the federal, provincial, and local levels during public policy processes, planning, and monitoring of public services. This resource book will be shared by MOFAGA with all local and provincial governments and used as a framework for civic engagement. Similarly, CS:MAP has supported MOFAGA in the development of a civic engagement guideline and documentary film. Misperceptions about civil society and the media have motivated actors to formulate restrictive policies, and civil society and media have often failed to provide counternarratives to address these misperceptions. To address this, CS:MAP brought media and CSO representatives together to challenge common misunderstandings between CSO and media. CS:MAP has also supported collaborative approaches to strengthen democracy, governance and human rights to sustain federalism in Nepal. NFN, FNJ and other CS:MAP partners also engaged in dialogue with the National Planning Commission, Social Welfare Council, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizen and Nepal Law Commission to foster better relations between representatives and CSO leaders. Continued dialogue between media and CSO leaders has facilitated understanding between the sectors, countering the traditional media portrayal of CSOs. Due to CS:MAP efforts, local and national media increased their coverage of CSO activities compared to previous years. CS:MAP has also initiated a study on civil society contributions in Nepal. The study has been designed as a historically-informed ethnographic research activity, documenting factors that have enabled good practices and their continuation over time. Objective 2: Improved civil society and media capacity for effective policy advocacy and government engagement
Result 2.1: Strengthened CSO initiatives to coordinate with the Government of Nepal (GON) and to implement constructive advocacy strategies
● Coalition advocacy efforts resulted in the following outcomes: Coordination and synergy among CSO/Health, Education, Agriculture and Disaster Risk Reduction (HEAD) coalitions in the district has been stronger and more vibrant, resulting in 65 joint visits, 148 meetings/interactions/delegations and the submission of 92 request letters, memoranda and position papers by coalition members to municipalities/gaunpalikas, Chief District Officers (CDOs), and District Coordination Committee (DCCs) on priority advocacy issues. Because of this, CSO/HEAD coalitions were successful in resolving 31 advocacy issues this year. The local governments ensured the participatory policy making process so that all relevant stakeholders participated in policy process. Now, beneficiaries are seeking the effective implementation of those polices in respective local governments. Project- supported advocacy contributed to the development of policies related to governance,
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veterinary services, quality education, health, and agriculture services. For example, Gorkha municipality, Gorkha; Triveni gaunpalika, Rolpa; Kapurkot gaunpalika, Salyan; Roshi gaupalika, Kavre, Panchkhaal municipality, Kavre and Triveni gaunpalika, Rukum formulated governance policy, whereas Ghorahi sub-metropolitan city formulated veterinary services policy and sickle cell anemia policy along with a new policy for kamlahari students. Sarumarani gaunpalika, Pyuthan formulated policy related to disaster risk reduction (DRR) funds and Narayan municipality, Dailekh formulated multi- stakeholder operational guidelines. CSO coalition developed draft policy on agriculture in consultation with stakeholders in Suryabinayak and Chagunarayan municipalities in Bhaktapur and submitted to the municipalities for further discussion and adoption. Sanfebagar municipality and Bannegadi gaunpalika, Achham have also developed agricultural policies after wider consultation with stakeholders. These policies are being further discussed in the municipalities.
● As a result of the coalition efforts in Kavre, the District Administration Office (DAO) in Kavre monitored the market and sealed two agrovets for selling banned pesticides to control unregulated and haphazard use of pesticides in vegetables. This action was in response to a CSO coalition’s advocacy regarding the use of pesticides in vegetables, following a discussion of the measures to be adopted to control the use of pesticides and potentially ban some of them from open sale in the local market, as well as its recommendation that the DAO take actions against those selling high-risk and prohibited pesticides.
● Narayan municipality in Dailekh enforced multi-stakeholder social accountability forum guidelines and also allocated 0.1 million rupees for this forum. This is the result of the continuous advocacy of the CSO coalition in Dailekh led by Sundar Nepal Sanstha, a CS:MAP local CSO partner. Similarly, Indreni Rurual Development Center (IRDC) Kapilvastu has submitted a draft public hearing guideline to Vijay Nagar municipality for immediate enforcement. After the submission of the draft guideline, the municipality has organized a public hearing and collected stakeholders’ inputs on the draft. Likewise, Integrated Rural Development Society (IRDS) Arghakhanchi submitted social audit guidelines for Panini gaunpalika which will be enforced in the next quarter.
● The local government in Dang allocated budget funds for citizens with sickle cell anemia. Ghorahi sub-metropolitan city will conduct a blood transfusion service program for people affected by sickle cell anemia and use a total of 1.5 million rupees to provide free blood, health checkups and an awareness raising program. Tulsipur sub-metropolitan city allocated one million rupees for the treatment and awareness of sickle cell anemia and Province 5 advocated for free treatment, awareness raising and a machine needed to address this issue. In addition, Province 5 allocated budget funds for students studying in grades 11 and 12. It has also allocated budget funds to provide scholarship to Tharu students. Likewise, Ghorahi sub metropolitan has taken initial steps to establish a veterinary service center in each ward for effective implementation of veterinary services.
● A total of 353 out of 392 school buildings are constructed in Ramechhap as a result of advocacy efforts facilitated by CS:MAP partner, Human Rights Awareness and Development Center (HURADEC). An additional 12 are under construction. Local stakeholders have declared 40-point commitments to improve education in Manthali municipality and 24 points commitments in Khadadevi gaunpalika, Ramechhap. Currently,
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the declaration is being implemented by stakeholders such as the school management committee, Division Education Office and local government. Similarly, Chhatrakot gaunpalika in Gulmi organized six free health check-up camps for citizens above 40 years of age. CS:MAP partner IRDS was advocating for free health camps for citizens. To date, approximately 4,200 citizens have benefited from free health checkup services.
● CSO coalitions from 34 project districts have raised concerns about the audit arrears in the sub national level. CSO coalitions have collected the audit reports of the relevant municipalities, analyzed the reports and developed memoranda/demand letters/position papers to lobby the DCC and municipalities to settle audit arrears as soon as possible. CSO coalitions have organized district-based interaction, Sajha Sabha, and CSO-media joint action on this issue. After the CSOs’ intervention, the DCC has taken this issue seriously and requested that local municipalities settle the audit arrears as soon as possible. The local government of Nuwakot has requested that CSOs help them reduce the disallowed budget. Similarly, the DCC coordinator of Gorkha, has distributed a circular to 11 local governments instructing them to settle the audit arrears shown in audit reports and enact governance policy, the DCC coordinator of Dailekh and Mayor of Narayan municipality has agreed to address the issue in Dailekh. This issue has covered by more than one hundred print and online media outlets. The local government of Nuwakot has developed plans of action to reduce audit arrears amount that have been shown in audit reports by the Office of the Auditor General. The chair, vice chair and chief administrative officer of Nuwakot have participated in the discussion program jointly organized by Community Development Center (CDC) Nepal and DCC Nuwakot in Bidur and committed to formulating local policies and guidelines for financial transparency and governance. They also acknowledged the Citizen’s Participatory Audit as a tool of SA in their respective municipalities. During discussion, participants agreed to develop and implement a financial manual and basic standards in financial governance at the local level.
● CSO/HEAD coalitions jointly developed advocacy plans and strategies for 102 issues and identified the other 36 advocacy issues at sub national level. Evidence was collected for 100 issues and more than 220 related news articles were published in local and national media to support constructive engagement with the GON on legal and policy frameworks as part of the advocacy efforts pursued by the HEAD network/coalition. Thirty-six new issues4 were identified for advocacy by CS:MAP CSO partners. CS:MAP capacity building efforts helped them identify 20 issues related to formulation of policies and 16 related to enforcement of policies. The issues are related to health, education, agriculture, DRR, and governance.
● Government buy-in and ownership of CS:MAP civic engagement platforms of CS:MAP has increased. A year ago, Triveni gaunpalika in Rukum formed Common Assemblies (CAs) in all wards on its own; they are now operating with technical support from CS:MAP. Likewise, Panauti municipality in Kavre formed its own CA in Ward No. 8. Inspired by the
4 Formulate DRR and climate change resilient plan, fill teacher position in community schools, formulate and enforce participatory monitoring guidelines, formulate municipal-level forest policy, improve seed and seedling distribution to farmers, formulate standards of stone mine and sand depo to control pollution, develop guidelines for PWD-supportive infrastructure, secure settlements fpr flood victims, allocate budgets for targeted communities, ensure land rights (patta) of landholding people (Birtawala), formulate governance policy, develop policy for animal slaughterhouses and safe meat shops, implement health policies, distribute sanitary pads to all girls studying in community schools, establish of Haatbazar, develop policy for road governance, provide identity cards for all persons with disabilities, etc.
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effectiveness of the CS:MAP-initiated CA in Ward No. 1 of the municipality, Ward No. 8 formed a new structure for civic engagement on December 6, 2018. The Gorkha municipality and other local governments of Gorkha have also decided to replicate and expand CAs in all wards so that citizens can discuss public service delivery and public resource use and engage with local governments. As per the commitment made earlier, four Ward offices of Duduwa gaunpalika in Banke also replicated the CA. During the reporting period, citizens discussed local issues and explored possible solutions to public service delivery at 106 Sajhedari Manch and 213 CA meetings.
● CS:MAP partners were recognized for their works in curbing corruption in the districts were selected as members of Citizen Juries formed by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in Kailali, Kanchanpur, Surkhet and Gulmi districts. After the formation, the Juries organized series of interaction program against corruption, broadcast public service announcement through media to strengthen governance and started oversight of development activities at local level. The activities helped in increasing trust of CIAA, increasing citizens solidarity against corruption, ensuring active participation of CSOs for effective governance in districts.
● A total of 53 Sajha Sabha meetings held in project districts provided platforms for disseminating good practices, achievements, and success stories from CA and Sajhedari Manch deliberations. Service providers from across the districts, legislators, civil society representatives, media, and citizens participated in the Sajha Sabha meetings and learned how CS:MAP target municipalities/gaunpalika have worked collaboratively to promote civic engagement, accountability, transparency measures, etc. Sajha Sabha meetings also served as platforms to link local issues/agendas with legislators at the federal and provincial level through awareness-raising activities, advocacy and lobbying.
● The CSO coalition in Gorkha has developed an exemplary practice of ‘rotational chair’ whenever it meets to discuss advocacy issues and agendas. The CSO coalition in Gorkha is comprised of organizations working in diverse sectors, not only limited to health, education, agriculture and DRR. The practice has been that, depending the issue/agenda discussed in the meeting, an organization working in the relevant area chairs the CSO coalition meeting. For an instance, if health issue is being discussed, lead organization that works on health issue in the district will chair the meeting and finalize the agenda in consultation with other CSOs. This practice of chairing CSOs coalition meetings on rotation basis is a new kind of approach for collective efforts and ownership of the issue to be raised for advocacy in the district.
● The role of CSOs has been increasingly recognized by local government. Neelakantha municipality in Dhading sent a request letter to Development Exchange Center (DEC) Nepal and the CSO coalition to support the participatory policy process. Likewise, Gorkha municipality in Gorkha sent a recognition letter to the local CA requesting that it act as an umbrella organization of community based organizations (CBOs) in the Ward where the CA is active. Similarly, Gorkha municipality has requested that CSOs and media formulate a working procedure of the Sajhedari Manch. Likewise, Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan in Banke has asked IHRC to develop policy for open cattle management. Moreover, Tinau gaunpalika in Palpa requested that IRDC conduct public hearings. Duduwa gaunpalika in Banke requested that IHRC provide their expertise to formulate communication policy.
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● Improvements in CSO technical capacity have impacted public perception of civil society and increase demand for civil society services. The third round of Advocacy Readiness Index (ARI) assessments of 14 CSO partners showed an overall increase in their advocacy capacity by 1.95 (from the 0.87 baseline to 2.82 in the 2019 ARI cumulative score). Comprehensive coaching and mentoring efforts provided by ISOs gained momentum with direct technical support to 14 CSOs on 34 different programs districts with 333 person- days (64 days for 19 districts in Q4) spent at the field level. Because of this direct field- level coaching and mentoring support, CSOs were able to implement ARI action plans developed in the second and third round, conduct evidence-based action research and carry out advocacy campaigns, scale up advocacy at the district level and expand involvement of coalition and constituency members in advocacy. Further support was provided to analyze public policies to explore advocacy avenues, audit arrears of local units, etc. Also, the CS:MAP Advocacy Advisor supported CSOs in finalizing issues, collecting evidence, formulating action plan and spearheading advocacy in the districts. The support also resulted in all 14 CSOs initiating discussions to support a robust civil society, forming Sajhedari Manch, and delivering orientations on SA tools at the gaunpalika/municipality level and their applications.
Result 2.2: Improved coalition-building between local and national CSOs, and between CSOs and the media leads to joint actions undertaken on selected policy priorities across sectors
● HEAD coalition meetings have been more regular and frequent because of coordination and synergy among CSOs in the district. Coalitions met 148 times to discuss HEAD advocacy issues, and reviewed and updated advocacy strategies and plans for public service oversight initiatives. During this period, CSO coalitions jointly raised voices for the effective service delivery, development issues, and provided policy formulation support to local government.
● Collaboration between media and CSOs was more vibrant and stronger at the district level. Eighty-six joint actions were taken to engage with local governments to support advocacy on public interest issues and agendas. These joint actions included submission of letters of memorandum, delegations and meetings with local governments to highlight policy and public interest issues. Joint actions have focused on engaging civil society and civic organizations in law-making processes, strengthening collaboration between local governments and CSOs in the district, reinvigorating civil society’s role in democratic governance, and improving public service delivery. CSOs and media have started to collaboratively discuss and formulate joint action plans for positive social change. CSOs and media organizations have formed a CSO network in all CS:MAP project districts. The joint actions helped to address the 33 policy issues addressed in the FY 2019 advocacy cycle. Out of 33 resolved issues, six issues were related to education, 11 were related to governance, 10 were related to health, two were related DRR and three issues were related to agriculture. The participatory policy making process was adopted to formulate above mentioned policies. It helped the local government, media and CSOs to develop trust among each other. Likewise, this process helped to develop capacity of local elected representatives, media and CSOs in formulating policy as per their local context. CSOs and media have developed culture of collaboration and are working together on public issues.
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● Civil society leaders engaged in 101 district-level coalition meetings conducted during the reporting period, which stimulated action by the coalitions and provided common platforms for CSOs to discuss advocacy issues, joint strategies/plans, and public service oversight functions. Representatives at coalition meetings agreed to take joint actions to scale up advocacy efforts and joint actions. HEAD coalitions and media completed 86 joint actions in priority policy areas. For example, one joint action resulted in support for the only blood bank in Pyuthan district, which was running short of funds and facing closure. This issue was raised in a HEAD coalition meeting, and after discussion the HEAD/CSO coalition organized a meeting with local government representatives to advocate for funds to sustain the blood bank. The local governments in Pyuthan district (Mandabi gaunpalika-NRs. 150,000, Sarumarani gaunpalika-NRs. 100,000 and Swargadwari municipality-NRs. 100,000) allocated funds for the blood bank from this fiscal year’s budget, with approval from the village assembly.
● Following CS:MAP’s campaign for proactive disclosure of information on public interest issues, Roshi gaunpalika of Kavre has started sharing information of its activities through a daily radio program. The program, “Roshi Daily Activity” is being broadcast from Radio Roshi every evening from 7:00-7:30 pm. The program is designed to inform and empower citizens/service recipients by providing information related to gaunpalika income, expenditures, new projects, formation of user’s committees, and upcoming events. On a quarterly basis, Radio Roshi also broadcasts live interview with the gaunpalika chairperson during which citizens can ask questions and share grievances with the chairperson related to public service delivery, planning processes, the status of gaunpalika income and expenditures, among other concerns.
● Elected representatives of Narayan municipality, Dailekh, disclosed their assets at a public program organized to mark the 11th Information Day on December 11, 2018. The program was jointly organized by CS:MAP, FNJ and Narayan municipality. The mayor, deputy mayor and eleven ward chairpersons publicly disclosed their assets in the prescribed format. This initiative was the first of its kind across Nepal. Speaking to the importance of such disclosure, Narayan municipality Mayor Ratna Bahadur Khadka said such practices will help improve the public image and integrity of elected representatives.
● Following interactions held in districts, CSOs and media groups identified issues which needed joint action in the policy formulation process. The joint actions were initiated in Dhading, Banke, Kailali, Dadedhura, Kavre, Arghakhanchi, Palpa, Rolpa, Rukum, Salyan, Pyuthan, Gorkha, and Kathmandu. For example, SOCH Nepal conducted a strategic coalition-building meeting between CSOs and the media for initiating joint actions in Gorkha and Kathmandu. They discussed the inadequate allocation of budget funds for target groups, the necessity of establishing a code of conduct to improve education in Kageshori Manahara municipality in Kathmandu, and the need for a governance policy in Gorkha municipality. The group decided to send a memorandum to local government requesting the formulation of a governance act, and an application for a code of conduct to enhance the quality of education to the education unit of Kageshori Manahara municipality. Coalition members finalized the code of conduct and planned to deliver it in the first week of July.
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● CSOs coalition of Dolakha organized a march directed at the Department of Road and Nepal Telecom. The event was initiated in response to the Lamosanghu-Jiri road widening and upgrading project, which took longer and created difficulties for local citizens. It was also organized to highlight problems with Nepal Telecom services, which have long been ineffective in Dolakha. Although CSOs and media have raised these issues in the past, authorities have not responded in a timely manner. To escalate their concerns, CSOs and media representative organized a demonstration and asked for immediate actions. The whistleblowers march was organized in the district headquarter. Political parties, elected representatives of local and provincial government have also shown their solidarity to the CSOs and media in these issues.
● Similarly, the CSO coalition in Gorkha organized a second development discourse in Gorkha headquarters focused on the Budhigandaki hydropower project and delays in compensating households in impacted communities. More than 300 project-affected communities and stakeholders participated in the discourse. The future of the project is uncertain because investment is not ensured yet, and the stakeholders asked the government to provide compensation to the people as soon as possible. Members of parliament, local political leaders and provincial ministers committed to resolving the issue as soon as possible. The victims of the Project expressed their anger and indicated that they might come to Singhadurbar, Kathmandu for a sit-in protest for justice. The event was widely covered by national, district and provincial newspapers, television and radios, which also pressed government to take urgent action. Three local political parties (Nepal Communist Party, Nepali Congress and Samajbadi Party) released a press statement immediately after the event to address the issue. They asked government and cabinet leaders to either provide the compensation or let the residents own the land. After the program, the Minister for Energy committed to resolve the issues as a high priority. As a result of these activities, the affected communities’ challenges have been elevated from the district to the federal level. If the government delays its action , local CSOs are now organized to create further pressure in resolving this issue.
● The CSO coalition of Dhading also initiated development discourses focused on contemporary issues in Dhading district. Coalition members have organized a first discourse covering various development issues. The participants have lobbied local, provincial and federal government to address the problems of drainage, drinking water, compensation for lost crops damaged by wild animals, compensation for harm suffered due to the Budhigandaki hydropower project etc.
● Local and national CSOs have been jointly advocating for compensation of citizens for the destruction of agricultural crops by wild animals. This issue has been raised by the CAs of Kavre and Bhaktapur. After a series of discussion in the CAs and HEAD/CSO coalitions, the National Farmers Group Federation arranged national debates. Now, local governments in different districts have been formulating policies to compensate citizens for damages caused by wild animals.
● The CSO coalition of Sindhupalchowk, along with CS:MAP partner Samudayik Sarathi, is advocating to demand the waiving of royalty fees for land that has been acquired by GON for the rural road, and Parliament is now discussing the issue. Members of parliament have
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raised this issue in Parliament and asked the federal government to take this issue seriously. Now, the Ministry of Land has begun collecting country-wide data on the land.
Result 2.3: Improved CSO and media capacity to conduct participatory and evidence- based research on issues, policy, and enforcement to benefit marginalized groups
● CS:MAP partner EAI provided technical assistance on Participatory and Evidence-based Action Research (PEAR) for CS:MAP ISOs Measures for Intervention Training Research and Action Samaj (MITRA Samaj), Nepal Participatory Action Network (NEPAN), and Nepal National Social Welfare Association (NNSWA). ISO support helped complete research on 100 of the 113 issues identified for local-level advocacy in Year 4; research on the other issues is ongoing. The evidence generated from these research efforts was utilized by CSOs in their ongoing advocacy efforts. A total of 100 PEAR reports have been used in advocacy in FY 2019, and an additional 52 have been submitted by Community Action Researchers (CARs) and CSOs. The reports are credible tools for lobbying and advocating with local authorities. They cover the background of an issue, policy provisions, policy gaps, and the scope of advocacy. Analysis of the reports shows that 39 percent of PEAR issues are related to effective implementation of policies and 61 percent are related to formulation of policies. Issues pertain to health, education, agriculture, DRR and governance, as well as GESI.
● In FY 2019, 220 articles related to health, education, DRR, agriculture, and governance have been published in different online and print media outlets. Partner CSOs are engaged in writing their cases through MeroReport and other media. Partners have realized the importance of media mobilization and published materials, which can be used as evidence for advocacy.
● Dalit rights activists from Province 5, Karnali and Sudurpaschim have reviewed and reflected on their social movement organized by NNSWA in Surkhet. They have developed a one-year plan of action to ensure their rights during the policy-making process at the local/provincial level. In Q4, they concluded that their advocacy efforts must be strengthened in the days to come and have developed plans to intervene in the policy process of local and provincial governments. The same group also participated in the federal discussion on Dalit rights organized by Samata Foundation in Kathmandu. The provincial Dalit network is lobbying for the formulation of the Dalits Empowerment Act in all provinces. Likewise, they are advocating for the formulation of policy/guidelines to ensure Dalit rights at the local level.
● CS:MAP CSO partner IHRC has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on management of open cattle movement, especially cows, oxen and other road wandering animals. The RTI was used at all local levels of Banke and Bardiya. And, IHRC filed a case in the court against the responsible authorities, and the court ordered the authorities to manage open cattle movement. This issue has been elevated to the national level and IHRC, in coordination with RTI activists, is now sending letters to the related local governments asking for details on their efforts to comply with the court order regarding open cattle management. IHRC has filed eight PILs on staff fulfillment in Bardiya Hospital, environmental safeguards during road construction, relief distribution, effective communication, etc.
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● Continued mentoring support to the 55 journalists selected from Advocacy, Monitoring and Oversight (AMO) and Investigative Journalism (IJ) training participants yielded at least 509 blog posts in MeroReport on public interest issues, HEAD thematic areas and policy gaps, with a focus on the issues of marginalized groups. In addition, the journalists have published over 77 articles in various local and national media outlets, both online and in print form. CS:MAP also strengthened the linkage between the trained journalists and CSOs by supporting collaboration, such as journalist participation in the CSOs' activities and efforts to address common issues raised by both through their research. To achieve this, CSOs invited the journalists to their meetings and other activities in the community.
● A week-long study visit for 11 journalists built their capacity to conduct in-depth investigative reporting. The journalists published 34 stories with a focus on issues of marginalized groups in the areas of public accountability, GESI, utilization of public resources and other related issues.
Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption:
In order to link local-level discussions directly with decision makers, CS:MAP established a new structure, Sajhedari Manch, headed by the mayor/chair of local units. As anticipated in the Year 4 workplan, local-level elected officials remain engaged and open to participation in working groups, CAs and Sajhedari Manch facilitated by CS:MAP CSO partners. Engagement of local-level elected bodies improved discussion of local-level issues and supported both instant decisions and policy-level decision. CAs and Sajhedari Manch also helped to build relationships between the public and local government authorities. This was helpful in increasing the effectiveness of CA efforts to mitigate local issues and to replicate efforts in other wards. Rather than using trainings and workshops with a “one size fits all” principle, CS:MAP implemented individualized capacity-building for partners based on their current needs and strengths. FHI 360 and EAI built ISOs’ technical and organizational capacity continuously, which helped ISOs provide training, mentoring/coaching and technical support to local CSOs to strengthen their advocacy strategies and identify issues and action plans for effective advocacy. To improve CSOs’ capacity to conduct participatory and evidence-based policy advocacy, CS:MAP conducted a training for district program officers and CARs on evidence- based research in selected thematic areas/issues. ISOs provided support on research tools, techniques and development of forms and formats for Key Informants Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) in response to identified issues. The coordination and collaboration meetings among the CS:MAP team and ISOs proved to be useful in terms of assessing the progress and identifying the challenges of PEAR-related activities. They also helped in better tracking how evidence collected from the PEAR activities has contributed to ongoing advocacy efforts. Regular follow-up with CARs through social media and telephone calls supported the mentoring provided by ISOs and EAI. The continuous mentoring, and facilitation of linkages between partner CSOs and journalists based in the same districts, led to joint advocacy efforts and regular participation by journalists in community mobilization activities organized by the CSOs. Increased use of evidence from PEAR reports, along with the investigative reports published by the trained journalists, is evidence of improved collaboration among the CSOs, media journalists, and other stakeholders in the districts for joint advocacy.
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The local civil society champions identified in each district were helpful in regularizing district- level interactions and promoting civil society’s role in the changed context. This will support more vibrant civic engagement with local and provincial government at the district level. And, the CS:MAP engagement strategy for HEAD coalitions helped to widen understanding on advocacy efforts and the need for joints actions and encouraged coalitions to explore coordination for advocacy on policy priorities.
As anticipated in the annual work plan, coalition building and joint actions (between national and local actors as well as between CSOs and the media) were challenging. CS:MAP partners engaged proactively with CSOs, HEAD networks, and civil society champions to overcome these challenges. CS:MAP provided orientations and strategic inputs and conducted meetings with ISOs to scale up mentoring and coaching of CSOs in this regard. Challenges faced and CS:MAP mitigation measures adapted: Throughout the life of the project, CS:MAP has anticipated challenges in coordinating different actors at the local level. During the reporting period, CS:MAP faced a challenge in managing potential political biases of elected representatives and their impact on Sajhedari Manch. In response, CS:MAP worked with CSO partners to engage all members from the beginning and encouraged civil society members play a neutral role. Working with district-level HEAD coalitions to secure their support and cooperation on their efforts to engage governments and provide oversight of public services was challenging, as the coalition members have limited advocacy capacity, time for participating in coalition meetings, frequent changes in representative from the same CSO, varying levels of buy-in for advocacy efforts, and different focuses and priorities. And, most members are more likely to present their own interests rather than emphasize public services delivery and resources uses. To mitigate these challenges, CSO partners are visiting coalition members individually, sharing CS:MAP priorities and the importance of joint oversight on public services delivery and resources use. CSO partners also share the meeting agendas in advance, focus on specific issues, and provide orientation on public service entitlements to coalition members. After several rounds of discussion with ISOs and CSO partners, CS:MAP decided to use mentoring and coaching as the main vehicles for CSO support. It is a continued challenge to synchronize the work plan between different ISOs as well as between ISO and CSOs. To mitigate this, the CS:MAP team started a monthly meeting with ISOs, and is now providing continuous guidance for CSOs’ scopes of work and conducting joint visits with ISOs. This has helped to synchronize partner priorities and ensure appropriate support to CSOs. Another challenge lies in ensuring sustained coordination and collaboration on matters of public interest between CSOs, local media, and other stakeholders. CS:MAP has started to conduct joint meetings and regular interactions between district-based actors, including local radio program producers, community reporters, trained media professionals, and CSO representatives where the importance of coordinated efforts is repeatedly reinforced, and actors are encouraged to work as one team. This strategy has already proven effective as witnessed after the recent refresher training of local radio program producers. The producers invited CSO representatives to their Content Advisory Group (CAG) meetings, Critical Listening Feedback Sessions (CLFSs), jointly planned the “outdoor” discussion segments for their upcoming Sajha Boli radio episodes, and visited the Listening, Discussion and Action Groups (LDAGs)
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together. Similarly, the key issues identified by the CSOs for local-level advocacy purpose have been reported by trained media professionals. CS:MAP has also confronted the challenge of encouraging institutional ownership of advocacy issues by CSO partners. To mitigate this challenge, CS:MAP added an advocacy expert to the team, increased the frequency of joint visits to program districts and continuously oriented the board members of CSO partners in the districts about the need for leadership in advancing advocacy issues. While the trained journalists were active in publishing information about their local issues, the CS:MAP team realized that, in addition to the distance mentoring, integrated efforts among media and CSOs are required for effective results. While there have been initiations of joint advocacy efforts among trained journalists and CSOs in some districts, there is need to scale such collaboration at a higher level. Furthermore, more dialogues around the advocacy issues should be initiated by widely publishing the reports based on the research conducted by CSOs and the trained journalists supporting MeroReport and other platforms. It is also important that CSOs learn from each others’ activities by sharing information about their own activities and also by reading about other CSOs' activities. Though MeroReport has provided a platform for such cross-learning, discussion among the CSOs on this aspect has not really taken place. EAI will continue to encourage such cross-learning behaviors among the CSOs in FY 2020.
CSO-media joint action is an innovative approach in policy advocacy in project districts. This approach is institutionalizing through collaboration and partnership. It is creating space to CSOs and media in local planning and policy process and also built trust among district based stakeholders. Regular coaching and mentoring tools to enhance capacity of district based CSOs is being effective to develop advocacy capacity, oversight of public service and public resources and participatory policy making process. CS:MAP partners are getting support through direct and indirect means. Different tools and techniques including internet is used to provide coaching and mentoring support. CS:MAP mobilized CAR to collect, analyze and present evidences through PEAR. The concept of PEAR is very important in advocacy. Hence, the limited incentives and limited capacity of CAR needs further review for its effective use and outcomes.
Objective 3: More coordinated and effective civil society and media oversight of public resource use and public service delivery
Result 3.1: Improved capacity of local CSOs, media, and community-based organizations to monitor and report on cross-sectoral public service delivery, based on common standards applicable to each sector
● The GGB was successfully implemented in seven gaunpalika of Gulmi, Sindhuplachowk, Rukum and Kapilvastu districts. The GGB has generated positive results by improving delivery of public services and increased accountability of service providers. Implementation of GGB action plan at Simrutu health post of Triveni gaunpalika in Rukum district improved the delivery of health services. It has made its birthing center operational with improved facilities by making staff and free medicines available all the time in coordination with the local government. Due to improved service delivery mechanisms, there is an increase of 25 percent in the number of pregnant women seeking prenatal
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services from the health post. The health post has also constructed disable-friendly structure so that PWDs now have easy access to services.
● Gulmidurbar gaunpalika in Gulmi district developed the 2018 Education Policy, including a provision for performance assessments of head teachers. Kavre Pokhari Secondary School and Mahakali Secondary School in Gulmi district posted complaint redressal mechanisms and designated nodal officers. They have set up age-wise seating arrangements for the students and redecorated classrooms with pictures and photos for students of pre- primary levels. Accountability of teachers has increased because of their timely arrival and departures from the schools, which has led to an improved teaching and learning environments in the schools.
● Timely arrival and departures of teachers in community schools of Tripurasundari and Sunkoshi gaunpalika of Sindhupalchowk district has improved. Installation of electric thumb machines in six community schools has made teachers and staff. Similarly, schools have started giving extra time and attention to low-performing students as agreed in the action plan. These schools are also conducting regular interactions with parents and students to get feedback on students’ achievements, and has endorsed a code of conduct for both teachers and students.
● Patariya health post in Suddhodhan gaunpalika has started delivering services from its newly-constructed building as agreed in its GGB action plan. The availability of 35 types of free medicines and staff attendance has improved in the health post. The number of citizens seeking services from the health post has increased due to improved health post services. And, the yearly plan has been developed and the health management committee has started monitoring the health post regularly. As agreed in the GGB action plan, the health post has initiated the process of seeking approval to operate a birthing center. ● As a result of continual EAI efforts, the MeroReport platform is increasingly used by CS:MAP stakeholders for sharing and learning about civil society and media oversight of public resource use and public service delivery. This growth is noticeable in both the number of articles posted and the diversity and quality of content. In FY 2019, a total of 2,062 blog articles were posted, an increase of almost 50 percent from Year 3. Of these, Community Reporters (CRs) posted 1,206 articles, CSO representatives posted 276, trained journalists posted 509, and CARs posted 30 blog articles. These blog articles covered issues of public interest and concern, mostly related to the needs and perspectives of marginalized groups. In addition, 300 articles were related to health, 210 focused on GESI, 192 on education, 202 on agriculture, 105 on DRR, and 70 were related to youth issues. The growth in the number and quality of blog articles posted by CS:MAP stakeholders demonstrated a crucial improvement in consistent monitoring and reporting on cross-sectorial public service delivery. EAI closely supported contributors through guidance to improve research and writing skills. Result 3.2: Improved bottom-up coordination among community, district, and national formal and informal CSOs engaged in public service oversight
● Public service oversight checklists/indicators were developed by CS:MAP in consultation with subject matter experts. HEAD/CSO coalitions or networks in districts were engaged in public service oversight processes. Orientation to HEAD/CSO coalitions on these
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checklists/indicators of oversight equipped them with knowledge and skills to carry out oversight functions in health posts and community schools. Using the knowledge, they have conducted 79 public service oversights. ● CSO/HEAD coalitions carried out 79 public service oversight initiatives in the health and education sectors. Of these, 39 were conducted in health posts and 40 in community schools. Oversight findings showed that a majority of health posts provided only a few of the required 35 free medicines; most did not have full staff and were operating with inadequate infrastructure (e.g., buildings) and equipment. They also did not have separate rooms for treating communicable diseases, lacked structures accessible to the disabled, and lacked privacy in treating female patients. Health posts opened late in the morning and closed earlier than 2PM. Health posts did not have specific awareness-building programs for women, the elderly, the disabled, Dalits, and other marginalized communities and groups. Oversight activities carried out by HEAD coalitions in the ten community schools found that most did not have seating arrangements organized by age, parents’/teachers’ meetings were not regular, textbooks were not distributed on time, distribution of scholarships was not transparent, details such as the list of scholarship recipients was not posted on the notice board, a complaint box was not kept in schools, and schools did not make sanitary pads available to students having periods. (An overview of the findings is provided under Section 4.2 Activity 3.2.3.) ● Civil society champions (local influencers) led 119 civil society interactions in the districts. This added “local voice” to these civic discussions. This approach has contributed to deepen the knowledge of local influencers on certain public interest issues and reintroduced the dialogue about a vibrant civil society at the sub-national level. The issues these interactions focused on were related to CSOs’ engagement in legislative processes at the local level, OGP, civic oversight in democratic processes, local government and civil society collaboration, the role of civil society in democratic governance, civil society challenges in the new federal context and reinvigorating civic space in the changing context of Nepal, among others. These conversations helped CSOs understand their role of ‘civic vigilance’ in strengthening democratic governance. Kapurkot gaunpalika in Salyan district approached CSO experts for their technical support in developing agriculture policy, Bafikot, Musikot and Triveni gaunpalika in Rukum approached CSO for expert inputs in drafting governance policies, Roshi gaunpalika and Panchkhal municipality in Kavre sought technical support in developing governance and alcohol management policies after district level discussions. These discussions also improved collaboration and partnerships between local governments, civil society and other stakeholders by bringing diverse actors together for discussion of public interest and policy issues. These discussions also helped CSOs in districts to engage, educate and empower each other to strengthen collaboration among actors and organizations to protect civic space and improve democratic governance and oversight at the sub-national level. ● Civil society and media collectively took 86 joint actions to follow up on issues discussed in the above-mentioned civil society interactions. Joint actions include submission of letters of memoranda, delegations and meetings with local governments on public interest issues. Civil society organizations in Pyuthan submitted a letter of memorandum to local governments requesting quarterly disclosure of revenue details to citizens. The HEAD coalition in Pyuthan successfully lobbied local governments to funding a blood bank in the district. Similarly, CSOs in Salyan submitted a letter of memorandum to the Minister for
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Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperative in Karnali Province to expedite agro- insurance and distribution of identity cards to farmers. DEC Nepal along with NFN and media representatives submitted a memorandum to the provincial government to ensure citizen participation in provincial and local-level policy formulation processes. They also submitted a similar letter to local governments demanding public participation in the local- level policymaking process. Result 3.3: Improved citizen awareness and use of available GON social accountability mechanisms
● Seventy one orientations were delivered citizens and elected representatives (chairs/vice- chairs, mayors/deputy mayors and ward chairpersons) from gaunpalika/municipalities on the legal provisions for select SA mechanisms: Public Hearing Guidelines-2067, Public Audit Guidelines-2067, Social Audit Guidelines-2067, Right to Information Act-2064 and Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act-2064.
● RTI requests filed by CSOs with various local governments in Banke and Bardiya district sought information on service provision implementation statuses and how governments are providing designated services to citizens. The Banke District Court, in response to the PIL, asked Bardiya District Hospital to maintain doctors as per the approved quota to ensure that every citizen enjoys his/her fundamental right to receive basic health services. To support local government’s compliance with proactive disclosure provisions, an RTI proactive disclosure template was developed and circulated among local governments. ● CS:MAP’s efforts to educate citizens and elected representatives on the use of SA tools produced positive results – for example, through the increase in public hearings conducted by local governments. Seventy six local governments in CS:MAP districts sought CSOs’ technical support in organizing public hearings. This indicates increased collaboration and trust between CS:MAP partners and local governments. Barhabise municipality in Siddhupalchowk district also conducted a public hearing. CS:MAP partner Samudayik Sarathi provided technical support to the municipality in organizing the public hearing. Likewise, Panchkhal municipality in Kavre also conducted a public hearing on January 17, 2019. Additionally, Sailung gaunpalika in Dolakha district organized public hearings with technical support from CS:MAP. The public hearing ended up with a three-point public declaration. And, Khadadevi gaunpalika, Manthali municipality, Sunapati gaunpalika 1, and Umakunda gaunpalika in Ramechhap district organized public hearings with support from CS:MAP local partner. Three ward offices of Ghorahi sub-metropolis in Dang conducted public hearings with technical support from CS:MAP partner. This also indicates that local governments are showing interest in conducting public hearings, which serve as platforms for engagement between government and citizens. Issues discussed in these public hearings ranged from implementation of projects at the community level to public service delivery in the health, education and agriculture sectors, among others. These events were attended by representatives from local governments, media, civil society, academia, citizens, among others. ● Twelve CS:MAP partners conducted institutional social audits this year, which has lent credibility and increased mutual accountability among CSOs and government agencies in target districts. IRDC in Kapilvastu, Society for Humanism (SOCH) Nepal in Kathmandu, Samudayik Sarathi in Kathmandu, Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal
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(IHRICON) in Lalitpur, DEC Nepal in Dhading, Sundar Nepal in Surkhet, Human Rights Protection and Legal Service Center (HRPLSC) in Rukum, Sanjeevani Nepal in Kanchanpur, and CDC Nepal in Nuwakot, among others, organized social audits this year. Administrative and program details such as targets versus achievements, and financial details including a list of projects being implemented by the partners, were presented to multi-stakeholder groups including representatives from government offices, local governments, media, CSOs and beneficiaries, among others. ● CS:MAP partners IRDS in Gulmi and HURADEC in Ramechhap, among others, provided technical support to health posts in organizing their social audits. Twelve health posts sought technical assistance from CSOs in facilitating social audits this year. The highest number of social audits were organized in Gulmi with support from IRDS. Health posts approaching IRDS for technical support include Simichaur and Paramali health posts of Resunga municipality, Hastichour, Doholi, Daralamchaur and Isma health posts of Isma gaunpalika, Ridi primary health center, Thanpati, Gwadi and Rimuwa health posts of Ruru gaunpaliaka. Similarly, Limbha, Bharse, Thololumpek and Ashlewa health posts of Satyawati gaunpalika, and Huga and Pallikot health posts of Chhatrakot gaunpalika. After preparing an initial report, findings were discussed with wider stakeholders at the district level to solicit their feedback before submitting the final report to the respective health posts and local governments. With the feedback from civil society, action plans were also developed to bridge gaps in service delivery. The stakeholders emphasized that local government and respective health posts should be responsible and accountable for effective implementation of the action plans of the social audits. ● CS:MAP partners conducted 50 Public expenditures tracking (system)-PETS on distribution of scholarship funds in community schools. Samudayik Sarathi conducted PETS in Kavre and Sindhupalchowk districts. PETS were also conducted by DEC Nepal in Dhading, IHRICON in Bhaktapur, Sundar Nepal in Jajarkot and Surkhet, Media for Development and Social Change (FMDC) in Kailali, , Achham and Doti, Rural Women Development Center (RWDC) in Dang (Annex 2), and CDC Nepal in Nuwakot and Rasuwa, SOCH Nepal in Gorkha, DEC Nepal in Makwanpur, IHRICON in Bhaktapur, Sundar Nepal in Jajarkot and Surkhet, among others. The findings showed that protracted delay in distribution of scholarship amounts, scholarship fund was found distributed proportionately to entire eligible students and list of scholarship recipients not posted on the notice boards. CSOs have shared the findings with division chiefs of municipalities/gaunpalika. After dissemination of findings, community schools have started distributing scholarships to students on time. Some schools promised to resolve this issue from the next fiscal year when it comes to distributing scholarships. ● CSOs conducted 45 community score cards (CSCs) in health posts. These CSCs served as platforms for service providers and citizens at the community level to identify gaps, explore constraints qualitatively, jointly discuss issues in public service delivery, and resolve them amicably through formulation of action plans. RWDC conducted a CSC at Saundiyar health post of Ward no.7 under Ghorahi sub-metropolis and developed action plans to improve services. Sundar Nepal Sanstha implemented CSC in Bheriganga health post, and used the results to improve accountability and public service delivery of the health post. Similarly, SOCH Nepal implemented CSC with Prapcha health post in Molung gaunpalika in Okhaldhunga, among others. Steps used in the CSC included preparation of an input tracking matrix, self-evaluation score cards, performance score cards and face-to-face
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meetings, followed by action plan development. Please refer to Annex 3 for the details about the CSC conducted in Dovan Health Post, Palpa. Findings showed a lack of a separate room for family planning counseling and immunization, unfriendly behavior of the staff, lack of a room for the village clinic, ineffective waste disposal system, lack of display of a citizen charter in visible place, lack of stretchers for carrying patients, lack of awareness programs in schools, lack of women-friendly toilets, lack of training for female community health volunteers including no regular supply of water. A monitoring committee consisting of health post representatives and community people was put in place which is regularly monitoring the implementation of action plans. ● Two hundred and eighty-six Sajha Boli episodes (26 central and 260 local productions) were produced and broadcasted 2,054 times (1,040 times central and 1,014 times local). This includes 44 outdoor productions (four central and 40 local). Likewise, 44 CAG meetings (four for central productions and 40 for local productions) were held in Year 4, bringing together 561 participants. ● Twelve episodes of the Saathi Sanga Maanka Kura (SSMK) radio programs were produced and broadcast this year to encourage young people to take an interest in local governance and utilize SA tools. ● A total of 13,207 callers provided feedback to CS:MAP radio program episodes (12,482 to the Sajha Boli radio episodes and 725 to the SSMK radio episodes). The feedback was received from radio program listeners via an IVR system, as well as through direct feedback collected by CRs and CS:MAP team members during their field visits. The feedback demonstrated an increased awareness among the listeners of the issues raised by the radio episodes, including local-level planning processes, SA tools, public service oversight, and public resources’ utilization, among others. A total of 44 outdoor discussions conducted by the radio production team provided a platform for engagement of multiple stakeholders at the community level on priority local issues. ● A total of 104 PSAs produced in this reporting period provided information on local-level plan implementation and civic oversight. These PSAs were broadcast 16,640 times through 10 radio production partners and two broadcast partners. These PSAs were produced in nine different languages and dialects (Nepali, Magar, Newari, Awadhi, Tamang, Chepang, Sherpa, Tharu and Doteli) and were broadcast for at least 16 times a day for 10 days in each Quarter. The PSAs were also disseminated through IVR, MeroReport and the Sajha Boli radio episodes. As demonstrated by the PSA assessments conducted this year, over 95 percent of the respondents stated that they clearly understood the messages in the PSAs, and also found them useful in their context. Likewise, the respondents also said they were willing to share the message among others in their community. ● Continuing their active role in public service oversight, the CS:MAP LDAGs engaged in various activities ranging from promotion of use of SA mechanisms, participation in the Local-Level Planning Process (LLPP), and participation in local advocacy efforts led by CSOs. EAI’s regular assessment of LDAGs’ performance helped ensure that such engagement was robust. Based on the assessment, LDAGs were either provided with additional support or, in some cases, reconstituted. Likewise, as necessitated by assessment findings and through collaboration with CSOs, EAI conducted a training for 46 LDAG facilitators to improve their group facilitation and community mobilization skills.
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Result 3.4: Improved citizen engagement in media and information and communications technology (ICT) tools to strengthen public participation and oversight
● Eleven workshops on “ICT and Data for Advocacy” were organized in different districts to build CSO partner capacity in using ICT and data in governance. These workshops provided insights into how data can be visualized to serve as advocacy evidence and oversight using ICT. Participants were also trained on the use of ICT as a tool for advocacy and oversight. After the workshop in Nuwakot, participants opened a Facebook page entitled NAGARIK SAMBAD. Participants in Sindhuli opened an advocacy Facebook page entitled HAMRO SWASTHYA. ● Thirty-four orientations were organized on Sajha Sabha Apps to citizens (CA, Sajhedari Manch, and LDAG, among others) to enable them to use applications to file complaints and seek information on public services from local governments. This has led to increasing number of citizens raising service delivery issues through the Apps. Till now, citizens have raised 546 issues. Out of these, 38 issues were related to health, 16 related to agriculture, 18 related to DRR, 30 related to education, 31 related to others and remaining 413 issues were not categorized yet. Of these issues, 20 were resolved and 63 issues were forwarded to the concerned departments/offices while remaining issues are in redressal process. ● A total of 5,679 participants participated in the SMS My Voice (SMV) campaign this year and were encouraged to actively participate in the LLPP for budget advocacy and promote anti-corruption action through the use of SA tools such as RTI and public audits. The campaign was promoted through multiple information and communication technology (ICT) channels including the Sajha Boli and SSMK radio series, Facebook pages, and the MeroReport platform. Through campaign IVR, SMS and social media, people shared stories of their engagement with local government, highlighting how they participated in their community to strengthen public service oversight. In addition, the campaign promotion activities provided a platform for open discussion and sharing among the local representatives, CSOs and the community members. ● As a result of training received, more than 350 photographs were captured by CRs this year reflecting successes, gaps and challenges in public resource use and public service delivery and oversight in CS:MAP districts. A photo exhibition was held in Kathmandu in September 2019 to serve as visual evidence of the status of public resource use or public service delivery at the local government level. The exhibition showcased over 100 photographs selected from among those captured by the CRs this year and in previous years. ● The MeroReport platform witnessed a significant growth in citizen engagement this year with over 83,613 page views, which is 67 percent higher than that of the previous year. The platform now has 2,224 members, and despite the lack of interactive online discussions, the number of page views demonstrates that large numbers are either browsing through or reading articles that have been posted – a significant first step towards establishing digital oversight of public resource use and public service oversight.
Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption:
As mentioned in the annual work plan, CS:MAP partners adopted a strategic approach to the collaborative and participatory method of using SA tools which really worked and proved
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effective. The approach proved instrumental in gaining the confidence and support of local governments and allayed their fears that these tools were meant to provoke people against them. Elected representatives of local governments were consulted during the process of issue selection and during different phases of implementing the SA tools, including the GGB and PETS. CS:MAP local CSO partners, with the support of ISOs at the local level, helped the actors understand the value of collaboration. This approach and the technical support of CS:MAP partners in organizing public hearings gained the confidence of local governments and helped the process move smoothly ahead. The second strategic approach outlined in the work plan worked well in designing and implementing project activities through a consultative process. For instance, the development of checklists/indicators for public services oversight and orienting the HEAD/CSO coalitions on these checklists generated more confidence among coalition members in conducting advocacy on public interest issues and oversight of public service delivery. Increased frequency of HEAD/CSO coalition meetings and evidence generated by CARs helped them feel better equipped. Bringing up issues from CA meetings for discussion at HEAD coordination meetings supported linkages with the local level and helped bring local issues to district-level attention for resolution collectively. CS:MAP local CSO partners, with the support of ISOs at the local level, helped the actors understand the value of collaboration. The citizen-government engagement mechanisms such as CAs, Sajhedari Manch, and GGB workshops helped stakeholders own the process and welcome the use of SA tools. Challenges faced and CS:MAP mitigation measures adapted:
CS:MAP partners consulted with local governments and stakeholders from the beginning while selecting issues and were engaged adequately to create ownership and promote government “buy in” of the process. As a mitigating measure, CS:MAP oriented CSO partners to engage local governments in each step while implementing SA tools. This strategic approach worked well in in developing a common understanding that SA tools foster collaborative governance. As a result, many local governments sought CSO partners’ technical support in facilitating public hearings, and health posts likewise engaged them to conduct social audits. CS:MAP anticipated that engaging HEAD coalitions in advocacy and oversight efforts at the district level could be a challenge since these CSO members have their own interests and priorities. CS:MAP increased the frequency of coordination meetings and consultations to meet this challenge. Collaboration was initiated beginning with the selection of an advocacy issue to collection of evidence through CARs and included seeking concurrence from HEAD coalition members to use the evidence for advocacy and oversight activities collectively. CS:MAP partners’ support and collaboration at each and every step in identifying issues, developing action plans, and implementing plans worked well as mitigation measures in making advocacy efforts effective, with buy in from CSO/HEAD coalitions. Objective 4: Strengthen organizational capacity and sustainability of CSOs working in USAID priority sectors to advance local solutions
Result 4.1: Improved institutional governance of selected CSOs and media organizations
● CS:MAP ISOs NEPAN, MITRA Samaj, and NNSWA provided coaching and mentoring support in each quarter to 14 CSOs focusing on implementing OCA Institutional Improvement Plans (IIPs) prepared in the second-round assessment. Coaching and
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mentoring enabled CSOs to implement the plans with technical skills and support from ISOs. In addition, ISOs provided distance support through emails, phone calls and sharing of templates and other resources which guided CSOs to achieve their IIPs. Coaching, mentoring and distance support through CS:MAP and ISO partners enabled CSOs on reviewing organizations’ operation plans, prepare and implement the procurement plan, assessing the board’s capacity for succession planning, institutionalizing internal audits, evaluating annual staff performance, assessing training needs for staff development, documenting the general assembly, and institutionalizing social audits. A total of four rounds of coaching, mentoring and follow-up visits were completed by the ISOs (64 days for 19 districts in Q4), primarily focused on OCA-IIP and ARI capacity building plans prepared during third-round assessments. For more information on the frequency of CSO visits, please refer to Result 2.1. ● A three-day training on Governance and Leadership conducted in Q1 strengthened the capacity of 26 board members and senior staff of 14 CSOs in the area of institutional governance. A two-day refresher training for ISOs held in Q2 was helpful in preparing ISOs to conduct the third round of OCAs for 14 CSOs. In addition, ISOs’ expertise and technical knowledge related to the ARI and OCA has been sought by international non-governmental organizations in Nepal and beyond. Ipas, a non-governmental organization working in Nepal. approached MITRA Samaj to request technical support on the ARI in order to implement ARI with partners to strengthen their advocacy efforts. Similarly, World Neighbors, an INGO working in Bihar, approached MITRA Samaj for help in conducting the OCA to their partner organizations working in Bihar. These requests indicate that CS:MAP’s institutional capacity assessment tools are being recognized and sought after beyond project partners, which contributes to project sustainability. ● With the help of capacity building support from ISOs, the OCA scores of local CSOs increased by 66.5 percent, demonstrating their improvement in institutional governance. The increment is based on the baseline established in 2017. This overall increase attributed different areas of internal governance strengthened such as- systematic distribution and record keeping of memberships and general assembly, defining clear organizational focus and understanding, initiating joint meetings among board and staff members, wider understanding on policies and guidelines within organization and making those accessible to all team members and increasing relationships with stakeholders and government line agencies. CS:MAP local CSOs have also been implementing minimum standards on institutional governance. ● CS:MAP ISO MITRA Samaj and NNSWA provided support to review the five-year strategic plans of 13 CSOs from July-August 2019: SOCH Nepal, HURADEC, Samudayik Sarathi, IHRICON, DEC-Nepal, IRDS, RWDC, Sundar Nepal, IHRC, HRPLSC, IRDC, FMDC and Sanjeevani Nepal. The workshop enabled all the CSOs to analyze their strength in carrying out the planned objectives set in their five-year strategic plan, funding status and preparing operational plans for the next year. For example, one of the partners CDC Nepal, realized the gaps in their strategic plan and prepared a new strategic plan for 2020- 2024 even though their existing strategic plan was going to end in September 2019CS:MAP has supported all 14 CSOs to prepare their strategic plans as one of the major findings of the 2017 OCA. Result 4.2: Improved capacity of select CSOs and media organizations to mobilize social and financial resources for sustainability
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● The CS:MAP capacity-building team coordinated with ISOs and CSOs and tracked their efforts on resource mobilization as well as the status of new funding. Following the financial sustainability plans prepared for FY 2019, 14 CSOs submitted 112 proposals – 31 were submitted to government and 81 to international sources – and received 39 new funding awards (19 from government, 19 from INGOs, and one from the private sector). In Q4, 11 CSOs submitted 39 proposals (12 to government and 27 to international donors) and received 14 new funding awards (sevens from government) for their programs. ● Four capacity development specialists from ISOs and two CS:MAP staff participated in a training on fundraising for civil society organized by Civil Society Academy, India. Based on the training material, CS:MAP has planned to conduct a customized training for civil society and deliver it to its 14 CSO partners in FY 2020. ● All 14 CS:MAP partner CSOs have completed the CS:MAP financial sustainability review forms, which were analyzed by ISO partner MITRA Samaj. A brief report was prepared analyzing the current financial status of CSOs against the 2017 baseline. The analysis found that CSOs have increased funding diversification through use of the resources mobilization guideline prepared with support from CS:MAP, and through application of the skills and knowledge gained from resource mobilization and proposal writing training provided by CS:MAP in 2017 and 2018, respectively. ● A one-day open house donors’ meeting conducted in Q4 provided an opportunity for CS:MAP CSOs to network with multiple donors working on similar priorities to build relationships with potential donors. All 14 CSOs shared their successes and achievements through the implementation of CS:MAP to a total of 18 donor representatives. Result 4.3: Improved capacity of CSOs and media organizations to advance local solutions of priority development issues across sectors and to promote peer-learning opportunities
● All 14 CS:MAP local CSO partners applied minimum standards for internal governance (Annex 4) in their organizations. CSOs started to institutionalize minimum standard through endorsement from their boards and general assemblies. In addition, IHRC in Banke, Bardiya; RWDC in Dang; and CDC in Nuwakot organized interactions with district-level stakeholders and government representative to establish the minimum standard for internal governance for CSOs. ● CS:MAP ISO partners NEPAN, NNSWA and MITRA Samaj provided an orientation on OCA tools and internal governance practices to non-CS:MAP partners in 14 target districts in FY 2019. Best practices, the effectiveness of OCA tools, and minimum standards of internal governance were shared among 172 non-CS:MAP CSOs in the 14 districts. CS:MAP supported the OCAs for 12 non-CS:MAP CSOs (one in Q3 and 11 in Q4) using the customized OCA tool. ISO partners provided technical support to carry out the assessments and prepared IIP for next one year for 12 non-CS:MAP CSOs at the end of the assessments. ● In Q4, with technical support from CS:MAP, ISO partners facilitated peer learning and sharing among and between CSOs and media organizations. The learning and sharing workshop focused on the learning/observations to three host districts, which focused on the areas of advocacy, civic-government engagement, use of SA tools and mechanisms as well as institutional governance. The workshop helped to spread knowledge about CS:MAP
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work as well as develop a culture of learning and sharing practices among CSOs. At the end of the workshop a major takeaway was prepared and committed to apply in their respective districts.
● In collaboration with the district chapters of NFN 13 CS:MAP partner CSOs organized a half-day learning and sharing workshop in their districts to share their successes and CS:MAP achievements. A total of 93 district-level CSOs, including 13 CS:MAP CSO partners, shared their successes and effective practices with 362 participants representing CSOs, media, local government and others in their respective districts. This initiation enabled an environment for establishing a culture of sharing among CSOs in the districts. At the end of the workshops, most of the participants committed to hold such event at least once on a semiannual or annul basis in the future.
Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption: The CS:MAP approach prioritizes building a stronger community of practice among those institutions positioned to provide capacity-strengthening services to CSOs in Nepal. CS:MAP ISO partners with support from the CS:MAP capacity-building team conducted the third round OCAs of 14 CSOs and supported CSOs to adjust their IIPs. The CS:MAP capacity building team provided “on-the-spot facilitation support” to ISOs during the third round of assessments for six CSOs, ensuring the quality of the assessments and providing technical support in assessment areas as needed. The approach helped increase the capacity of new facilitators and ensured successful assessments as outlined in the tool. An IIP for the following year was prepared with all 14 CSOs to address the gaps identified by the assessments. ISOs facilitated CS:MAP local partner CSOs to promote the OCA to non-CS:MAP partners. This process also improved internal governance practices among CSOs in CS:MAP districts. With ongoing support from CS:MAP, ISOs were able to provide necessary support to rollout internal governance minimum standard to 14 local CSO partners. ISOs continued their follow- up to ensure the implementation of plans to address indicators outlined in the minimum standards in nine different categories. In addition, ISO coaching support focused on CSO institutionalization of minimum standards. To share effective practices among CS:MAP CSOs, ISOs MITRA Samaj and NNSWA organized peer learning visit and sharing events. These initiatives supported a culture of sharing best practices and replicating effective methods and processes between CS:MAP working districts. Anticipated challenges and CS:MAP mitigation measures: As anticipated in the Annual Work Plan, ISO support across 34 CS:MAP working districts posed a challenge, especially when managing ISO and CSO schedules. Comprehensive capacity-building support to 14 CSOs working in 34 districts with different levels of capacity needs and within a certain timeframe was challenging. The CS:MAP team’s effort to synchronize the calendars of ISOs and CSOs, and to provide frequent direct support to CSOs and ISOs in the field, improved the process. Despite busy schedules, CSO board members provided their time during coaching and mentoring visits from ISOs. They showed enthusiasm in learning to strengthen their governance systems and improve their advocacy efforts. As a result, CS:MAP supported-organizations have effective policies and guidelines in place with clear strategic direction. However, board members could give only limited time, and this impacted the sustainability of institutional changes made. To address this challenge and enhance board engagement in institutional capacity building, CS:MAP worked closely with
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CSO executive directors who function as a bridge to CSO boards. A key CS:MAP strategy was to assign board members as focal persons for specific activities in the respective institutional improvement plans, in order to engage them in the process. Time and cost management by non-CS:MAP CSOs for the OCA process presented another challenge, as it required that the CSO board members and staff dedicate their limited time to OCA implementation. To facilitate their participation, CS:MAP worked with ISO partners to adapt the OCA tool for a three-day activity, with a total of five domains and 27 sub-domains. In addition, as of July 2019 only two CS:MAP ISOs are serving as project partners, which further limited the resources available to provide coaching and mentoring support in all 34 program districts. NNSWA and MITRA Samaj aggregated the role of their staff to support CSOs in different areas – i.e., they assigned one staff to conduct OCAs of non-CS:MAP partners and another one for coaching and mentoring support to implement the OCA and ARI capacity-building plans. In addition, project coordinators from target districts provided support to ISO staff in document verification and documentation assessments of non-CS:MAP CSOs. This opportunity also provided a platform for CSO project coordinators to build their skills through three rounds of OCAs in their organizations. Project coordinators will provide further support on IIP implementation to non-CS:MAP CSOs. Maintaining and expanding the application of minimum standards in 14 CSOs was another challenge. To mitigate this, CS:MAP has provided CSOs with regular, direct support, and ISOs have also provided support. In addition, CSO board members have been encouraged to institutionalize minimum standards through endorsement from their executive committees and general assemblies. 4. Activity Progress 4.1 Development and submission of deliverables Narrative and financial reports: Annual Progress Report #3 (October 1, 2017-September 30, 2018) CS:MAP submitted its third annual progress report to the USAID Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) on October 26, 2018. The team received comments and suggestions for improvement on November 16, 2018. The team submitted the revised version of the report with the comments and suggestions incorporated on November 30, 2018 and received approval from the AOR on December 7, 2018. Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs) for FY 2019 Quarterly Progress Report #8 (October 1, 2018–December 31, 2018): CS:MAP submitted its first quarterly progress report for Year 4 to the USAID AOR on January 31, 2019. The team received comments and suggestions for improvement on March 1, 2019. The team submitted the revised version of the report on March 18, 2019 and received approval from the AOR on March 19, 2019. Quarterly Progress Report #9 (January 1–March 31, 2019): CS:MAP submitted its second quarterly progress report for Year 4 to the USAID AOR on April 30, 2019. The team received comments and suggestions for improvement on May 28, 2019; submitted the revised version June 11, 2019; and received approval from the AOR on June 12, 2019.
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Quarterly Progress Report #10 (April 1-June 30, 2019): CS:MAP submitted its third quarterly progress report for Year 4 to the USAID AOR on July 30, 2019. The team received comments and suggestions for improvement on August 15, 2019; submitted the revised version August 21, 2019; and received approval from the AOR on August 22, 2019. Financial reports for year 4: CS:MAP submitted the first quarterly financial report (SF 425) for Year 4 on January 30, 2019; the second SF 425 on April 29, 2019, the third SF 425 on July 29, 2019 and the fourth SF 425 (Annex 5) was submitted on October 30, 2019. Short-term consultant reports, technical briefs/reports, special and external reports: CS:MAP has been coordinating with the AOR for direct briefing of consultants who travel and work for the project at the end of their visit to ensure direct communication regarding the focus of consultants and their findings. Suggestions and recommendations from the AOR have also been incorporated into the deliverables. During the reporting period, CS:MAP GGB Expert Dr. Joseph Sany held his debriefing meeting with the AOR on December 6, 2018. Please refer to Section 8: Travel update for the details on international travel and support to CS:MAP. Monthly calendar and updates: On the final day of each month, CS:MAP provided the AOR with a calendar for the upcoming month. In the same submission, CS:MAP shared updates on the previous month’s activities. Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) submission: CS:MAP uploaded 29 documents, reports, and knowledge products to the USAID DEC (see https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/home/Default.aspx). 4.2 Progress achieved toward project objectives Objective 1: Strengthened enabling environment for civil society and media Result 1.1: Improved legal and policy framework, based on international standards, that leads to better operating environment and strengthened capacity for civil society Activity 1.1.1: Implement advocacy action plans on regulatory reform issues on CSOs and media.
Building on FY 2017 activities involving regulatory framework assessments and stakeholder consultations that informed advocacy action planning, CS:MAP and its partners undertook the following advocacy efforts to improve the enabling environment for CSOs and media: Activity 1.1.1.1: Law and policy review In FY 2019, CS:MAP reviewed six federal and four sub-national draft laws/polices/bills (see table) governing CSOs and media that have direct impact on freedom of expression (FOE) and freedom of association (FOA). A series of policies across sectors, including civil society and media drafted and amended by the governments both with and without public consultation. CS:MAP rigorously monitored the policy formulation process, with special attention to policies involving FOA and FOE. Additionally, CS:MAP reviewed the proposed laws and policies to assess their compliance with the letter and spirit of the Constitution and international standards on FOA and FOE, including International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). After the review, policy briefs and notes were produced for circulation among stakeholders and civil society leaders. Throughout the year, the prepared policy briefs and bill amendment notes were
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disseminated to parliamentarians both at federal and provincial level, as well as civil society groups.
These efforts were successful in addressing civil society and media concerns, and resulted in holds on bills that did not align with constitutional provisions and international best practices.
In Q4, CS:MAP conducted a quick review of five out 16 laws passed by Parliament to enforce fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Those laws were: The Right to Housing Act, 2018; The Crime Victim Protection Act, 2018; The Act Relating to Compulsory and Free Education, 2018; The Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, 2018; and The Act Relating to Children, 2018. This review was completed in-house and will be used as a basis for further review and recommendation. Based on this quick review, in FY 2020, the laws will be reviewed in greater detail and the finding of the review will be used in advocacy to demand amendment of the laws under CS:MAP’s new human rights component. The review will also include recommendations for effective implementation of these laws. S.N. Name Government
1. Bill on Management of Advertisement Regulation 2075 Federal
2. Bill on Management and Regulation of Information Technology 2075 Federal
3. Media Council Bill 2076 Federal
4. draft Social Organization Act, 2075 Federal
5. Development Cooperation Policy 2075 Federal
6. Bill to amend National Human Rights Commission Act 2068 Federal
7. Media Management and RTI Bill Province 3
8. Integrated Mass Communication Bill (Draft) Gandaki Province
9. Communication Policy, Broadcasting and draft Press and Province 5 Publication Bill
10. Broadcasting Bill Karnali Province
Bills and Policies reviewed by CS:MAP in Year 4
In addition, in FY 2019 CS:MAP partner Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) organized four provincial consultations with CSOs focused on their role as advocates for civil and political rights. The objective of the events was to promote civil society engagement and collaboration to protect civil and political rights guaranteed by the Constitution as a fundamental right. The events were organized on July 19 and 23 and August 7 and 8 in Pokhara, Surkhet, Biratnagar and Janakpur, respectively. In FY 2019, partner Freedom Forum reviewed the Media Management and RTI Bill of Province 3; Communication Policy, Broadcasting and draft Press and Publication Bills of Province 5; Integrated Mass Communication Bill of Gandaki Province; and Broadcasting Bill of Karnali Province. Similarly, Freedom Forum reviewed the Bill on Management of Advertisement Regulation, 2075 and Media Council Bill, 2076 at the
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federal level and proposed amendments to the concerned parliamentary committee members and other parliamentarians through a series of workshops, dialogues and one- on-one meetings. INSEC also reviewed the Bill to amend the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2068. Similarly, ICNL provided inputs to CS:MAP partners during their review of several draft laws and regulations and subsequently reviewed and published legal analyses of the draft Development Cooperation Policy; draft Social Organization Act, 2019; and draft Information Technology Act-2075. In response to the submission of civil society-related bills in the Parliament by the Nepal Law Commission, CS:MAP partner Samjhauta Nepal/Media Advocacy Group (MAG) reviewed the Social Organization Act, 2019, a new federal umbrella bill, using a GESI lens and submitted recommendations for improvement. A key GESI gap/concern involved the failure to fully comply with proportionate, inclusive and participatory principles of the new Constitution and respond to GESI commitments as stated in the preamble and articulated in the articles. Activity 1.1.1.2: Disseminating/sharing the policy review CS:MAP prepared a policy brief and notes of each reviewed policy and law to share with stakeholders in order to educate them on constitutional values and international standards of the sector. CS:MAP shared the policy briefs and notes of reviewed bills with politicians, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, journalists, CSO leaders, and other stakeholders via parliamentarians’ pigeonholes, podcasts, emails, social media, print and electronic media platforms, and public events. The policy reviews and the policy briefs prepared by CS:MAP have been used by civil society and media coalitions and national advocacy partners for advocacy. CS:MAP organized 31 formal and informal events and shared the policy review and policy briefs with more than 700 stakeholders via hard copy, and with more than 300 stakeholders via mail. In Q4, CS:MAP organized six events with stakeholders to share policy review findings. INSEC organized an interaction in Butwal on August 20, 2019 among the provincial parliamentarians of Province 5 and civil society representatives, during which the review of different laws related to CSOs and constitutional provision on civil society were shared. The event encouraged parliamentarian to think about international standards and constitutional provisions developing laws governing CSOs in the province. The Good Governance (GoGo) Foundation organized an interaction meeting with the Social Welfare Council Secretary and staff regarding CSO status, a review of the Social Organization Act, 2075 and findings of the USAID-funded Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index (CSOSI) in September 2019. NFN organized a sharing event in Q4 with AIN members and development partners about the review of Social Organization Act, 2075 and Development Cooperation Policy 2075. It helped to enhance collaboration between NFN and AIN and development partners. Similarly, FNJ organized a sharing meeting with members of the National Assembly on August 14, 2019 in Kathmandu and with provincial parliamentarians in Biratnagar on August 25, 2019 on the draft Media Council Bill and Information Technology Bill. National Assembly members committed to take necessary actions to address concerns regarding the Media Council Bill raised by FNJ. Freedom Forum organized a discussion and sharing event with members of Parliament, editors, FNJ executive committee
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members, former officials of the Press Council Nepal and CSO representatives on the Media Council Bill on August 25, 2019 in Kathmandu. The event sensitized stakeholders on the proposed Media Council Bill and problematic provisions. Previously, Freedom Forum submitted proposed amendments and a policy brief on the Media Council Bill to influential lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties in the upper and lower houses of parliament, ministry officials, and other concerned stakeholders on May 23, 2019. Eighty-five hard copies were sent to stakeholders, including 25 to parliamentarians. The information was also shared with 150 stakeholders through a podcast and with 120 stakeholders by mail. Similarly, Freedom Forum shared the Province 3 RTI bill with concerned stakeholders, including provincial lawmakers, on April 4, 2019. Thirty-five hard copies and 64 emails of the reviewed bill were shared with stakeholders and lawmakers. GoGo Foundation organized a dialogue between federal parliamentarians and civil society leaders on May 21, 2019, to discuss proposed amendments to the National Human Rights Commission Act, Media Council Bill, and Social Organization Bill tabled by the federal Parliament. Participants raised concern over the regulatory provisions of the bills and emphasized the importance of civic engagement as part of the public policy formulation process. Lawmakers in the government expressed their commitment to protect freedoms of association and expression as provisioned in the Constitution, while opposition lawmakers committed to raising the issue in Parliament and supporting CSOs to ensure press freedom and free civic movement. In addition, FNJ organized four events to discuss provisions of the Media Council Bill and proposed amendments to the Human Rights Commission Act on May 12, May 21, May 25, May 28, and June 11, 2019. Similarly, NFN used its review of Social Organization Act–2075 in meetings and dialogues with CSO coalition members, AIN executive members, government representatives, members of Parliament, and political leaders to advocate for necessary changes in the draft bill. Similarly, the review of the Advertisement (Regulation) Act– 2075 continues to be used by the FNJ team and media coalition members. It was shared with journalists and was widely covered by different media outlets. It was also shared with members of Parliament. CS:MAP partners Samjhauta and MAG prepared a summary of recommendations to promote GESI integration in the draft Social Organization Bill and shared them with the Nepal Law Commission. The Chairperson of the Commission committed to taking the recommendations into consideration while finalizing the draft bill. The recommendations were drafted after a thorough review of relevant documents, including a landscape report for CSO registration, renewal and operation developed by GoGo foundation, an assessment of the civil society and media legal environment developed by ICNL, the Association Registration Act 2034 and the new Social Organization Bill. The draft was also shared with CSO and media coalitions to solicit their feedback, and was finalized based on their inputs.
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Output of Activity 1.1.1: 10 policy reviews, 31 disseminating/sharing events. Activity 1.1.2: Policy dialogue and discussion with and among CSOs, media, political parties, government, and parliament
Activity 1.1.2.1: Dialogue and discussion on laws and policy related to CSOs and media CS:MAP convened 20 dialogues and discussion programs in FY 2019 focusing on laws and policies related to CSOs and media with concerned stakeholders, including policymakers, bureaucrats, politicians, media, and CSO activists (see figure). The participants discussed various clauses of the bills and developed a common position for further lobby and advocacy. More than 750 people attended these dialogues and discussions which helped them to understand the policy context, provisions of draft laws/policies, and the needs and priorities of the CSOs and media to be addressed. The dialogues resulted in 19 commitments from the stakeholders regarding improvements to the laws, policies and practices. Freedom Forum organized a multi-stakeholder dialogue on July 30, 2019 in Kathmandu in order to update stakeholders on the contemporary challenges of FOE and policy resolution to address those challenges. Toby Mendel, a renowned international expert on FOE, highlighted the flaws of draft bills such as their unconstitutionality, ambiguous provisions, vague language, government-dominated structure and irrelevance (e.g., they were drafted without a clear need). CS:MAP also organized a dialogue with the AIN executive committee and members of different working groups to brief them on the policy context of CSOs and potential collaboration for policy advocacy focusing on the draft laws on August 21, 2019. In addition, INSEC organized a discussion on laws and policy related to CSOs in Province 5, Butwal on August 20, 2019 with provincial parliamentarians from Province 5 and civil society representatives. The objective was to communicate CSOs’ constitutional rights to the provincial lawmakers. On August 7, 2019, NFN organized a discussion program on the role of and roadmap for civil society in the changed context. The program helped participants learn about the civil society context and priority issues to consider in the context. Freedom Forum also organized a policy stakeholders’ discussion on the RTI Bill for Province 3 on April 24, 2019 in Kathmandu to make stakeholders aware of the positive and negative provisions of the bill, the constitutional guarantee of RTI, and international standards relating to FOA and FOE. Freedom Forum organized a stakeholder discussion on the Information Technology bill on June 30, 2019 in Kathmandu with members of the Development and Technology Committee of the House of Representatives, Legislation Management Committee of the National Assembly, other members of Parliament, lawyers and concerned stakeholders to develop a common understanding of conflicting issues and define a strategy and way forward on the bill. NFN, in collaboration with Jagaran Media, organized a dialogue with CSOs on the Social Organization Bill-2075 on June 14, 2019 in Kathmandu.
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CS:MAP organized five focused dialogues on the draft Social Organization Act–2075 in FY 2019. The bill covers the whole life cycle of a CSO, including registration, renewal, approval, operation, reporting, funding and taxation. NFN organized a meeting with CSO coalition members to consult on the draft shared by the Nepal Law Commission on January 2, 2019. A total of 104 participants represented different federations, networks, and alliances. INSEC organized an interaction program on the draft bill with Kathmandu-based, youth-led CSOs and networks on January 25, 2019. SAP Nepal organized consultation meetings on the draft bill on January 24 and February 11, 2019. GoGo Foundation organized a multi-stakeholder dialogue on February 15, 2019 on the draft bill on CSO registration with elected members, high-ranking government officials, social activists, media representatives and academicians to discuss issues relating to CSOs and how to improve the enabling environment for civil society. On January 25, 2019 CS:MAP partner Samjhauta Nepal/MAG organized an interface between CSO representatives and parliamentarians to share CSOs’ concerns over the provisions on registration, renewal and operation in the draft Social Organization Bill. The interface was attended by 49 participants including members of Parliament, media personnel and representatives from Nepal Law Commission, AIN, NFN, FNJ and organizations working on behalf of Dalits and sexual minorities, and those promoting gender equality and human rights. Samjhauta Nepal and MAG also organized a dialogue on CSO-related bills using a GESI lens on September 27, 2019 in view of recent news of the submission of CSO-related bills in Parliament through the Nepal Law Commission. A total of 43 participants (22 female) attended, including parliamentarians, officials of the Nepal Law Commission, CSO representatives, NFN and media. Expert emphasized that the bills should adhere to proportionate, inclusive and participatory principles as guaranteed by the Constitution. In the program, federal and provincial parliamentarians reiterated the need for amendments while a federal parliamentarian recommended organizing a ministerial-level meeting with ministers from four ministries. A member of Province 3 said though the province has already passed CSO Registration Act-2075, there still remains room for amendments. The joint secretary of the Nepal Law Commission requested that the parliamentarians conduct legal audits to assess the impact of laws and the issues raised in the bill. CSO representatives reiterated that the CSO act should regulate but not control CSOs. The event was successful in raising lawmakers’ awareness of CSO and GESI-specific concerns on the proposed CSO Bills 2019. Activity 1.1.2.2: Interactions with political parties regarding civil society engagement CS:MAP organized nine interactions with political leaders and parliamentarians on the shrinking space for civil society, the proposed bills governing civil society, and concerns regarding threats to FOA and FOE that contravene constitutional provisions and international commitments. A total of 422 participants attended these interactions, which helped orient political party leaders about the need for and importance of civil society engagement in the policymaking process. These interactions further helped civil society and political party collaboration to strengthen enabling environment for CSOs. In Q4, CS:MAP implementing partners, including the two coalition leads, engaged with political party members and members of Parliament to follow up on previous
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interactions and provide contextual updates. A number of small group and one-on-one meetings held, during which relevant resources were shared. On April 22, 2019 GoGo Foundation convened a provincial-level dialogue in Province 5 to discuss CSOs’ challenges and contribution to nation building. Fifty-two participants attended, representing CSO groups and provincial ministers, members of the assembly, and local leaders. In addition, civil society champions urged the government to respect the Paris Principles while amending the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act–2012 during an interaction program organized by INSEC on May 14, 2019. INSEC brought the CSOs and human rights activists together to develop a joint position on the proposed amendments and inform parliamentary committees of their concerns. At the event, Krishna Bhakta Pokharel, chair of the Law Justice and Human Rights Committee of the federal Parliament, said the committee would ensure constitutional provisions and international principles of human rights in the amended bill, provided it was forwarded to the committee. DEC Nepal, NFN, Karnali Foundation and Sap Nepal organized a number of events with political parties and members of Parliaments to make them aware of challenges with the civil society enabling environment and demand an improved legal and policy setup. Output of Activity 1.1.2: 20 dialogues and discussion events, 9 interaction sessions with political parties regarding civil society engagement, 1 handbook on civil society engagement. Activity 1.1.3: Support to local governments to develop and implement civil society and media- related laws In FY 2019 CS:MAP engaged with different local governments through implementing partners NFN, MuAN and NARMIN to support the local governments in drafting FM Radio (Management and Operation) Policy/Act/Procedures and NGO Management/Coordination Policy/Act/Procedures. NFN prepared a sample draft on NGO coordination and shared it with local governments. The sample draft reflected CSO concerns and paved the way for collaboration between local governments and CSO and media leaders and organizations active in districts. In Q4, CS:MAP engaged with MuAN more rigorously to enhance collaboration and provide support to draft sample laws/guideline on CSO and FM radio management. In partnership with MuAN, CS:MAP facilitated a session of the Mayor's Conferences of Province 1 and Sudurpaschim Province on September 7 and 21, 2019 in Dharan and Dadeldhura, respectively. In these conferences, CS:MAP highlighted the importance of civic engagement at the local government level and suggested the drafting of CSO coordination laws that provide ample space for CSOs. CS:MAP engaged with female mayor and presidents of 21 local governments in Pokhara on August 13, 2019 and facilitated a session to them on the public concerns and standards to be considered while drafting laws and policies related to CSO and FM management and issues of civic engagement. Previously, CS:MAP prepared a common position statement regarding civil society-related policies at the local level through the civil society coalition. This position paper, developed in consultation with civil society networks and local government associations, includes civil
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society demands and recommendations regarding civil society registration and operation at the local level. Local government associations shared the position paper with all local governments and asked them to consider these recommendations in the policymaking process. To facilitate the local law-making process related to media and CSOs, CS:MAP built the capacity of 244 civil society and media leaders on policy advocacy related to FOE and FOA. Participants received resources and tools and learned about approaches to engage with government in the law-drafting process, and how to provide inputs based on constitutional values and international practices. Similarly, INSEC organized three workshops focused on coordination among CSOs and local government in Kavre, Dolakha, and Makwanpur to boost coordination between local government and CSOs and identify areas of support and facilitation available to local government by CSOs. CSOs agreed to support local government in developing CSO and media-related policies and awareness-building among communities. CS:MAP also held orientations on GESI Minimum Standards for developing and implementing laws and policies for locally-elected representatives of Kalikasthan and Uttargaya gaunpalika in Rasuwa and Kathmandu and Lalitpur metropolitan cities in Lalitpur on August 9 and September 22, 2019 respectively. A total of 78 participants (56 female), including ward chairpersons; vice chairpersons; ward members; Dalit women members; heads of the Women, Children and Social Welfare Committee; heads of the Planning Division; chairpersons of judicial committees; members of executive committees; chairperson of FNJ district chapters;, journalists and representatives of the Community Development Centre, a local CS:MAP implementing partner, attended the orientations. The events were successful in enhancing local elected representatives’ understanding of GESI and GESI-responsive lawmaking and policy formulation. Output of Activity 1.1.3: 2 draft laws reviews, 1 common position paper regarding civil society related policies at local level, 2 orientation events on GESI minimum standards. Activity 1.1.4: Promotion of Open Government Partnership (OGP) concept at national and subnational level CS:MAP engaged in and organized different events advocating for OGP adoption at the federal level and promoting OGP modalities at the local level. OGP ensures the value of civil society in governance processes where CSOs and government work with equal responsibility and status to reform governance, with the aim of promoting transparency, accountability and service delivery. A total of nine events were organized, during which 287 attendees were introduced to the values and importance of OGP in the Nepali context. Four events were focused on the federal level and five events were focused on the local government level. The OGP values were received by stakeholders as more relevant in the changed context of the country. Because of these events and engagements governments and civil society representatives increased their knowledge of and commitment to transparency and open government; collaboration also increased between government and civil society. In Q4, CS:MAP disseminated the CS:MAP-developed OGP handbook and brochure to stakeholders to educate them on OGP values and their importance. CS:MAP presented on OGP and shared OGP materials at the mayors’ conferences in Dharan and Dadeldhura on September 7 and 16, 2019, respectively. Each event was attended by mayors, deputy mayors and ward
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chairs of local governments. Similarly, the developed materials were disseminated to local governments and CSOs in CS:MAP project districts, as well as national-level stakeholder, through different events organized by CS:MAP and in one-on-one meetings. Earlier in FY 2019, Freedom Forum organized federal-level events on OGP which included discussion with parliamentarians, capacity building and coordination meetings among CSOs, and strategic meetings with CSO champions. In addition, a number of advocacy meetings were organized with ministers, the Prime Minister's Advisors, the National Information Commission Commissioner, and secretaries of the GON. A number of members of Parliament responded positively and suggested that government join OGP in an event organized on December 13, 2018, during which 37 members of Parliament, including the chairpersons of different committees of the House of Representatives and National Assembly, attended. Similarly, CSOs working on transparency and accountability suggested that the government sign on to OGP to demonstrate a commitment to improve transparency and accountability, highlighting the need for the country to adopt a culture of open government and collaboration with citizens in order to invite foreign capital as an investment-friendly country in an event organized on March 28, 2019. Events held at the sub-national level focused on sensitizing mayors, deputy mayors, elected representatives and CSO groups on OGP principles and OGP’s importance for making local government more effective, transparent, citizen-centric and open. Local governments expressed their commitments in different events organized by CS:MAP to apply tools for promoting open and transparent local governments. They also committed to adopting citizen- centric principles. Neelakantha municipality formed a 20-member OGP Steering Committee to implement OGP principles and its working modality on April 9, 2019. Elected representatives from different local governments and civil society in Kavre district expressed their readiness and commitment to explore the possibility of developing an OGP working modality in their respective local government units in an interaction organized by CS:MAP in Dhulikhel on January 28, 2019. RWDC and CDC Nepal also organized an interaction program on OGP with the objective of enhancing the common understanding of CSOs and local governments on its principles and working modality. Output of Activity 1.1.4: 1 handbook on OGP operational framework, 9 events OGP promotion at national and sub-national levels Activity 1.1.5: Improving electoral laws and policies After the government declared by-elections, CS:MAP organized a meeting with NEOC to advocate for implementing the recommendations identified by the electoral framework review. In addition, NEOC also met with the newly-appointed Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya to share recommendations regarding the electoral legal framework improvements identified by CS:MAP in the comprehensive assessment that it conducted last fiscal year. The report highlights the major areas of reform to strengthen the credible electoral regime in the country. Mr. Thapaliya agreed to consider these recommendations in the policies and guidelines of the Election Commission. CS:MAP also held meeting with NEOC to explore the possibility of engagement in the electoral process and ensure the implementation of the code of conduct, policies and guidelines developed in consultation with the wider electoral community.
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Earlier in FY 2019, NEOC carried out three workshops on electoral reform on October 31, November 19 and November 22, 2018 based on a review of Nepal’s electoral legal framework. The workshops were attended by parliamentarians, Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) and concerned stakeholders. These workshops primarily focused on review of the electoral process and electoral laws based on a report prepared by NEOC. NEOC’s working paper analyzed the current election-related legal, policy, administrative and institutional framework through the lenses of international benchmarks, and included recommendations for amendments. At the workshops, presenters also gave a general outline of the legal issues and put forward recommendations to make future elections more credible, fair and peaceful. The stakeholders also discussed the formulation of inclusive policy, much needed for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual (LGBTIQA) community in Nepal; migrant voter registration issues; voting processes for citizens outside of the country; and GESI considerations for the current Parliament structure. Event participants agreed that the GON should protect the voting rights of security personnel, deployed staff and observers. The participants included electoral experts, current and former parliamentarians, civil society leaders, human rights activists, academicians, researchers, Election Observation Coordination Group members and journalists. A total of 167 participants attended the three events. Speakers included former Chief Election Commissioners Bhoj Raj Pokharel and Nilkantha Upreti, NEOC’s Chairperson and former Chief Election Commissioner Surya Prasad Shrestha, Nepal Communist Party leader Khim Lal Devkota, and NEOC’s General Secretary Gopal Krishna Siwakoti. NEOC also presented its document reviews and recommendations to the ECN for further action. All three events were well covered in the national media. Output of Activity 1.1.5: 3 events of round table dialogues, 4 delegation visits Activity 1.1.6: Civil society and media coalition meetings CS:MAP organized 16 civil society organization and media coalition meeting to improve joint efforts and advocacy aimed at protecting and promoting citizens’ rights in response to shrinking civic space. During these meetings more than 450 media and civil society leaders discussed contemporary issues related to FOE and FOA. These coalition meetings helped participants understand and connect the issue of media and civil society freedom with broader concerns regarding civic freedom and civic space. During these meetings representatives from the civil society and media community agreed to improve the credibility of media and civil society and increase understanding of the services that they provide in the society. In Q4, collaboration between civil society and media was also enhanced as CS:MAP facilitated the engagement of civil society and media leaders in the others’ initiatives. For instance, FNJ began to highlight the requirements of organization registration and operation as per the Constitution and international standards as part of their advocacy agenda. Similarly, NFN has raised the issue of press freedom and FOE in their advocacy issues. Sharing resources and expertise, engaging other stakeholders in events and communication between civil society and media has been improved because of the effort put in the previous quarters. Earlier in FY 2019, CSO coalition lead NFN organized six coalitions meetings at the provincial level and four at the national level. Meetings were held in Province 1, Province 3, Gandaki Province, Province 5, Karnali Province and Sudurpashchim Province. The meetings focused on the Social Organization Act–2075. Coalition members also discussed the standards for laws
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to facilitate and regulate civil society at the provincial level. The meetings were helpful in bringing diverse civil society and media actors together to discuss a common position on civil society-related laws. NFN and FNJ organized a dialogue with civil society leaders and media to discuss the proposed amendments to the National Human Rights Commission Act-2012, the Media Council Bill, and the Social Organization Bill on May 15, 2019 in Kathmandu. The objective was to provide an update on the context of the civil society enabling environment, build shared positions on the proposed bills, and engage in strategic planning to address the issues and engage with various stakeholders. INSEC organized three workshops with CSOs and media on April 22, May 26, and June 11, 2019 in Lalitpur, Makwanpur, and Ramechhap, respectively, in collaboration with CS:MAP local partners, district CSO leaders, and media representatives. The purpose was to share the importance of CSO and media collaboration for impact on advocacy for civic issues. Participants noted that collaboration strengthened the accountability of local government and development agencies. Samjhauta Nepal and MAG convened a meeting between CSOs and media on April 24, 2019 to discuss opportunities for and benefits of a joint effort to promote FOA and FOE. The watchdog role of CSOs and media was emphasized in the event to promote citizens’ engagement in policymaking and safeguarding fundamental rights. Similarly, FNJ organized two media coalition meeting on December 18, 2018 and February 17, 2019 in Kathmandu and discussed new media laws at both the federal and the provincial level. Meeting participants agreed to work closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure press freedom and a strong media enabling environment. Output of Activity 1.1.6: 16 Coalition meetings Activity 1.1.7: Capacity-building training CS:MAP worked with the civil society and media coalition leads (NFN and FNJ) to jointly conduct seven capacity-building events during which 244 civil society and media leaders were trained on FOA and FOE to lead effective advocacy. These events helped the leaders working at the federal and provincial level improve their knowledge and capacity to review the laws/policies including drafts, and engage with different levels of government and Parliament to advocate for an improved civil society and media enabling environment. The participants reported that the trainings built their confidence for policy advocacy work and provided a good working collaboration with media and civil society. In Q4, CS:MAP organized two policy advocacy capacity-building events through NFN, in partnership with FNJ, for civil society and media leaders to enhance their knowledge of effective policy advocacy related to FOA and FOE. The first event was organized in Dhangadhi, Sudurpaschim Province on August 19, 2019 and the second event was organized in Biratnagar, Province 1 on September 6, 2019. There were a total 89 participants, mainly the provincial leaders of NFN and FNJ. The objectives of the events were to discuss the context and issues of FOA and FOE, and to share constitutional provisions, international standards and best practice related to FOA and FOE. These events helped the participants improve their understanding of the context, standards, tools and knowledge in order to strengthen their capacity to review the laws/policies and their advocacy skills. Previously, NFN and FNJ jointly organized two capacity-building trainings in Kavre and Dachhinkali during which 53 people, including NFN and FNJ central committee leaders,
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participated. After the trainings, and to apply their new skills, attendees participated in four policy reviews and shared the tools and their knowledge with federal parliamentarians; provincial parliamentarians of Sudurpaschim, Karnali, and Province 3; and local governments. Similarly, civil society and media representatives initiated joint advocacy to improve the National Human Rights Commission Bill and Media Council Bill. The CS:MAP-developed resource book, Understanding of Freedom of Association and Freedom of Expression for Policy Advocacy in reference with the Constitution and International Laws. CS:MAP used this resource book in each capacity-building workshop which helped in improving the participants’ knowledge of international law and standards so that these principles can be incorporated into advocacy for improved enabling laws at the federal, provincial and district levels. Additionally, INSEC organized a capacity-building workshop on “Promoting Accountability and Professionalism of Nepali Civil Society Organizations” for civil society activists in Kathmandu on June 20-21, 2019. The objective of the event was to boost the understanding and knowledge of youth activists on laws and policies related to civil society, other international instruments, and contexts. Output of Activity 1.1.7: 7 events of capacity building training Activity 1.1.8: Regular technical assistance on policy work In FY 2019 CS:MAP technical assistance focused on reviewing laws/draft laws and policies and producing policy briefs on these documents, and engaging with governments, parliamentarians and stakeholders to advocate for an improved civil society and media enabling environment. CS:MAP provided technical assistance to coalition leads FNJ and NFN and national advocacy partners to review three laws at the federal level and three at the provincial level. Similarly, CS:MAP engaged with AIN and NFN to enhance collaboration for improving the civil society enabling environment. As a result, NFN and AIN signed an MOU to work together on the same agenda. CS:MAP implementing partner ICNL's expert visited Nepal three times and provided technical assistance to implementing partners in response to identified needs. This assistance helped CS:MAP's partners understand international standards, analyze legal provisions, prepare policy brief, develop advocacy campaigns and foster collaboration among like-minded organizations. During these visits, seven events were organized during which 156 participants benefited. In Q4, ICNL provided ongoing technical assistance and expertise to FNJ, NFN and other CS:MAP partners. ICNL's Legal Advisor Zach Lampell visited Nepal August 14-21, 2019 and engaged with CS:MAP and implementing partners. Mr. Lampell facilitated a workshop on August 21, 2019 with participants from AIN's Executive Committee and members of different working groups, including the Policy Working Group. The workshop was organized to provide technical knowledge to the participants on international standards on FOA and interpret them in the Nepalese context to support the development of AIN’s policy advocacy agenda. Earlier in FY 2019, ICNL met with FNJ and NFN two times (December 2018 and March 2019) to review laws and policies affecting FOE and FOA. Priority laws discussed with FNJ included the draft Mass Communication Act and the draft Information Technology Act-2075. ICNL reviewed FNJ’s draft Mass Communication Act and then continued to work with FNJ to facilitate coordination with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to ensure that the official draft Mass Communication Act meets international standards protecting
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FOE. ICNL’s technical assistance to NFN centered on protecting FOA while allowing for permissible government oversight of civil society. Based on this technical assistance, NFN drafted a policy paper outlining NFN’s position on CSO regulation and providing a roadmap for achieving the aims set forth in the policy paper. In addition to the policy paper, ICNL’s technical assistance to NFN helped facilitate the development of a common policy between NFN and AIN, which establishes elements needed for legislation that improves the civil society enabling environment. The CS:MAP team engaged with the Nepal Law Commission and provided FOA international standards in connection with the new draft bill on organization registration and operation preparing by the Nepal Law Commission. Similarly, CS:MAP provided technical support to INSEC to review the Human Rights Commission bill, which outlines the role and independence of National Human Rights Institutions based on the Paris Principles. CS:MAP engaged with Freedom Forum and provided technical assistance to review the RTI bill of Province 3 and Information Technology bill proposed by the federal government. Further, Freedom Forum organized an event on June 30, 2019 with members of the Technology and Development Committee of the House of Representatives and Legislative Management Committee of the National Assembly to improve their understanding of different terminologies and potential misuse of the provisions, thereby enabling them to better defend the amendment proposal before the full Parliament. Output of Activity 1.1.8: 7 events of technical assistance on policy work Result 1.2: Improved public understanding and confidence in the role of CSOs and media Activity 1.2.1: Use of new media for promoting civil society In the extended phase of the Public Outreach Campaign (POC), new media has been used to strengthen and promote the role of civil society. Activity 1.2.1.1: New media workshop CS:MAP helped to broaden the understanding of civil society and its role among citizens through new media workshops. With the expanded understanding of civil society, citizens were able to report more social issues through new media. CS:MAP carried out a perception survey of civil society and media in Nepal targeting 34 districts where the program is being implemented. The result of the perception survey indicates the value of organizing additional workshops. CS:MAP partner Interface Nepal organized two workshops, one in Kathmandu (March 23-24, 2019) and one in Nepalgunj (March 31-April 1, 2019) with the objective of building the capacities of CSOs (mainly CS:MAP partner organizations) to use social media as one of the tools to promote and advocate for accountable, legitimate, and resilient civil society. Before the workshops, a pre-workshop consultation meeting was held among the CSOs and resource persons to finalize the design and concept of new media workshop. The participants discussed the contents including strategic content writing; strategic promotion of contents; cyber laws; safety, security, and privacy issues; maximizing reach to targeted audience; and verification of news and information. Similarly, the training covered components like understanding social media; traditional media and social media; the digital divide and implications for GESI; and online journalism – including the emerging citizen-journalism – along with critical thinking
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and media literacy; creating an impactful online campaign: #activism; introduction to digital storytelling; micro blogging; online content production and sharing; security, ethics, and responsibility; creating a podcast; strategic messaging; freedom of expression and the Internet – privacy, security, defamation, and laws; and group work on developing social media strategy. A total of 47 participants (21 female) from 14 districts participated in both workshops. Twenty-six participants (10 female) from seven districts participated in the workshop in Kathmandu. Likewise, 21 representatives from seven districts (11 women) took part in the workshop in Nepalgunj. To convene the workshops, Interface Nepal conducted research and consultations to develop contents and produce the module. Activity 1.2.1.2: Social media campaign CS:MAP succeeded in raising the issue of social accountability through a popular TV program, “Tough Talk,” which focuses on contemporary social issues. CS:MAP has also been using social media to promote CS:MAP activities and products from the POC. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are the major social platforms used for dissemination of information and messages and promoting viewers’ engagement with public issues. To increase views, likes, followers and audience engagement, CS:MAP branded the campaign with the hashtag #MaNagarikSamaj, and posts and pictures of events and activities were shared using the hashtag. CS:MAP also produced a documentary on civil society in Nepal and uploaded it on YouTube through its partner Interface Nepal. Similarly, Interface Nepal promoted its Facebook page through boosting, and uploaded short video clips. The short video clips featured prominent civil society leaders including Devendra Raj Pandey, Dev Raj Dahal, Lila Nyaichai, Shyam Shrestha, Kedar Khadka, Usha Jha, and Mohna Ansari. As part of the #MaNagarikSamaj Campaign, the POC team also created a Facebook page highlighting its anti-corruption efforts to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, 2018. (See: https://www.facebook.com/Interface-Nepal- 128807827130684/https://twitter.com/interfacenep?lang=en.) There have been no negative reactions to any of the posts. All POC have reached approximately 1.4 million viewers in total, compared to approximately 132,684 viewers through October 2018. Additional progress has slowed slightly due to the partnership with Interface Nepal ending in mid-April 2019. During the anti-corruption campaign, Interface Nepal also produced a Facebook profile frame and shared it publicly. CS:MAP team and other civil society activists used the frame on International Anti-Corruption Day.
Output of Activity 1.2.1: 2 workshops on new media Activity 1.2.2: Local fair: Get to know your CSOs
Local fairs helped approximately 1,400 local citizens in CS:MAP districts increased their understanding of civil society's role, civic engagement and CSOs’ contribution to society. CS:MAP POC partner Interface Nepal organized 10 local “Get to know your CSOs” fairs through the end of April 2019 in Kapilvastu, Surkhet, Kailali, Nuwakot, Dolakha, Banke,
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Kanchanpur, Dang, Sindhupalchowk and Gorkha. These fairs were organized to engage the public, including CSOs and media, to enhance public understanding of CSOs' contribution to society and the importance of the civic role in improving governance and accountability. During the fairs, video dramas featuring popular artistes Dhurmus-Suntali (Sitaram Kattel- Kunjana Ghimire) were showed, and organizers also shared information and games and quizzes to promote civil society understanding. The video drama served as a focal point for the events. Participants indicated that they viewed themselves as members of civil society after visiting these fairs. They also reported increased understanding of CSOs' contribution to society. In addition, the event provided an opportunity for CSO representatives to share their work and advance public understanding of their roles. Other activities at the fair included presentation of a documentary on CSOs in Nepal, speeches by experts on the role and importance of CSOs, interactions with the public by CSO members, recognition of CSO champions in the districts, and word games and selfie boards for photoshoots. The fairs also included screenings of CS:MAP-produced video dramas, to which audiences responded positively, as well as the four winning videos from the project-sponsored video contest. Clips from the video documentary were played throughout the event, along with songs with relevant thematic content. Audience members participated in an icebreaker activity, organizing colored cards with #MaNagarikSamaj themes in small groups of three-to-five people, which led to additional questions about the program and increased audience interest in the videos. The organizers also coordinated with local media (newspapers, radio and television) to interview team members for greater outreach. The event was organized in collaboration with local CS:MAP partners in the districts and was attended by people of different castes and ethnicities. Before organizing these fairs, the event information was shared publicly through local community FM radio and newspapers, and individual invitations were distributed to the Chief District Officer, District Police Office, CSOs and media representatives. Output of Activity 1.2.2: 5 events of local fair, video footage. Activity 1.2.3: Study on civil society contribution CS:MAP signed an 11-month agreement (effective June 15, 2019) with Martin Chautari (MC) to carry out a study on the contribution of civil society in Nepal. MC consulted civil society leaders and intellectuals to solicit suggestions for possible themes as part of the initial canvassing as mentioned in the project proposal. MC also selected researchers and asked them to submit research concepts. A group of 17 selected researchers submitted concept notes for respective studies. Further, MC organized a meeting of the researchers to present their ideas among other researchers, the research director, and the CS:MAP team. Researchers then presented research concepts, and each received feedback. This was also part of canvassing to identify the scope and appropriate methodologies for the research. In Q4, researchers completed their field study based on the initial feedback and canvassing and presented their findings from the fieldwork. Output of Activity 1.2.3: Contract with Martin Chautari; completed field work Activity 1.2.4: Training and technical support for public interest reporting
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In FY 2019 CS:MAP partner Freedom Forum and FNJ organized two five-day Public Interest Reporting Trainings for journalists in earthquake-affected districts. These trainings were focused on reporting that empowers citizens to understand how their government works to provide services that affect their daily lives, and their capacity to hold public officials accountable for the delivery of the same. A total of 32 mid-career, working journalists (four female) from 14 earthquake-affected districts attended the trainings on November 17-21, 2018 in Sindhupalchok and December 16-20, 2018 in Nuwakot. CS:MAP also awarded a total of 17 fellowships to journalists trained in Public Interest Reporting (PIR) to investigate stories related to reconstruction work and other citizens’ issues. These fellowships showcased diverse voices in the media, contributing to an improved representation of all groups in Nepal, including marginalized ones, and leading to an improvement in public perception of the media. Experts provided their editorial mentorship throughout the fellowship program to the journalists. These journalists have been producing reports on public issues, producing investigative and analytical stories that have been compiled and shared with other journalists, civil society activists and CS:MAP partners. Additionaly, CS:MAP supported the formation of a Public Interest Journalists’ Group (PIJG) comprised of the 32 journalists from earthquake-affected districts trained by Freedom Forum. Freedom Forum conducted a review meeting with the fellows from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur on March 19, 2019 and discussed issues of public interest reporting as well as new areas and issues of public concern in addition to the theme of reconstruction. The PIJG introduces social issues, in addition to issues related to reconstruction. The informal network meets regularly at the secretariat provided by Freedom Forum. Efforts are being made to sustain such fora and increase the level of engagement. Similarly, Aditya Dahal, a public interest reporting fellow, won the “Best Feature Award” and a prize of Rs 5000 from Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Gokul Prasad Baskota. The story titled "Sankhu Dwellers Facing Constraints to Build Houses in Traditional Style," covered issues related to post-earthquake reconstruction. Following the publication of the news report, reconstruction work in Sankhu, an old settlement, gained speed. Mr. Dahal was one of 32 working journalists who were trained on public interest reporting through CS:MAP support, and he was one of recipients of a fellowship to explore issues of public interest concern related to post-earthquake reconstruction work. CS:MAP partner Freedom Forum also produced 46 public interest stories that depict post- earthquake conditions and issues with rehabilitation and reconstruction work by these trained journalists. Freedom Forum followed up with the journalists and other stakeholders to assess the stories’ impact and determined that at least 10 stories have contributed to changes in responses to water crises, construction activities and grant payments to earthquake victims. Output of Activity 1.2.4: 2 slots of trainings to 32 PIR journalists, 17 fellowships, 14 investigative and analytical stories Activity 1.2.5: Proactive civil society initiatives to resolve social issues CS:MAP facilitated and launched nine civil society-led campaigns, including the Citizens’ Campaign for Right to Information, MaKhaandina-anti-corruption campaign, and MaBolchhu- GBV campaign (please refer to Section 5.1 Gender Equality and Social Inclusion for details on this campaign), as well as campaigns focused on youth and corruption, health, education, local resources and budgets and GESI issues. CS:MAP partners at the national and subnational
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level were able to coordinate and collaborate successfully on these campaigns and engage with other local and national civil society activities and leaders. Civil society activities and citizens were successful in resolving social issues on their own. In Q4, CS:MAP partners launched two civil society national campaigns focused on public interest issues: the RTI campaign and the “Role of Youth in Anti- corruption Movement” campaign. The weeklong RTI campaign consisted of a series of activities from September 22-28, 2019. CS:MAP partners in Kathmandu collaborated on the campaign under the leadership of Freedom Forum and GoGo Foundation. The RTI campaign was launched to mark the International Right to Know Day. Similarly, GoGo Foundation, in collaboration with the Nepal Youth Council, conducted a discussion program for youth during the Nepal Youth Conference held from August 12-15, 2019 in Kathmandu. The program aimed to bring youth from across Nepal together and engage them in the national anticorruption campaign. The event was attended by 250 youth from different parts of the nation and from different ethnic groups. GoGo Foundation Executive Director Kedar Khadka presented on the role of youth in curbing corruption in Nepal. He began his presentation by asking: “Do you think Nepalese citizens can fight against corruption?” The response was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of participants responding affirmatively. He also shared findings of the report saying that parliamentarians are responsible for the highest share of corruption in Nepal, with 20 percent of the total. In addition, he talked about anti-corruption strategies and different models adopted across the globe to fight corruption. Earlier in FY 2019, seven other campaigns were facilitated by civil society in Nepal with support from CS:MAP. This includes demands for allocating budget funds for marginalized people; free treatment of patients with sickle cell anemia; fixing lights/bulbs in the streets and expanding electricity lines in new settlements; agricultural insurance and subsidies; anti- corruption; and preventing GBV. The details of these campaigns were reported in FY 2019 quarterly reports. Output of Activity 1.2.5: 9 campaigns and social media monitoring Activity 1.2.6: Organize interactions to promote understanding of the role of CSOs CS:MAP organized 124 local-level interactions (see figure on the left) in CS:MAP target districts and helped promote CSO’s understanding among citizens. Citizens were able to raise public issues and see how CSOs have addressed issues that are important to citizens. The improved public understanding of CSOs has been reflected in CS:MAP’s perception survey of media and CSOs. In Q4, CS:MAP organized 36 interactions on the role of CSOs, in collaboration with district- level media and CSOs, and discussed on issues of public concern civil society’s role in resolving these issues. At the interactions participants also discussed the constitutional role of
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CSOs, civic engagement in local development, media and CSOs’ collaboration to address citizen concerns, RTI, open government, public service delivery and vibrant civic space. A total of 972 participants (243 female) attended the event, including representatives from NFN, FNJ, academia, youth-serving lawyers and elected leaders. Please refer to Activity 3.2.5 for other details. Output of Activity 1.2.6: 124 interactions events to promote understanding on the roles of CSOs and media Activity 1.2.7: Media and civil society collaboration to advance public interest In addition to the civil society and media coalition meetings detailed in Activity 1.1.6, CS:MAP has boosted collaboration among media and CSOs to advance issues of public interest. CS:MAP supported its partners to organize three dialogue events with 119 participants from the media and civil society sectors, academia, government officials and elected leaders. Similarly, CS:MAP shared the draft policies and reviewed bills with concerned stakeholders and assisted them to file the correction and amendment notes in Parliament. GoGo Foundation organized a dialogue program to advance public concern through CSO- media collaboration on August 23, 2019. During the program, experts presented papers discussing the constitutional provisions for media and CSOs and the role of government. Nagarik Daily chief editor Gunaraj Luitel, Chief Information Commissioner Krishna Hari Baskota and other prominent speakers presented their thoughts and views regarding media- CSO collaboration and its impact on issues of public concern. Attended by 47 participants (six female), the event provided a space for CSOs and media representatives to come together and discuss public issues and opportunities to collaboratively address them. Similarly, NFN convened a media-CSO collaboration program to promote initiatives to address public interest issues in Dhangadhi on August 19, 2019 to bring media and CSOs together and present a common voice for public concern. The event was attended by 36 participants representing various media and civil society organizations. The CS:MAP Legal and Policy Advisor facilitated the workshop and presented on possible collaboration modalities and concepts. He also shared the status of various bills that pose a threat to FOA and FOE, along with international best practices and instruments to which Nepal is a signatory. NFN collaborated with FNJ to host an interaction on CSO and media collaboration related to FOA and FOE on November 25, 2018. The objective of the interaction was to foster collaboration between media and civil society for strengthening democracy and to build a shared understanding of policy advocacy to improve the civil society and media enabling environment. Thirty participants (12 female) from civil society and media organizations attended. Both civil society and media actors and stakeholders agreed that FOA and FOE complement each other and are important elements for democracy. Some of the suggestions and recommendations from the meeting were included in the project supported Civic Charter (Result 1.3) as a joint civil society and media commitment for democracy and sectoral improvement.
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Earlier in FY 2019, the GON tabled a bill on the management and regulation of information technology (IT Bill) at the House of Representatives and a bill related to the management of advertisement regulations (Advertisement Bill) at the National Assembly. Freedom Forum reviewed both bills and found provisions which contradict the Constitution and FOE protections specified by international instruments. The proposed IT Bill provides power to the administration to block social media platforms if they are not registered in Nepal. The bill also introduces harsh punishments for posting improper content on social media platforms. Similarly, the Advertisement Bill would have an adverse impact on public decency, integrity of labor, and discrimination related to gender, caste, religion, and socioeconomic status. Following its review, Freedom Forum raised concerns among stakeholders, initiated discussions through social media, and shared preliminary findings by issuing a press release on the Advertisement and IT Bills. National and local media, along with civil society, jointly responded to the findings and expressed their commitment to FOE. Journalists, including the editors of major newspapers, radio and television stations, contacted Freedom Forum to request in-depth information on the issue. Several news reports, interviews, opinion articles, and editorials in leading newspapers like Kantipur, Republica, The Kathmandu Post, Himalayan Times, and Nagarik publicized the information and raised awareness among citizens and public officials regarding FOE. Please refer to Activity 1.1.6 for details on civil society and media collaboration at the federal level to advance public interest issues. Please also refer to information under Results 2.1 and 2.2 for civil society-media collaboration at the sub-national level. Output of Activity 1.2.7: 4 events; 86 joint actions Activity 1.2.8: Assessment of public perception about media and CSOs Foundation for Development Management (FDM) was selected through a competitive process to conduct a public perception survey related to CSOs and the media. The survey gauged the percentage changes in public understanding of the role of CSOs and media, public confidence in the role of CSOs and media, and GON stakeholder satisfaction with CSO and media self- regulation. Through quantitative and qualitative methodologies, a sample of 1,612 households from 10 sampled districts from 34 CS:MAP working districts was used for the survey. This information was supplemented by 50 FGDs 100 KIIs case studies and observation notes prepared using immersion methodologies. The assessment has found that understanding of CSOs among public stood at 48.6 percent while the level of confidence stood at 37.9 percent. Similarly, the level of confidence on media was found to be 45.0%; while the level of understanding about the media has remained 51.6%. This suggests that people are fairly confident about the work and contribution of CSOs in community development and advocacy and people’s trust and confidence in media is higher than the public confidence towards CSOs. Please refer to Section 7. Monitoring and Evaluation of this report for the summary of findings. Output of Activity 1.2.8: 1 public perception survey report. Activity 1.2.9: Video production on citizen engagement and role of civil society Through a competitive process, CS:MAP selected Shubha Media Home Pvt. Ltd to produce a documentary film on civic engagement in Q2. Shubha Media organized an inception meeting with MOFAGA, USAID, civil society experts and CS:MAP to agree on concepts, modalities, and content. A draft story line was developed and shared with stakeholders. Further, a story
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clinic was organized in Kathmandu with a producer, director, writer, experts, and representatives from CS:MAP and USAID to finalize the storyline and generate ideas for the screenplay and dialogue. The script and screenplay for a 90-minute documentary with three episodes has been approved by MOFAGA. After MOFAGA approval, Shubha media completed the pre-production work and shooting in Q4. A two-day workshop with MOFAGA and other stakeholders was organized on August 30- 31, 3019 in Kathmandu for further preparation and orientation of the crew members and technicians. The principal filming was carried out from September 10-22, 2019 in Kavre District. Shubha Media collected daily footage from the spot and submitted to the studio for editing. The draft submitted to FHI 360 for review and approval in Q4 will be reviewed and the documentary will be finalized in FY 2020. Output of Activity 1.2.9: 1 draft version documentary film, 1 workshop Activity 1.2.10: Finalization, dissemination, and adaption of civil society internal governance standards and media self-assessment toolkit In FY 2019 the civil society coalition developed minimum standards of internal governance for CSOs in consultation with major civil society and media federations, government agencies, local government associations and AIN. These standards include domains such as participation, rule of law, transparency, accountability and responsiveness. Previously, the civil society coalition lead prepared and shared a Civic Charter as a binding civil society self-regulation mechanism and roadmap for the future. Both of these documents have been shared with more than 3,500 CSOs. In addition, 15 civil society federations and alliances jointly endorsed the Civic Charter as a binding document for the entire civil society sector in Nepal, containing provisions for human rights promotion, democracy and related commitments for internal governance strengthening. The Charter, along with nine commitments and agreements, was launched during the National Civil Society Conference held between November 30-December 1, 2018. This document has been shared with more than 1,000 civil society and media organizations and disseminated through social media channels to inform citizens, civil society and government that civil society has taken steps for sectoral reform and established forward- looking priorities in response to the changed context. Output of Activity 1.2.10: The minimum standards of internal governance for CSOs and civic charters - shared with 3,500 CSOs; 15 civil society federations and alliances jointly endorsed civic charter; 120 CSOs committed to implement civic charter. Result 1.3: Improved self-regulation of the sector and internal governance of CSOs and media Activity 1.3.1: Implement minimum standards of CSO internal governance and self-regulation As noted above, the civil society coalition lead has developed a set of minimum standards for internal governance and self-regulation and shared them with more than 3,500 CSOs. In Q4, the civil society coalition organized an interaction on July 25, 2019 for finalizing the document in which 43 participants, including NFN advisors, members of the National Planning Commission, CS:MAP representatives and civil society leaders, participated. The coalition collated feedback and incorporated it in the draft. In addition, the civil society coalition and AIN signed an MOU May 29, 2019, to begin an intervention for improving the credibility and image of the civil society sector. INSEC and NFN also jointly organized national-level
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workshops on the implementation of self-regulation and internal good governance among Nepali CSOs. ICNL provided technical assistance to the GoGo Foundation during the development of the CSO accreditation system. ICNL discussed the benefits and challenges of a CSO accreditation system, including the need for the development process to be inclusive; best practices to draft indicators; appropriate oversight mechanisms and methods to ensure the accreditation system is sustainable.
Following these initial discussions in Q3, GoGo Foundation organized a dialogue on July 26, 2019 to discuss CSO accreditation with 52 participants from a diverse group of CSOs, including AIN. At the conclusions of this dialogue, a Joint Commitment was signed by the participants and a five-member working committee was formed to develop CSO accreditation indicators. The working committee is comprised of Jitaram Lama, NFN; Kedar Khadka, GoGo Foundation; Tara Dahal, Freedom Forum; and Dayasagar Shrestha and Kumari Kharel. CS:MAP then organized a follow-up workshop with participants from the working committee and other organizations. At this workshop, CS:MAP gave a presentation on the following issues: 1) examples of successful accreditation practices in Asia and Africa; 2) examples of indicators to be used in the accreditation process; 3) steps CSOs, development partners and government agencies can make to ensure the accreditation system is sustainable; and 4) potential incentives for CSOs to participate in the accreditation process. After this workshop, GoGo Foundation continued to spearhead efforts to develop an accreditation system, with ICNL providing technical assistance. Output of Activity 1.3.1: 1 interaction event with civil society coalition members; 1 dialogue event on CSO accreditation; the minimum standards of internal governance for CSOs and civic charters - shared with 3,500 CSOs; 15 civil society federations and alliances jointly endorsed civic charter; 120 CSOs committed to implement civic charter. Activity 1.3.2: Prepare sample internal governance guidelines and circulate among CSOs In order to strengthen self-regulation and internal governance of CSOs through the development of standardized guidelines, policies and laws, CS:MAP national advocacy partner GoGo Foundation developed sample internal governance guidelines and policies for organizations in need of support, as well as a reference document. As part of the process GoGo Foundation shared the drafted polices with AIN, NFN, and other CSOs for their inputs. The guidelines incorporated inputs from AIN, civil society and government actors and were shared with the wider civil society sector to support CSO capacity for developing and implementing internal governance policies. These guidelines include an anti-corruption policy, anti- harassment policy, code of conduct, and workforce diversity policy. Output of Activity 1.3.2: 1 sample guidelines for internal governance. Activity 1.3.3: Develop and implement civic charter for civil society sector as a means of self- regulation In order to improve civil society credibility and demonstrate accountability to citizens, government, donors, and others, a Civic Charter was developed and launched during the National Civil Society Conference held on November 30-December 1, 2018. The Civic Charter
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is a joint civil society initiative that will assist with civil society self-regulation and the balancing of rights and responsibilities. The Charter was developed by a drafting committee comprised of members from civil society federations, networks and alliances. This document has been shared with more than 1,000 civil society and media organizations and more than 120 organizations committed to implementing it. In order to promote the Charter at the provincial level, CS:MAP partner INSEC organized two interactions in Surkhet and Hetauda. Sixty-two participants from 56 organizations participated in the workshops. During these interactions, CSOs engaged in dialogue and formed committees to support implementation and monitor progress. CS:MAP supported and provided technical assistance to NFN to support their development of a Civic Charter. The Civic Charter was drafted via a highly inclusive process, including several national-level federations. CS:MAP international partner ICNL also provided technical assistance to NFN during the drafting process by providing examples of other civic charters and self-regulation mechanisms, as well as by highlighting international best practices. Output of Activity 1.3.3: 1 Civic Charter developed by civil society coalition; 3 interaction events; 120 CSOs adapting minimum standards Activity 1.3.4: Rollout of self-assessment toolkit and development of action plans In FY 2019 FNJ organized events at the national and subnational levels to roll out its self- assessment toolkit among media organizations affiliated with its central and district chapters. As part of the process FNJ, in collaboration with different media organizations, organized 10 orientation meetings in different districts with 162 media stakeholders. These orientations helped media houses to assess their internal governance and develop improvement plans based on the results. In Q4, FNJ organized an event in Sindhuli to sensitize media houses on the self-assessment toolkit and support them in their internal assessment process and development of an action plan. Twenty-three participants from nine media organizations participated. FNJ has also been providing periodic monitoring to assess how well these organizations adhere to their action plans. Prior to this, FNJ organized nine similar events in different districts to support media organizations with their internal assessment processes and action plan development. A total 139 media actors from more than 50 media organizations participated. Participating organizations analyzed their internal governance using a self-assessment exercise and identified strengths, gaps and weaknesses. Based on the findings, individual organizations’ workplans have been developed to improve organizational policies, codes of conduct, news policies, advertisement collection policies, and editorial policies and practices. FNJ provided guidance on how individual media organizations should develop action plans aimed at improving their internal governance mechanisms. In the previous quarter, FNJ carried out a trial assessment in five media houses in Kathmandu and improved the toolkit based on the identified needs and media house feedback. Output of Activity 1.3.4: 10 roll-out events of self-assessment toolkit, 10 media- houses Objective 2: Improved civil society and media capacity for effective policy advocacy and government engagement Result 2.1: Strengthened CSO initiatives to coordinate with the GON and to implement constructive advocacy strategies
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Activity 2.1.1: Strengthen advocacy and government engagement capacity of 14 district-based CSOs and media organizations Activity 2.1.1.1: Continue coaching ISOs in providing advocacy and government engagement capacity building to partner with CSOs and media organizations During the reporting period, the CS:MAP Governance Advisor, Advocacy Advisor, Capacity-Building Manager and Capacity-Building Officer, along with EAI, supported ISOs in strengthening their capacity in advocacy and government engagement so that they can more effectively coach and mentor partner CSOs. CS:MAP also worked on prioritizing joint visits to districts in need of more support. The CS:MAP team aligned their visit with ISOs to provide on-the-spot institutional governance coaching support (e.g., OCA IIPs, roll-out of minimum standards) and review and support CSOs’ advocacy plans and revisit advocacy strategies. This strategy enabled CS:MAP staff to ensure that ISOs provided quality support to meet CSOs’ needs. ISO partner MITRA Samaj, in coordination with CS:MAP including EAI and CS:MAP, conducted two rounds of three-day trainings of 67 individuals (33 district officers) in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, respectively. The training focused on enhancing the evidence-based research capacity of CS:MAP district program officers (DPOs). The training also identified programming gaps, including CARs’ difficulties in generating evidence required for advocacy, limitations to DPOs’ research and documentation capacity, and CARs turnover. The training enabled DPOs to support advocacy activities due to limited local capacity for evidence collection, interpretation and reporting.
CS:MAP ISO partners NEPAN, NNSWA and MITRA Samaj provided comprehensive coaching and mentoring support and assessed CSO partner action plan statuses based on previously-completed OCAs and ARI assessments. To increase the effectiveness of the coaching and mentoring support, the CS:MAP team, including EAI, the Governance Advisor, the Advocacy Advisor, the Capacity-Building Manager and the Capacity- Building Officer, supported ISOs in strengthening their capacity for advocacy and government engagement so they can effectively coach and mentor partner CSOs. CS:MAP conducted meetings with ISOs to review the status of their support to CSOs and equip new ISO staff to deliver comprehensive capacity-building support to CSOs on advocacy and government engagement. In addition, to ensure the quality of support and ISOs team mobilization, CS:MAP team conducted monthly Skype meetings with ISOs and provided guidance on their mobilization plans. This support enabled ISOs to provide need-based support to CSOs and enabled CSOs to identify new advocacy issues in the district and implement their existing advocacy plans. Activity 2.1.1.2: ISOs design and implement advocacy and government engagement coaching and training based on CSO and media organizations’ needs Fourteen local CSO partners were supported by three ISOs (NEPAN, NNSWA and MITRA Samaj) through visits to 34 program districts to carry out activities outlined in CSO ARI capacity building plans. These included: carrying out evidence-based action research, collection of evidence for advocacy and carrying out advocacy initiatives. Further support was provided to help CSOs apply and institutionalize minimum standards, to conduct interaction meetings to support a robust civil society at the district level, to form Sajhedari Manch and to deliver orientations on SA tools and application
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of PETs and CSCs at local level. In total, ISOs spent 333 person-days (64 days for 19 districts in Q4) with CSOs, with an average of five days in each district. Frequent coaching and mentoring support to CSOs in implementing ARI action plans showed major improvement in the following areas: - Orienting coalition members to health and education checklists, which enabled coalition members to facilitate public services oversight functions in all program districts. - Sharing oversight findings. Findings and recommendations were acknowledged by local government and DCCs and helped CSOs increase their public presence in their districts. - Scaling-up district-level advocacy, which improved public understanding of CSOs’ role in advocacy activities/campaigns and increased their effectiveness. - Developing advocacy messages (e.g., memoranda, press releases, press notes), which facilitated delivery of CSOs advocacy messages to decision makers. - Policy analysis capacity, which helped CSOs identify advocacy issues. CSOs prepared policy briefs, memoranda, press releases, etc. based on analysis findings. - Increased documentation capacity for advocacy processes, efforts and results that helped CSOs initiate evidence-based advocacy. - Collaboration with media, which improved CSO dissemination of advocacy efforts and cross-sectoral cooperation to advance local solutions. Advocacy efforts have been published through local print media and disseminated through local FM radio and online news outlets. - Institutionalization of minimum standard for internal governance in 14 CS:MAP partner CSOs through board decisions and endorsements in preparation for upcoming general assemblies. - Improvement in CSO policies and procedures, including: systematization of memberships; institutionalization of general assembly documentation practices; preparation of staff development plans; initiation of staff performance appraisals; preparation and application of procurement plans; establishment of systems for joint meetings between board members and staff on a semi-annual basis and related documentation; establishment of staff and board orientation practices; development and/or updates to policies and guidelines, including making them more accessible to team members; institutionalization of regular organizational social audits; improvements to stakeholder and government line agency relationship-building, etc.
Activity 2.1.1.3: Conduct refresher training/orientation or review meeting with selected ISOs on usage of Advocacy Readiness Index (ARI) ARI tool refresher training was conducted in Kathmandu on March 17–18, 2019. The training was planned for Q1 but postponed due to the time needed for two assessments and the extension of agreement with ISOs. Eight staff from three ISOs participated in the refresher training, which focused on reviewing understanding the ARI tool, the facilitation process, and the relation of the tool to existing CSO advocacy efforts. Each
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 67 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
domain and subdomain was reviewed, and simulation sessions were conducted to equip ISO staff to prepare for the third-round assessment. Three CS:MAP ISOs conducted the third round of the ARI assessment of 14 CSO partners in May and June 2019. In accordance with the findings, the ISOs supported the groups to prepare and adjust the ARI capacity-building plans for the following year. As demonstrated in the table (on the right), the overall 2017 baseline score of 0.87 increased to 2.82 in 2019. The change indicates the increased capacity of CSOs to identify advocacy issues, and plan and conduct advocacy systematically in collaboration with their constituencies, coalition and local media. CSO advocacy capacity was measured across 13 advocacy domains on a scale from 0 to 5, where 5 indicates very good advocacy capacity. The CS:MAP capacity-building team backstopped each ISO to ensure assessment quality, mentored new ISO staff during the
assessments, and facilitated the process.
The average scores for most subsections fall within the increasing trend in score range (2.5-3.0), with comparatively strong scores in Section 1: Advocacy Goals, Plans and Strategies and Section 2: Conducting Advocacy. These sections measure the extent to which advocacy is incorporated in strategic documents. The scores for leadership and board commitment is also increased, but the funding for CSO-initiated advocacy issues is often lacking, and advocacy activities often require additional support which makes them sustainable for the longer term and achieve visible impact.
CS:MAP partner CSOs have continued their advocacy initiatives, identifying new advocacy issues for each district; preparing advocacy plan, goals and strategies; and carrying out advocacy by engaging constituencies and coalitions for wider impact. Collaboration with other CSOs and media, engagement with government and decision makers and capacity for conducting research have increased significantly. Although CSO scores have increased significantly, their capacity for research finding use in advocacy messaging, campaigns and policy analysis skills is expected to improve further. CSOs have continued to conduct advocacy related to issues that they identified and with limited support; further successes will depend on collaboration with other CSOs and affected communities. To achieve this, CSOs are working to clarify roles among coalition members based on existing expertise, and to explore opportunities for joint advocacy to ensure wider impact at the district level. As part of their ARI improvement plans they are also working to involve constituencies in advocacy and collaborate with media for joint actions as 2020 priorities. Output of Activity 2.1.1: 14 ARI assessment report and capacity building plan of 14 CSOs; 1 refresher training on ARI; 2 training events of ISOs
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 68 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
Activity 2.1.2: Strengthen ISO capacity on budget monitoring In FY 2019 CS:MAP made arrangements for an orientation for ISOs on budget monitoring, enabling ISOs to transfer these skills to local CSOs. The CSOs were then expected to conduct budget monitoring at the local level. The CS:MAP team met with USAID’s Public Financial Management Strengthening Project (PFMSP) in Q2 to discuss action steps for this training. Since the expert from PFMSP was available only in July 2019, CS:MAP proceeded with the support to ISOs and CSO partners focused on budget advocacy and monitoring. The orientation provided by ISOs and CSOs to local stakeholders focused on the budget and planning process of subnational governments. The orientation sessions helped local stakeholders engage in the budget formulation process in their own settlements and wards. They also focused on increasing the participation of women, youth, Dalits, janajatis, and other marginalized people, which resulted in budget allocations for marginalized communities in CS:MAP-focused local units. For example, Manahari gaunpalika of Makwanpur developed a sectoral plan and budget for targeted communities and approved it for FY 2019/20. This policy was formulated after the intense advocacy from the Manahari gaunpalika LDAG and CSO coalition. In Q4, CSOs coalitions in all 34 CS:MAP target districts raised the issue of each local government’s disallowed budget amounts. The coalitions collected local government audit reports, reviewed and analyzed the reports, developed and submitted memoranda to their respective local governments. The coalitions also organized interactions, workshops and delegation visits to highlight issues of fiscal transparency and governance for local authorities. In many instances, government responded positively to these campaigns, including by developing action plans to minimize disallowed amounts and formulating accounting manuals and financial standards. The Gorkha DCC sent circular to all local government units requesting that they address the issues reflected in audit reports by the Office of the Auditor General. In addition, the CS:MAP GESI Advisor received in-depth training on gender sensitive budgeting from the USAID PFMSP expert in Q4. This knowledge will be shared with ISOs and CSOs in FY 2020 to improve their budget monitoring capacity. Output of Activity 2.1.2: 1 capacity building event on budget monitoring Activity 2.1.3: Form Sajhedari Manch (partnership forums) and Common Assemblies (CAs) and conduct Sajhedari Manch and CA meetings As recommended in the CS:MAP mid-term evaluation report, CS:MAP has identified opportunities for linking local-level CA discussions to the decision-making level, and has formed 57 Sajhedari Manch in local units through its partner CSOs. A total of 106 Sajhedari Manch meetings took place in FY 2019. These platforms helped connect and link citizens with decision makers at the municipality and gaunpalika level. They have served as platforms for civic engagement and interaction between citizens and elected representatives at the local level. These stakeholders have interacted and deliberated on service delivery issues in health, education, agriculture, and DRR, among others. In FY 2019, a total of 679 issues were discussed in Sajhedari Manch meetings. Data analysis shows that 155 (23 percent) of the issues were related to health, 139 (20 percent) to education, 137 (20 percent) to agriculture, 62 (9 percent) to DRR, and the remaining 186 (28 percent) of issues to other categories. The number of issues discussed in Sajhedari Manch meetings increased by 59 percent from Q3, rising from 139 in Q3 to 234 in Q4. Out of 679 issues raised and discussed in the Sajhedari Manch meetings, 234 (34 percent) of issues were resolved or addressed.
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 69 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
During Sajhedari Manch held in western districts, participants discussed the need for developing a local curriculum for school-level education and decided to forward the agenda to organizers of the upcoming municipal council meeting. Sajhedari Manch members agreed on the importance of a local curriculum to preserve the local tradition of the far western region, in keeping with the Constitution of Nepal which allows the local government to develop and use a local curriculum with the weightage of 100 marks at the school level and the municipality. Other issues discussed included budget allocations for regular health checkups of students in community schools and finalizing the municipality governance policy. In FY 2019, a total of 213 CA meetings were conducted. During these meetings participants discussed issues related to public service delivery and public resource use in education, health, agriculture, and DRR. A total of 1,571 issues were raised and discussed in CA meetings. Of the total issues, 418 (27 percent) were related to health, 364 (23 percent) to education, 349 (22 percent) to agriculture, 144 (nine percent) to DRR, and 296 (19 percent) to the other categories. The total number of issues discussed in CA meetings increased by 79 percent in Q4, from 376 in Q3 to 476 in Q4. In total, 492 (31 percent) of the issues raised in CA meetings were addressed or resolved. The table below lists the issues that were raised, addressed and/or resolved at CAs in FY 2019:
The Madane gaunpalika in Gulmi engaged cizitens in the development of a Kapurkot gaunpalika in Salyan district good governance policy. The two-day After the issue was raised in a CA raised the issue of restrooms in interaction with local government and meeting, community schools in Kapurkot community schools so that girls can use citizens was organized on April 18, 2019 gaunpalika in Salyan district have made them in case of urgent needs during at Madane. It aimed to enhance the sanitary pads available free of charge for menstruation. As a result, community participation of citizens in the law-making female students with financial support schools set up restrooms for female process. This is the first time that local from the gaunpalika. students. government has engaged with citizens while making local laws and policies.
The CA in Chhatradev gaunpalika in CA members at Likhu gaunpalika in Community schools in Triveni gaunpalika Gulmi district submitted a memorandum Nuwakot district submitted a request letter in Rukum district installed electronic to the gaunpalika to organize public to the local government demanding health machines to check the attendance of hearings on a trimester basis. The chair of checkups for students, agro-insurance, and teachers after the issue was raised in a CA Chhatradev gaunpalika made a local market management for vegetables meeting. commitment to conduct public hearings. and fruits.
The CA of Gorkha municipality Ward 8 frequently raised the need for an effective CA members in Kalika gaunpalika in waste-management system in their ward. Rasuwa district raised the issues of limited Triveni gaunpalika in Rukum district They also conducted a cleaning campaign distribution of seeds to farmers, excessive provided stretchers to all wards after the upon receiving a training on waste use of pesticides in agricultural products, issue was raised in a CA meeting. management. Accordingly, the Namuna and lack of proper management of the Pratikshalaya Tole Bikash Samiti had market. been carrying out cleaning campaigns in the ward every month.
Major issues discussed in CAs:
Health Education - Lack of laboratory services in health posts - Lack of libraries in community schools - Ineffective implementation of gaunghar (village) clinics - Students dropping out of schools - Minimizing use of plastics - Need for a code of conduct for quality education - Identifying dumping site for waste management - Request to merge primary-secondary schools and - Lack of awareness on sickle cell anemia conduct quality education.
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 70 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
Health Education - Separate toilet for girls and sanitary pads - Request to form a School Management - Regular meeting of health management community Committee - Health checkups for students in schools - Insufficient number of teachers in school - Demand for increased budget for health at the ward level - Lack of toilet for girls and boys, lack of separate - Demand for ambulances and stretchers toilet for staff - Demand for provision of first aid treatment and medicine - Demand to improve the quality and quantity of - Lack of safe waste management systems in health posts; government school e.g., bandages, plastic covers, medicines, cotton, needles - Discipline of students studying in government - Lack of coordination meetings with local government for schools health-related planning and budgeting - Lack of regular meetings with School - Lack of sufficient staff public health centers Management Committees - Lack of family planning services, with the exception of - Lack of regular extracurricular activities in condoms, pills, and Norplant schools - Lack of community-based health awareness programs related to girls, adults, and elderly health - Poor sanitation in toilet and school areas Agriculture DRR - Lack of information about agriculture subsidies - Compensation for the damage done by wild - Risk of cement factories that create pollution animals in buffer zones - Demand for improved irrigation canal - Improved management of disaster fund in ward - Demand that at least 5 percent of the budget be allocated level for agriculture at the ward and municipal level - Deadline extension to rebuild the houses affected - Request to establish collection center and to organize an by earthquake through DCCs agricultural exhibition - Attention of decision-makers regarding the - Improved information dissemination to targeted population delayed construction of community schools - Request to allocate budget funds for irrigation - Awareness program for fire control - Request to improve access to seeds and agricultural - Challenges faced by victims due to thunderstorms program/ training - Budget for gabion wire for flood control - Lack of awareness of agricultural business displayed by - Prevention for disaster risk reduction agriculture technician - Reconstruction of schools damaged by earthquake - Demand for improved management of agriculture bazaar - Demand for improved access to agriculture insurance - Demand for improved access to seeds distribution - Request for seasonal seed and facilities soil test - Lack of hybrid maize seeds - Request for professional agricultural system development
Governance Other -Demand for formulation of governance policies - Demand for assets disclosure by locally-elected - Problem of non-uniform market price representatives - Request to formulate operational guideline for multi- - Role of CSOs in planning process stakeholder group - Prevention of child labor - Request to formulate guideline of Tole Sudhar Samiti - Control stray dog - Encouragement of active participation of CA members as - Market sanitation challenges well as local people at local-level planning process. - Lack of safe waste management system - Information board in schools - Lack of sanitary pads and disposal management of pads in community schools
Discussions in CAs have resulted in actions to address issued raised by participants. Some of the results include:
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 71 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
Agriculture Health
CA participants in Banke discussed a goat epidemic A health post in Ramghat, Surkhet started regular which killed more than 1,500 goats in Duduwa distribution of free medicines. In addition, the birthing gaunpalika. After the discussion, Duduwa gaunpalika center is better managed, and mothers are receiving sent test samples to a regional lab to identify the allowances and regularly delivering babies at the health problem and initiated appropriate action for treatment. post.
A Gaunpalika in Rasuwa decided to address problems Likhu gaunpalika, Nuwakot has begun providing a in agriculture subsidy distribution by identifying real drinking water supply and public toilets. Triveni farmers. gaunpalika in Rolpa has agreed to collaborate with health posts to organize free health checkup camps for students in community schools.
Education DRR
Community schools in Ghorahi Sub metropolitan in Preparation for a DRR plan was initiated in Uttargaya Dang have begun keeping sanitary pads in schools. gaunpalika in Rasuwa. Manahara gaunpalika, Laligurans Secondary School in Ramghat-13, Surkhet, Makwanpur initiated the resettlement of 165 flood- has conducted a social audit and organized regular affected families in coordination with Parsa National parents’ meetings. Park.
The education unit of Sarumarani gaunpalika in Banks started to disburse funds to earthquake-affected Pyuthan has decided to monitor community schools to citizens in coordination with the NRA district office in ensure that all schools have separate toilets for boys Nuwakot and Dhading, and the respective wards and girls, and that structures are accessible for people decided to start monitoring such cases in the future. with disabilities.
Others
A help desk was established in the gaunpalika and municipality in Dhading and Surkhet; a Market Management Committee in Rasuwa decided to oversee garbage management in Kalika gaunpalika in Rasuwa; target group budget allocation was initiated in Manahari gaunpalika, Makwanpur; Ward 13 and 7 of Bheriganga municipality, Surkhet posted citizen charters; child marriage rates decreased after CA members in Ramghat, Surkhet jointly decided to socially boycott child marriages in their locality and stopped participating in child marriages.
Output of Activity 2.1.3: Fifty-seven Sajhedari Manch formed in working gaunpalika/ municipality of 34 program districts; 67 orientation sessions; 319 meetings of Sajhedari Manch and Common Assembly (CA) Activity 2.1.4: Conduct Sajha Sabhas or Public Forums A total of 53 Sajha Sabha meetings held in project districts during the reporting period were used for disseminating good practices, achievements, and success stories from CA and Sajhedari Manch meetings. Service providers from across the districts, legislators, civil society representatives, media, and citizens participated and learned how CS:MAP-focused municipalities/gaunpalika have worked collaboratively to promote civic engagement, accountability and transparency measures, among others. Issues discussed in Sajha Sabha meetings included the need for free medicine in district hospitals, how to reduce child labor, formulation of agriculture policies, sewage management, proactive disclosure of public agencies, issues related to land tenure, revenue management and use of local resources, crop
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 72 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
and livestock insurance, regular health checkups in community school, sufficient budget funds for irrigation, and first-aid treatment and medicine, among others. Some examples of Sajha Sabha initiatives are as follows: HRPLSC conducted four Sajha Sabha in Salyan, Rukum, RWDC conducted a district-level Sajha Sabha in Dang, Rolpa, and Pyuthan districts. Decisions and best practices with the objective of making public service delivery more from CA, Sajhedari Manch, and HEAD coalition effective, improving governance, and increasing citizens' meetings were shared with representatives from different participation in local governments. Amar Bahadur Dangi, sectors during Sajha Sabha meetings. The sharing of best Member of Parliament of Province 5 and representatives practices included how community schools in Kapurkot from Tulsipur sub-metropolis, Ghorahi sub-metropolis, gaunpalika set up restrooms for female students during the District Coordination Committee, civil society, their menstrual periods, the availability of sanitary pads media, CAs, and the LDAG participated in the Sajha for female students during menstruation with financial Sabha. It also focused on sharing action plans and the support from Kapurkot gaunpalika, and the installation of results of Sajhedari Manch, CA, and HEAD coalition electric machines to check attendance of teachers in the meetings. As committed during the previous Sajha community schools of Triveni gaunpalika in Rukum Sabha, the sub-metropolis had allocated budget funds for district. All local governments in Pyuthan agreed to subsidies of beehives, mushrooms, tomatoes, fruit allocate budget funds for the smooth operation of the farming, and fisheries; conducted a public hearing and blood bank after the issue was discussed in the HEAD public audit across the sub-metropolis; set up agriculture coalition meetings. Rukum has 19 birthing centers, which and veterinary service centers in all wards; allocated are poorly functioning. This issue was shared widely in budget funds to freed Kamlahari's education and sickle- Sajha Sabha meetings. A member of the Provincial cell anemic people; and barred teachers of public schools Assembly of Karnali Province, Honorable Mr. Rato from teaching in private schools. Kami, made the commitment to take up the issue at the provincial level to improve infrastructure and birthing services. Samudayik Sarathi organized Sajha Sabhas in Kavre and DEC Nepal organized four Sajha Sabha meetings. The Sindhupalchowk districts. The first Sajha Sabha focused Sajha Sabha meetings focused on problems faced by on delisting land ownership being acquired for road local people living near the Parsa National Park and expansion from the individual land ownership certificate. Buffer zone. Participants raised the following issues: The issue was discussed in Sajha Sabha meetings with - Disruptive behavior of army of Parsa National Park, members of the federal and provincial government, - Destruction of people and crops due to wild animals gaunpalika chairs, mayors, deputy mayors, government from the National Park and delays in giving officials, civil society leaders and media representatives. compensation. - Lack of clarity related to compensation provisions. Second Sajha Sabha was also on the same issue ‘delisting - Lack of access to natural resources, e.g., firewood, personal land acquired for public road’. Citizens living on grass, fodder, etc. from the National Park. both sides of the road have lost their land in the road - Land ownership of the people living in the buffer expansion and subsequent delay in delisting such land zone area. from the individual land ownership certificates has After raising the issues Om Ghalang, member of the compelled the citizens to pay taxes of the land which has Provincial Assembly from Province 3, and Padam already been acquired for public road for a long time. Titung, President of Buffer Zone Area, clarified some of the local issues, i.e., land ownership process updates, The issue was shared with Sher Bahadur Tamang, former revenue management and use of local resources and minister of Law and Justice, who served as chief guest conflict management. during the Sajha Sabha. He said that government should not delay in formulating appropriate law so that such land In the Dadhing Sajha Sabha those most affected by the could be delisted, relieving citizens of their burden to pay above challenges raised the issue of compensation with property tax of the land which they have forfeited. “I will the municipality. Mayor of the Municipality Bhim raise this issue at the federal parliament and try to sort it Dhungana committed to solve the issue, working the out,” Tamang promised. Krishna Gopal Tamang, Chair of along with road-affected people DCC, said that the DCC would coordinate with different layers of governments to resolving the issue. An advocacy group has been formed to resolve the issue Law makers of the federal government, local elected of compensation for Dhading-Taribesi road-affected representatives (gaunpalika chairs, mayors, deputy people.
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 73 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
mayors, DCC chair and members) civil society activists, lawyers, and journalists participated in the Sajha Sabha. SOCH Nepal conducted five Sajha Sabha meetings in CDC Nepal accomplished four Sajha Sabha in Nuwakot Gorkha, Kathmandu and Okhaldhunga. Federal and & Rasuwa districts. The major issues of sajha sabha were provincial MPs, leaders, CSOs, media and other reconstruction of the hose of earthquake affected people, stakeholders participated. The Sajha Sabha in Gorkha health check-up and health service of community impacted ongoing development projects, including the schools' children, transparency and accountability of The Soti Khola bridge construction project, which was not service provider, quality education, child friendly going well. The Sajha Sabha helped raise concerns with reconstruction of school building as well the issues of relevant authorities, and the construction of the project has road expansion, public participation on policy making started again after eight years. The coordinator of Sajha process were discussed. The authorities committed to Sawal Gorkha said this is a significant civil society manage and maintain this type of district level issues achievement that improves public service delivery. which is affected to all people. Lack of the access of Likewise, the Kundurtar Irrigation project was not people on crop and livestock insurance is one of the completed after 13 years, and after the Sajha Sabha agricultural issues which was discussed on Sajha Sabha applied pressure to restart construction the project was and they address to implement because of income. resumed. Likewise, local authority discussed & committed to The Gorkha Barpark road-pitching work was also ensure the participation of civil society on this policy completed after regular follow-up from concerned making and budget planning process from the fiscal year. authorities. After the low quality of pitching was raised Sajha sabha also issued seven issues committed to fight during the Sajha Sabha, the contractor rapidly finished the against corruption, enhance people’s participation in project with quality work. The Gorkha Arughat road and policy formulation, policy revision and implementation, Gorkha Bhachek road-pitching work are also progressing participatory monitoring, make planning process and due to the pressure created by Sajha Sabha participants. implementation of development activities transparent The former prime minister, provincial minister and and participatory, disclose mandatory information and national-level leaders conducted a field monitoring of the minimize disallow budget of twelve local government of hydropower project after hearing people’s voices in Sajha Nuwakot district. Sabha meetings. The issue was raised during the Sajha Sabha, discussed on Accounts Committee and followed by clarification from the province minister. The Gorkha Administration Office issued a circular to open sand and stone supply to speed up Gorkha reconstruction work. IRDS organized two Sajha Sabhas in Gulmi and two in IHRC Banke organized Sajha Sabha in Banke and Arghakhanchi. IRDS has taken some commitment from Bardiya. Provincial Assembly Member and the president service providers and responsible government authorities. of Agriculture, Forest and Environment Committee Bijay Government agencies ensured the participation of CSOs Bahadur Yadav, Deputy Chair of Duduwa gaunpalika in the policy making process at local level. Gulmidarbar Sahida Bano were the guest speakers of the program to gaunpalika incorporated head teacher’s performance address the issues of Duduwa and Nepalgunj raised by evaluation provision in their educational policy after the participants. Participants of the program raised local Sajha Sabha. In the same line, all local governments’ problems and issues related to better service delivery nodal officers made commitment to publish public from government. The major issues were: formulation of information in the quarterly basis through Sajha Sabha. agriculture policy, drain management, RTI regulation Local government also agreed to promote governance in application in schools, pollution management, public both districts. DCC chairperson and other stakeholder toilet, re-utilization of deep boring, infrastructure signed in commitment letter to promote good governance management in community schools, pro-active at local and district level. disclosure from public service delivery agencies, formation of market consumer committee etc.
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 74 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
Sundar Nepal organized six Sajha Sabha meetings in IHRICON organized a Sajha Sabha meeting with Surkhet, Dailekh and Jajarkot districts. The issues raised provincial parliamentarian Chetnath Sanjel and 80 local in the Sajha Sabha were related to health, agriculture, civil society members on March 22, 2019 in Tikabhairab, DRR and education. Godawari municipality 6, Lalitpur. The discussion was The mayor and members of Parliament demonstrated dominated by the issue of a religious or benevolent land their commitment to the improvement of User Groups and (guthi), although it also included the challenges of the preparation and endorsement of governance policies pollution created by crusher industries, expansion of in respective governments, the installation of civic roads, and other issues. The parliamentarian Sanjel charters at each ward office, and the resolution of the committed to remove all the crusher industries as per his issues raised at the ward level. Similarly, the mayor public commitments during the election campaign. He declared that the municipality will have an ambulance and noted that he was waiting for the cabinet decisions to the stretcher in the coming fiscal year. file that has already been jointly drafted and forwarded by the Ministry of Forest and Industry.
Output of Activity 2.1.4: 53 Sajha Sabha in CS:MAP program districts Activity 2.1.5: Coaching and mentoring to CA, PPWG/Sajhedari Manch, and Sajha Sabha facilitators ISO partners NEPAN, NNSWA and Mitra Samaj supported 34 CS:MAP DPOs through regular coaching and mentoring to facilitate Sajhedari Manch meetings, SA tools orientation at the local level, application of PETS and CSCs, HEAD coalition meetings to discuss advocacy issues, and orientations on public services oversight. Further support was provided to facilitate district-level civil society interactions and initiate joint actions by CSOs and media as agreed during civil society interactions. Such support included preparing memoranda and press releases. In addition, ISOs provided support through coaching and mentoring visits, and CS:MAP DPOs increased their proficiency with facilitation techniques, as well as their capacity to mobilize CARs for the facilitation of local events based on the facilitation skills training provided in FY 2018 and Q1 FY 2019. During FY 2019, ISO NNSWA conducted facilitation skills training for 34 CARs in Kathmandu on December 14-15, 2018 and Nepalgunj on December 20-21, 2018. CARs were trained using the theory of appreciative inquiry, with coaching on managing group dynamics. The CARs also participated in simulations involving meeting facilitation and conflict management. The CS:MAP team and ISO partners provided coaching and mentoring support to CSO partners and the civil society coalition for the effective use of advocacy tools and techniques, advocacy planning, constructive engagement with government, and the policymaking process. The CS:MAP team also helped CSOs organize Sajhedari Manch, Sajha Sabha, and CA meetings effectively. Output of Activity 2.1.5: Thirty-four district staff received facilitation skill to facilitate CA, PPWG/ Sajhedari Manch and Sajha Sabha through 2 events Result 2.2: Improved coalition building between local and national CSOs and between CSOs and the media that leads to joint actions undertaken on selected policy priorities across sectors
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 75 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
Activity 2.2.1: Strengthen coalitions and networks to undertake joint advocacy actions on policy priorities across sectors
Civic engagement Citizen Budget allocations A total of 148 district-level coalition in the Oversight of participation in the for marginalized policymaking public services meetings were held and resulted in process at local planning process communities level multiple actions to strengthen public Formulation of Proactive Address/resolve Citizen-centric governance services delivery and resource use in disclosure on a issues related to health services in policies at the local quarterly basis sickle cell anemia health centers coordination with local government. The level coalition meetings focused on issues Formation of Regular market Development of consumer Seed and fertilizer monitoring by local curriculum related to public services in health, community to subsidy to farmers concerned responsive to the monitor market stakeholders local context education, agriculture and other areas. Following the discussions, HEAD coalitions in project districts have submitted memoranda, convened meetings with authorities, filed request letters, and initiated joint actions for advocacy in the districts. The figure on the left highlights are the examples of joint actions and issues discussed in the HEAD meetings. Some examples of joint actions taken and issues discussed in the HEAD meetings are as follows: District Issues discussed Initiated joint actions
Banke Control of pesticides in vegetables The issue was discussed in the HEAD meeting. and fruits in Nepalgunj Vegetable Consumers and representatives from the HEAD Mandi to save consumers from the and CSO coalitions visited Rani Talau Vegetable effects of pesticide. Mandi and developed an action plan.
Dang Challenges in implementing health ● Coalition formed a team to monitor the situation of insurance system; lack of public services delivery in the district adolescence health and maternity ● Coalition started to conduct regular follow-up related services; lack of agriculture (crop to freed Kamlaharies and treatment for sickle cell insurance, seed distribution) services; anemia lack of follow-up for freed ● Coalition submitted a letter to the District Kamlaharies and sickle cell anemia Administration Office and Ghorahi sub-metropolitan patients. city requesting immediate improvement in Kamlaharies’ scholarship policy
Gorkha Poor progress in hydropower project ● CSO coalition roles clarified in Gorkha. ● Data/evidence generated through in-depth study by 10 journalists ● Members presented evidence in Sajha Sabha and other public forums
Dhading Lack of focus on target group budget ● HEAD coalition submitted a copy of meeting allocation and planning of local minutes and memorandum letter to Neelakantha government; impact on Dalit municipality asking for the relocation of Dalit settlements in Neelakantha settlement of 165 houses to reduce disaster risk municipality, Dhading due to road ● Coalition submitted memorandum to Neelakantha construction; non-disclosure of municipality requesting a separate animal information/non-compliance with slaughterhouse and joint monitoring of meat shops RTI by local GON offices; lack of conducted by municipality and CSO representatives animal slaughterhouse and poor quality of meat sold in the municipality and district
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 76 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
District Issues discussed Initiated joint actions
Nuwakot Irregular health check-ups in ● Coalition members committed to support an community schools; lack of civic advocacy campaign for regular student check-ups participation in local-level policy ● Coalition members submitted a request letter to four formulations gaunpalikas in Nuwakot and Rasuwa to promote civic participation in the local-level planning process
Rolpa Eye checkup camp needed in Coalition decided to partner with the Eye Center and community schools in Rolpa Red Cross in Rolpa to conduct a free eye checkup camp in 20 community schools
Rukum Lack of governance policy for local The HEAD coalition in Rukum submitted memoranda governments to local governments requesting that they develop a governance policy
Gulmi Poor quality of health services at the The HEAD coalition in Arghakhanchi submitted a district hospital in Arghakhanchi and memorandum letter to the mayor of Sandhikharkha failure of the district hospital in municipality requesting improvements in the quality of Sandhikharka to provide allowances health services at the district hospital and the provision to women receiving antenatal of maternity allowances services.
Lalitpur Unavailability of free medicine in the The coalition will continue to discuss these issues and health post and widespread uterine organize a delegation to visit to relevant authorities for prolapse diagnosed in the south belt ongoing advocacy of the districts
Bhaktapu Overuse of pesticide and fertilizer in ● Data/evidence generated by CAR and CSO-media r agriculture representatives, resulting in publication of news articles in different media outlets ● Developed briefing paper and draft policy to control overuse of pesticide and fertilizer in coordination with other CSOs in the district ● Presented paper and draft policy in Sajha Sabha and Sajhedari Manch
● In addition to this, in Q4, a review meeting among Dalit representatives was organized by NNSWA in Surkhet. This meeting focused on a review of and reflection on previous advocacy campaigns. Participants suggested that the Dalit movement is weakening after the national and local elections, and noted that Dalits are not consulted in policy formulation processes by the local, provincial and federal government. The Dalit rights movement is also divided among different political parties. After the critical reflection, attendees set milestones for the following year and developed an action plan to claim space in the policy-making process at the sub- national level. Output of Activity 2.2.1: 45 events of coaching and mentoring sessions on oversights; 148 HEAD coalition meetings; 86 joint actions; 2 bi-annual summits
Activity 2.2.2: Support Shreejanshil Shakhas (innovation hubs) to serve as CSO-media collaboration hubs
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Thirty-two Shreejanshil Shakhas are being used to increase marginalized communities’ access to information focused on public service delivery and resources, improve access to government services, and discuss local issues with local CSO representatives, including CA and LDAG members. As the Shreejanshil Shakhas are located far from district headquarters but close to CAs and LDAGs, they are also being used to examine the effectiveness of public services and resource use. People are using the internet to download and read government policies and provisions, rules and regulations, details about obtaining services from local government, etc. In some cases, youth and LDAG members are using the facility to access national news. In FY 2019, CS:MAP handed over Shreejanshil Shakhas to host organizations as outlined in the Annual Work Plan. CS:MAP local CSO partners will continue monitoring the use of those Shakhas and will use the Shakhas as a common platform. The host organizations were briefed about their roles and responsibilities to run the Shakhas beyond the life of the project. Output of Activity 2.2.2: Thirty-two Shreejanshil Shakhas handed over to the host institutions Result 2.3: Improved CSO and media capacity to conduct participatory and evidence- based research on issues, policy, and enforcement in order to benefit marginalized groups Activity 2.3.1: Media review of parliamentary activities CS:MAP carried out a study on "Parliamentary Processes and the Scope of CSO Engagement in Nepal" with the objective of providing a clear picture to civil society of the parliamentary committee's work and the scope of CSOs’ engagement for policy advocacy. This study covered four committees of Parliament, namely the Sustainable Development and Good Governance Committee of National Assembly and Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee, State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, and the Women and Social Committee of the House of Representatives. Five cases from each committee related to marginalized communities and GESI issues were reviewed. The study provided ample information to understand the structure and working procedures of parliamentary committees, identify the scope of CSOs’ engagement in the committees’ functions, and analyze the priority placed on GESI and human rights issues by the committees. Please refer to Annex 6 for the summary of this study. The study revealed that the trend of consultation with CSOs and experts from the committees has increased. Some examples were shared that detailed how experts and CSOs such as the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN); Freedom Forum; Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) and the federation of organizations working on disability rights were consulted by the committees while they were discussing a particular bill related to the work of the aforementioned organizations. The study report described the importance of engagement with key members of the committee in policy advocacy work during the parliamentary process, including the parliamentary committee's work on policy advocacy. The report suggested some tips, which will be useful for the CSOs willing to engage in policy advocacy as part of the parliamentary process. These include: ● Developing an understanding of the parliamentary process and gathering information about laws under consideration. ● Developing professional and personal relationships with the chairpersons and members of the committee, as well as the secretariat of the committee.
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● Submitting concerns to the committee at the right time, e.g., "Hit[ing] when the iron is hot." ● Obtaining and providing information, including standards and best practices, from and to members of the committee. The report also emphasized that collaboration with the media plays a vital role in policy advocacy work, which enables members of Parliament to have strong understanding of the gravity of the issues and their impact on society. CS:MAP is using the recommendations in its advocacy approach, and is engaging with the suggested champions in the parliamentary committees for advocacy work done at the federal level. Output of Activity 2.3.1: One Analysis report of parliamentary business and issues of marginalized people; 2 slots of consultation meetings Activity 2.3.2: Build research capacity for CSOs and media organizations In FY 2019, EAI, CS:MAP ISOs and FHI 360 team, held eight meetings, including one meeting in Q4 on September 16, 2019 that focused on supporting CSO and media research capacity. The meeting in Q4 included a review of the PEAR activities conducted by CARs and DCs, and strategies for PEAR activities in the upcoming year. In addition to the regular meetings, EAI worked in close coordination with the FHI 360 Advocacy Advisor and ISOs to assess the status of CARs and ensure continual support to the CSOs on PEAR activities. These meetings and subsequent follow-ups with the ISOs and FHI 360 team have been helpful in ensuring regular support to the CSOs, and also in addressing related challenges. There were two major challenges faced in this year. First, reporting for PEAR activities was lacking behind due to the limited capabilities of CARs. In response, ISOs coordinated with CSO partners, and the reports were prepared collaboratively by CARs and DCs. Another challenge involving vacant CAR positions in a number of districts due to early dropouts of CARs, which affected PEAR activities in those districts. To address this issue, EAI and ISOs jointly supported CSOs in the timely hiring of CARs and providing support to the newly-hired CARs for PEAR activities. Over 113 issues were identified by CSOs for advocacy in FY 2019, and the CARs used PEAR knowledge and skills to generate evidence to support the CSO-led advocacy efforts. Representatives cases include research related to sickle cell-anemic patients in Dang and Kailali, and the condition of the education system in community schools in Ramechhap, Pyuthan and Banke. CARs and DCs also remained active in publishing their research findings via MeroReport and other platforms. At least 30 blog posts were published by CARs in the MeroReport platform in FY 2019.
Output of Activity 2.3.2: Eight meetings conducted by EAI with ISOs to provide technical assistance on participatory evidence-based action research; 113 issues identified by CSOs for conducting participatory evidence-based action research; 100 participatory evidence-based action research conducted by CSOs and CARs with the support from ISOs Activity 2.3.3: Organize study visit for media partners in Kathmandu for investigative journalism CS:MAP partner EAI organized a study visit from March 12-17, 2019 for subnational-level
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journalists to build their capacity to carry out in-depth investigative reporting. Eleven journalists (three Dalits and three female) representing 11 CS:MAP districts attended a week- long study visit to Kathmandu. They were previously selected to receive IJ training in Year 2 and Year 3 based on their stories, geographic areas (e.g., earthquake-affected, CDCS priority districts), and quality of blog posts published via MeroReport. The journalists visited national media houses and institutions such as the Centre for Investigative Journalism, Annapurna Post, Kantipur Daily, Himal Khabar Partika, and Nagarik Daily in Kathmandu, and participated in sessions dedicated to issue identification, reporting and production, and GESI. Linkages between the trainees and advocacy efforts have equipped the journalists with the skills and knowledge required for reporting on IJ.
On the first day of the "The study and exposure visit were very useful and fruitful. I realized and event, participants' experienced that investigative reporting is not possible without reading, expectations were study, data collection and knowledge of legal provisions. I will apply the collected and most of them skills and knowledge garnered in the study visit while reporting investigative expressed their expectation news from the district." - Prabir Dadel, Rukum of getting detailed information on the process of reporting investigative news from expert facilitators. They expected to get hands-on experience in practical, first-hand investigative story development and reporting and to understand the working environment, techniques and procedures of investigative journalism from the media houses. For the study and exposure visit, each day was divided into two parts: the first part included knowledge sharing on technical skills of investigative news collection, reporting and data management. The second part included newsroom visits of media houses. Chief editors from the mainstream daily papers facilitated the first session. Then, the participants visited Centre for Investigative Journalism, Annapurna Post, Himal Khabarpatrika, Nagarik daily and Kantipur Daily to interact with reporters, desk editors and chief editors and gather information about the working environment, skills and practical aspects in reporting, editing and production of investigative news from the media houses. During the event, most of the participants wrote reports about their visits to media houses, and then shared their reports with the team. This approach encouraged the participants to write investigative news from a different angle. The participants represented different background (e.g., radio, TV, print media, online portals) and came with different level of skills and understanding on investigative reporting; however, the facilitators encouraged all the participants and tailored sessions to their levels of understanding and skills. Following the study visit, the participants published public interest stories in local media outlets. The stories covered unsafe abortion, lack of schools/quality education, women’s health, clean drinking water, unmanaged plotting of agriculture land, bridge construction, landslides and disaster readiness, local budget processes and plans, among others. Their stories also highlighted policy gaps, policy formation and lack of implementation. The issue of civic engagement at the sub-national level was also raised in the stories. The trained journalists published a total of 34 stories, all of which have dealt in some way with HEAD and/or GESI themes. The stories focused on issues related to marginalized groups, including stories related to public accountability toward citizens’ needs and demands; GESI in ensuring fair and equitable access to, distribution of and utilization of public resources; the need for government office infrastructure to be accessible by PWDs; stronger implementation of mother-language education at the local level; addressing GBV prevalent practices like
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Chhaupadi5; the status of services like birthing centers; women’s health issues; and the status of schools yet to be reconstructed in earthquake-affected districts. Twenty of the stories were published in national media outlets (e.g., Nepal Samachar Patra, Annapurna post, Nagarik Daily, Himal Khabar Patrika, myRepublica, Swastha Khabar Patrika) and online portals and others were published online and in local daily and weekly papers. The journalists have also continued to contribute to MeroReport and interact as a group. Following the study visit, journalists reported that their investigative journalism skills have improved, especially in the areas of clarity, simplicity and accuracy. They noted that they were better able to write investigative news by adhering to the skills learned in the visit. To ensure quality, EAI provided regular mentoring and coaching sessions via email, phone and Facebook. EAI also supported them during the publication process; facilitating coordination with national media, issue selection, development of story themes; and tracking story impact at the local level. As a result of collaboration with national-media outlets, Investigative Journalism fellows have started to publish collaboratively with acclaimed investigative media outlets like Himal Khabar. For instance, one CS:MAP IJ trainee from Banke collaborated with Himal Khabar reporters in Surket and Morang to produce an article highlighting the lack of local-level management capacity which resulted in vaccine shortages at local health facilities. The article, published on December 24, the 2019, describes health facility staff capacity gaps, lack of awareness of the public procurement process, and misunderstanding between local, provincial and federal government as primary reasons for the shortage of vaccines at local health facilities. Output of Activity 2.3.3: One investigative journalism study visit held; 11 journalists participated in the study visit; 20 stipends; and 34 investigative stories published in MeroReport and other media platforms. Additional activities to enhance the capacity of media at the national and subnational levels on advocacy, oversight, and monitoring: Activity 2.3.4: Mentoring and coaching for trained journalists of the Advocacy and Monitoring/Oversight (AMO) training CS:MAP partner EAI selected 25 journalists from the 75 journalists training in year II and III on AMO. A total of 25 media professionals (female eight) including six from indigenous group and seven from EQ districts were selected for mentoring support. The selected journalists represent various media including online portals, print media, radio, television, and youth bloggers. EAI led a KII research to scale their interest and measure their capacity, progress, and their reporting on public interest issues. With a view to plan and implement constructive advocacy strategies that support and improve government policy, planning, and performance particularly focusing on the HEAD priority areas and GESI, the mentoring aimed to enhance their capacity for conducting evidence-based advocacy to bring about reforms to address the identified gaps and challenges by engaging constructively with public service providers. EAI provided regular technical assistance to 25 selected journalists from January 2019. They contributed a total of 375 advocacy and monitoring oversight related stories on MeroReport, and in national and sub-national print and online media on a regular basis. EAI provided technical support to ensure that these stories were balanced and took into account multiple
5 Chhaupadi is a tradition associated with the menstrual taboo in the western part of Nepal which isolates women and girls for four days a month when they are menstruating.
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views; had a strong central message that was supported with evidence; and remained contextual to CS:MAP objectives and themes. EAI shared priority advocacy issues identified by CSOs for possible joint advocacy efforts and actions, and provided continual reminders on the need to incorporate and address issues and concerns of women and minority groups, linking to policy gaps and unequal legal provisions. As required, EAI guided the journalists to policy and legal documents and texts, and edited their story for coherence and clarity. According to EAI’s story tracker, journalists published around 232 stories their advocacy and oversight articles on MeroReport; in different local newspapers and online and national papers. Most of the articles focused on public policy and public service delivery related gaps and success. Some stories/ news or reports focused on public awareness on public resources and public services in health, education, agriculture, DRRGESIDRR, local infrastructure development, LLPP, budget planning and allocation, revenue, and local development priorities. They focused on gaps in practice and policy, identifying areas for reform, and advocating for their implementation. EAI instructed contributing journalists to follow up with public service providers and service seekers and maintain records to track I am not new to the journalism sector. I have been progress or impact, resulting from their involved in media for a decade with significant stories. EAI maintains records of dates of experience including preparing event reports and news stories. However, after attending the training publication of stories, issues addressed, and and study visit and regular mentored from EA that I resulting action, if any. Some AMO trainees realized the importance of angling, facts, data, and published their stories in national media like beat reporting for qualitative story. - Prem Ramja Annapurna Post, AP1 Television, Nagarik, Magar, Dang myRepublica, and Swasthya Khabarpatrika and among others. There are growing instances of journalists trained by EAI having their stories run on television channels as well. For instance; in Q3, The AP1 national television carried an audio-visual report prepared by an AMO journalist trained by EAI, describing how elected Ward representatives in the Baitadi district had struggled to provide essential public services in the absence of public officials. And also, in Q4 trainee Bhagirath Awasthi reported in regular landslide and lack of government policy and delay in airport construction in Baitadi and the impact it has on the public life, tourism and revenue. Please click on the links https://bit.ly/2ME5miQ https://bit.ly/31e4yGB https://bit.ly/35uBi1E to access the AP1 report by Bhagirath Awasthi. After the regular mentoring and technical support to them, some of journalists started tracking impact and follow-ups of their news from the concerned authorities like local level government and community. They have also started keeping record of the dates of publication of the news, its related theme, action from related authority, among others. Output of Activity 2.3.4: 25 AMO trainees received ongoing mentoring and coaching support; and 232 stories published in MeroReport and other media platforms Activity 2.3.5: Mentoring and coaching for investigative journalism (IJ)-trained journalists and media professionals This year, CS:MAP partner EAI provided regular coaching and mentoring support to 30 media professionals who were trained by EAI on investigative journalism in CS:MAP Years II and III. EAI provided technical support to 30 journalists selected among 85 journalists trained on Investigative Journalism (IJ) techniques and reporting methods in CS:MAP. EAI has been continuously tracking their progress and capacity through Google Form questionnaires. In November, IJ-trained journalists expressed their capacity development expectations by
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participating in one such assessment. The mentoring procedures has been based on outcome of this assessment. EAI provided them with comprehensive support in the selection of themes and topics; in-depth data collection, verification and quality assurance; ensuring balance through the presentation of multiple opinions and points of view; and provision of information related to legal and policy situation. EAI encouraged them to conduct investigative reporting focused on the issues of women and marginalized groups and policy and budget requirement/ arrangement and their access to health, education, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction. Mentoring support was provided to IJ trainees through discussions on draft stories they submitted. The final stories published in print and online media and MeroReport were shared for visibility and broader consumption on the MeroReport Facebook page. EAI conducted a rapid assessment of the stories submitted, which revealed a lack of clarity and skills related to angling (angle from which a story is presented); data accuracy and adequacy; and legal and policy analysis. EAI made telephone calls, engaged in Facebook chat groups, and sent emails to provide mentoring support to the IJ cohort. They published 52 stories in local, national (online and print); 134 in MeroReport in evidence-based articles specially focused on gap in policy implementing and policy abuse issue. Their stories focused on women’s health (maternity health), school education (student fee and scholarship), drinking water, construction of building after earthquake, invalid application for earthquake related support, child marriage and early motherhood, invalid land planning, unsafe abortion, labor exploitation of assistant child development teacher, quality less delivery home and post-earthquake DRR, policy abuse, budget allocation and implementation of government and among others. These stories were published in national and sub-national print media outlets and online portal with strong evidence and data. Among the IJ trained journalists’ stories, four stories were related to education, health and DRR from Rukum, Sindhuli and Rasuwa, the stories have hit on decision and changed the positive impact. For example, the stories written and published by Prabir Dadel (a fellow from Rukum district) explored how community schools had been collecting fees from students, breaching existing legal provisions; and how schools had been utilizing funds meant as scholarships for girl students, for teachers’ salaries. The first story highlighted how the collection of fees at community schools was illegal, pursuant to the ‘Compulsory and Free Education Act, 2075’; and the second story highlighted gross misuse of funds by school authorities, preventing deserving girl students from receiving scholarships intended for them. Dadel’s stories were published in local publications - the Rekhdekh weekly and Abhiyan; and in the national Himal Khabar, on April 29 and May 29. Following the Himal Khabar coverage, the Mushikot municipality issued a circular to related schools announcing monitoring visits to verify whether fees were collected illegally. Following this circular, the Tribhuwan Janata Higher Secondary School decided to return all fees collected from students; other community schools followed suit. Dadel wrote about the impact of his earlier story in the Rekhdekh weekly on May14. This news was also published on July 3 by the national daily Naya Patrika (https://www.nayapatrikadaily.com/newsdetails/18551/2019-07- ?fbclid=IwAR0mVct4HMrLn1W048TRl9QkorRdSLlSaeDjPWoahL489pNlKTMSvTsl8Y). Following publication of the second story, the Jana Bikash School management committee made the head teacher and accountant return misused amounts to provide for scholarships to Dalit girl students.
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An IJ fellow from Surkhet district - Jagatdal Janala B.K., published a story on poor maternity healthcare in the Karnali province, in the Swasthya Khabar Patrika. https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/education-on-motherhood-improving-women- s-health/?fbclid=IwAR1Z8AtW_TM3h87o9f5ahXounmGw- 5gFhYZY2tLa3RHfWVGGkvdkZUFUWSY- His story was shared 8,100 times from his Facebook page. And other IJ fellow form Dang district- Prem Ramja Magar published the story on uncompleted bridges of Dang district. This story was referenced by a civil society leader in bi-annual summit organized by CS:MAP. From these examples we can guess that the local media professionals are improving their skills to select the public interest issues and succeed to raise the local issues in order to benefit marginalized group and concerned stakeholders and beneficiaries. Output of Activity 2.3.5: Thirty IJ trainees received ongoing mentoring and coaching support; and 186 stories published in MeroReport and other media platforms Activity 2.3.6: Public interest reporting training and fellowship
Please refer to Activity 1.2.4 for details on this activity.
Output of Activity 2.3.6: Two public interest reporting trainings for 32 PIR journalists; 17 performance-based fellowships to journalists; and 14 investigative and analytical stories published. Objective 3: More coordinated and effective civil society and media oversight of public resource use and public service delivery Result 3.1: Improved capacity of local CSOs, media, and community-based organizations to monitor and report on cross-sectoral public service delivery, based on common standards applicable to each sector Activity 3.1.1: Conduct second round of GGB in six gaunpalika and one new gaunpalika in Kapilvastu A second round of the GGB (midline) was organized in seven gaunpalika of Rukum, Gulmi, Sindhupalchowk and Kapilvatu districts. GGB workshops were actively attended by citizens, head teachers, parents, students, ward chairpersons, health post in-charges, assistant health workers, and local politicians, among others. During these workshops, previous GGB models were used to measure the progress through quantitative and qualitative methods. Information and data were collected through FGDs, interviews, KIIs, and observation. The data was analyzed and shared with multi-stakeholder groups and action plans were formulated (please refer to Section 3,Results 3.1 for GGB impact). Output of Activity 3.1.1: Seven GGB action plans, 7 gaunpalikas – second round of GGB Activity 3.1.2: Organize GGB Technical Monitoring Committee meetings The GGB Technical Monitoring Committee held 28 meetings in FY 2019. Technical committees in respective gaunpalika followed up on GGB action plans, deadlines and
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responsibilities assigned to stakeholders, and stakeholders received reminders during technical committee meetings of their responsibilities, action plan items and deadlines, enabling participants to track action plan implementation. Through periodic monitoring by GGB technical committees, participants identified GGB progress and achievements, as noted in Section 3, Results 3.1 above. Output of Activity 3.1.2: Twenty-eight monitoring reports on GGB action plans and recommendations Activity 3.1.3: Conduct research to generate evidence for advocacy CSOs mobilized CARs to generate evidence on advocacy issues in FY 2019. CARs collected evidence for 100 issues out of 113 issues identified by CSO partners in 34 districts. The reports have served as foundational documents for lobbying and advocacy with local authorities. Of the issues researched, 39 percent of issues are related to effective implementation of policies, and 61 percent are related to the formulation of policies. There are issues related to health, education, agriculture, DRR, and governance/GESI. The data also showed that CSOs are more focused on advocacy related to the formulation and implementation of policies. More issues are related to health and governance/GESI than to agriculture and DRR. Output of Activity 3.1.3: 100 evidence-based research reports Activity 3.1.4: Utilize online collaboration platform (MeroReport) to monitor and report on crosscutting issues. In FY 2019 MeroReport served as a platform for sharing, learning, monitoring, and reporting on crosscutting issues. It showcased a wide range of information and resource documents related to CS:MAP cross-sectoral priorities, Sajha Boli radio episodes (both central and local versions of the series), the CS:MAP newsletter, governance and advocacy-related resources, photographs related to public service oversight, videos, and public service announcements. Since Year 3, the platform has seen a significant rise in interactivity and participation, and in the reporting period, MeroReport has witnessed increased utilization of the platform as a common space for reporting on CS:MAP activities undertaken at the national and subnational levels. CRs and CSO representatives have posted on activities like Sajhedari Manch formation, LDAG Figure: Comparison of number of blogs posted in Year III and activities, CA activities, LDAG Year IVR, segregated by some of the roles. reformation, and field trips undertaken by CS:MAP team members. Likewise, participants of Advocacy, and Monitoring Oversight (AMO) training; Investigative Journalism training; and the investigative journalism study and exposure visit have contributed blogs, news, op-eds, and updates on MeroReport. Of the 2,062 blog articles posted this year, CRs posted 1,206 , CSO representatives posted 276, trained AMO and IJ journalists posted 509, CARs posted 30, and 41 posts were from other members (e.g., ISO representatives, producers, LDAG members, and broadcast partner representatives).
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Sectoral reporting covered health, education, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and other cross-cutting issues (youth and GESI), and the highest number of articles (300) focused on health, as indicated in the table below.6 The blogs posted on MeroReport covered a wide range of topics, similar to FY 2018, but the FY 2019 articles were more in-depth, thematically focused, and evidence-based. There were articles on citizen engagement in policy and budget advocacy for target Figure: Thematic categorization of Blog Post (n=2062) groups; the utilization of SA tools; the implementation of the GGB; and open government partnership efforts, among others. To link MeroReport posts and discussions to other events and the larger context, an April 2019 discussion focused on disaster preparedness and management, following extreme weather in the Bara and Parsa districts of southern Nepal (see text box). Every year, there is huge loss of lives and property caused by natural disasters. This is because we are not prepared to deal with such events when they occur. We respond only after such events occur and do not give it thought at other times. No concrete initiatives are taken for utilizing technology for disaster preparedness and management. The recent storm in Bara and Parsa districts led to loss of so many lives and caused damage to property worth millions of rupees. In this context, what kind of preparedness initiatives should the government and civil society take up to minimize loss of lives and property? – MeroReport discussion topic for April 2019 Respondents noted that local governments should formulate laws and build durable public infrastructure, able to withstand disasters. They also suggested that local governments should develop robust disaster preparedness and response plans and coordinate with concerned stakeholders for timely implementation, limiting harm to human lives, livestock and physical property. Articles on the significant increase in disallowed expenditures of local governments contributed to government addressing budget misappropriation, demonstrating the effectiveness of data use and evidence in advocacy initiatives. Posts described local dialogues aimed at deriving sustainable solutions and submission of citizen petitions to local governments demanding the minimization of disallowed expenditures. In addition, health remained a priority as evidenced by the posts, with multiple articles on “sickle-cell anemia” in Q1 and Q2 and additional posts on the dengue outbreak in Q4. Articles used data to describe the magnitude and scale of health problems and the challenges for citizens, and called for urgent governments action. To encourage more high-quality articles on cross-sectoral priority issues, the monthly competition initiated at the end of Year 3 was continued. The competition has increased the numbers of high-quality pieces posted on
6 Other issues included Governance, Anti-Corruption, Local-Level Planning Process, Local-Level Budget, PEAR reporting, Civil Society, CSMAP activities, RTI, SA tools, etc.
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MeroReport. A total of 214 articles were posted in Year 4, focused on monthly competition themes7.
Output of Activity 3.1.4: 2,062 blogposts; 83,613 page views Activity 3.1.5: Support Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in IT- friendly complaint-handling mechanism Since the launch of a user-friendly complaint-handling mobile app by CIAA in 2018, more than 1000 users across the country have downloaded the app to their mobile devices from the Google Play store and started to file corruption-related complaints with CIAA. Though CIAA has not yet promoted the app through a public outreach campaign, 200 people have filed complaints with CIAA through this app. These complaints are registered on the CIAA server, which can be accessed only by CIAA officials, who can then address the complaints. Citizens can use the application to register grievances using their phones, either with or without Internet, by using unstructured supplementary service data or short message service (SMS). They can also send images or other documentations using their phones through a live telecast or audiocast. Similarly, CIAA can analyze the data from multiple perspectives, obtain live information on corruption across Nepal, track progress regarding the complaints lodged, and collect evidence through phones Furthermore, if the app is promoted among citizens, civil society members, and government agencies, it is likely that the downloads will go up rapidly in the months ahead, contributing to combatting corruption through complaints filed. Output of Activity 3.1.5: One mobile application for public complaint handling mechanism Result 3.2: Improved bottom-up coordination between community, district, and national formal and informal CSOs engaged in public service oversight Activity 3.2.1: Strengthen coalitions and networks for public service oversight by conducting orientation to HEAD coalition/network on common standards/checklist for public service oversight CS:MAP, in consultation with subject matter experts and officials from various ministries and departments, finalized checklists/standards for public service oversight in FY 2019. These oversight checklists/standards were finalized with feedback from USAID and circulated among CSO partners to support them in conducting public service oversight. Existing legislation, regulations, guidelines, and policies have been considered to develop these indicators/standards for oversight activities. A total of 45 orientations for HEAD/CSO coalitions were organized to provide introductions to the public service oversight checklists/indicators. Output of Activity 3.2.1: 45 events of coaching and mentoring sessions on oversights; 148 HEAD coalition meetings; 86 joint actions; 2 bi-annual summits
7 October -Agriculture, November-Education, December-Youth, January-Women, February-Youth in Agriculture, March-Social Accountability, April-Local Level Planning Process, May-Education (Admission Campaign), June-Health (Free Medicine), July-Budget for Agriculture, August-Target Group Budget and September-Public Service Delivery
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Activity 3.2.2: Organize coordination meetings of the HEAD coalition for oversight With secretarial support from CS:MAP partners, HEAD/CSO coalitions organized 148 coordination meetings in target districts, short interactions, and delegations to government agencies focused on advocacy and oversight functions. The meeting participants discussed advocacy issues and developed action plans to bring their public interest agendas to the attention of relevant agencies. Similarly, CSO/HEAD coalitions submitted 92 request letters, memoranda, and position papers to bring advocacy issues to municipality/gaunpalika officials’ attention, and conducted 65 joint visits to resolve advocacy issues. Similarly, HEAD/CSO coordination meetings provided a forum for selecting community schools and health posts to monitor as part of oversight activities. The meeting participants also confirmed the HEAD coalition members who should participate in the oversight process, thereby increasing participant ownership of oversight initiatives. Some of the issues and agendas discussed in HEAD coalition meetings include: ● HEAD coalition in Rolpa discussed priority issues related to district health services and decided to ask the Eye Center and Red Cross to conduct free eye check-up camps in 20 community schools of Rolpa district. ● CSO coalition in Rukum district submitted a memorandum to local governments requesting that they develop government policies so that local governments meet minimum accountability and transparency standards in public service delivery. ● At the HEAD coalition meetings held in Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts, participants discussed issues such as polluted drinking water, an unmanaged dumping site in Dhobikhola in Rasuwa, increasing use of pesticides in agricultural products, the need for participation by marginalized and minority communities, and media and civil society’s role in the local-level planning process, among others. The two coalitions focused on the status of and key progress on two major advocacy issues - regularizing social audits of community schools in Nuwakot, and the use of trees for housing purposes at the buffer zone of Langtang National Park in Rasuwa. The coalitions also formed sub-committees to be led by FNJ of Nuwakot and Rasuwa that are charged with leading advocacy campaigns and initiatives in the districts. ● HEAD coalition in Arghakhanchi district discussed the poor quality of health services and submitted a memorandum to the mayor of Sandhikharkha municipality requesting improvements to the quality of health services in the district hospital, and the provision of maternity allowances for women receiving antenatal services after the district hospital failed to provide the allowances in previous months. ● HEAD coalition in Gulmi submitted memoranda to local governments requesting that they ensure maximum transparency in development works and engage civil society in the legislative process. Output of Activity 3.2.2: 148 coordination meetings and meeting minutes
Activity 3.2.3: Conduct public service oversight through the HEAD/CSO coalition CSO/HEAD coalitions conducted 79 public service oversight initiatives in the health and education sectors in FY 2019. Of these initiatives, 39 were conducted in health posts and 40 in community schools. CSOs found that most health posts provided only a few of the required 35 free medicines, did not have full staff, and were operating with inadequate infrastructure (e.g.,
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buildings) and equipment. They also did not have separate rooms for treating communicable diseases, lacked structures accessible to the disabled, and lacked privacy in treating female patients. Health posts opened late in the morning and closed earlier than 2PM. They did not have specific awareness-raising programs for women, the elderly, the disabled, Dalits, and other marginalized communities and groups. Oversight activities carried out by HEAD coalitions in the ten community schools found that most did not have seating arrangements organized by age; parents’/teachers’ meetings were not regular; textbooks were not distributed on time; distribution of scholarships was not transparent; information, such as a list of scholarship recipients, was not posted on the notice board; a complaint box was not kept in schools; and schools did not have a system for supplying sanitary pads for menstruating students. Specific cases are described below: ● The HEAD coalition in Kavre district carried out oversight of public services being provided by a health post in Roshi gaunpalika. Using the checklist of indicators, the coalition monitored Mangaltar health post and interacted with staff, beneficiaries, and members of the management committee. The coalition team found that waste produced by the health post was not properly managed, citizens did not have easy access to the health post because it was located in a remote area, medicines were limited, only one ambulance was available, and the ambulance fare was high. The CSO coalition handed over a report to Laxmi Gartaula, Vice Chair of Roshi gaunpalika. ● The HEAD coalition in Nuwakot carried out oversight of Deurali Primary Health Center of Myagang gaunpalika. Thirty different indicators were used to check services being provided. The team shared major findings with the Myagang gaunpalika. Issues included lack of clean drinking water, irregular meetings of the management committee, no separate section for treating communicable diseases, the Gaunghar clinic was not conducted on regular basis, no information disclosure was available and there was no proper management of medical waste. ● The HEAD coalition in Makwanpur district carried out oversight in Manahari gaunpalika. The team observed the teaching–learning situation and interacted with service providers and provided feedback. The oversight focused on interactions between students and teachers, participation of the child club in school activities, frequency of the School Management Committee and Parent-Teacher Association meetings, social audit implementation, child-friendly infrastructure, and water supply, among others. The team identified the following key issues needing improvement: poor quality of potable drinking water, lack of sanitary pads available to menstruating students, need for transparency and visibility of learning achievements of the students, high student dropout rate, and poor teaching–learning environment. ● The HEAD coalition in Dailekh conducted oversight of community schools. The team, comprising representatives from CSOs and journalists, conducted oversight in Malika Secondary School and Tribhuvan Secondary School. The team found that staff, teachers, and management were aware of policy provisions and requirements, but they were not proactive in implementing them and did not demonstrate accountability to the people they served. Output of Activity 3.2.3: 79 public oversight reports, set of recommendations and findings. Activity 3.2.4: Identify three to five key civil society champions at district level CS:MAP partners identified 151 civil society champions (26 female) in 34 project districts (see figure above). The champions referenced in the figure above were involved in facilitating and leading 119 civic interactions and discussions at the district level. This approach was effective in engaging, educating and empowering civil society at the district level and for strengthening collaboration among civil society groups to reinforce civic space and promote democratic governance at the sub-national level. The district level champions moderated/facilitated 119 district level interactions on different issues. This has helped deepen their knowledge on matters of public interest and improved civil society vibrancy at the sub-national level.
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Engaging these champions through different discussions has helped unify ‘civic voice’ on public interest issues and reinvigorate civil society as such at sub-national level.
Output of Activity 3.2.4: 151 civil society champions identified in CS:MAP districts.
Activity 3.2.5: Organize district-level interactions on vibrant civic space (role of civil society) and policy priority issues CS:MAP partners organized a total of 119 civil society interactions (Q1-28, Q2-29, Q3-26, Q4- 36) in different districts to generate discussion focused on reinvigorating civil society. Discussions focused on issues including partnerships between local government and civil society, CSOs’ engagement in the legislative process, OGP, challenges for civil society in the new federal context, the role of civil society in democratic governance, and reinvigorating civic space in the changing context of Nepal, among others. Some examples of the discussion are described below.
In FY 2019 HRPLSC organized civil society interactions in Rukum, Rolpa, Salyan and Pyuthan districts. These interactions focused on expanding civic space in the changing socio-political context of Nepal. Similarly, DEC Nepal in Dhading and Makwanpur, RWDC in Dang, IHRC in Banke and IRDS in Gulmi, among others, conducted district-level interactions on developing civic space to promote the role of CSOs in the changed context. Samudayik Sarathi conducted an interaction on “Partnership between Civil Society and Local Governments: Challenges and Opportunities” in Sindhupalchowk. Civil society activist and senior advocate Chandra Kumar Khatri also presented a paper on the topic. Similarly, CDC Nepal organized an interaction on “Civic Engagement in the Local-level Policy Formulation Process” in Rasuwa. The interaction enhanced understanding of the role of CSOs among stakeholders and built consensus among CSOs attempting to raise issues with local government. IHRICON organized interactions on protecting civic space and advancing policy priorities in Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts. These interactions helped build consensus among CSO representatives and other stakeholders on the importance of civil society working together to advance common issues, including policy advocacy. Both interactions focused on the role of civil society in improving CSO internal governance and of governance mechanisms as envisaged in the Constitution.
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Samudayik Sarathi organized a district-level interaction in Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchowk in FY 2019. The interaction aimed at developing a common understanding of OGP principles among CSOs and local governments. Elected representatives from seven local governments and civil society actors working in Kavrepalanchowk district committed to exploring the possibility of adopting and implementing the OGP principles and working modality in their respective local government units. In addition, RWDC conducted an interaction focused on OGP principles and their importance with local elected representatives in Dang. The main objective was to ensure public participation, transparency, local government accountability, and collaboration among the government, private sector, and civil society to improve governance. RWDC focused on the concept, objective, and importance of OGP, as well as the need to strengthen local democratic systems and achieving local government targets through collaboration.
Similarly, CDC-Nepal organized interactions on "The Role of Civil Society in the Local-Level Planning Process" in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. The objective was to share information about the process, its current status and practices, and the participation of citizens in the local-level planning process. Representatives from political parties, local governments, elected representatives, the media, civil society and the public participated in the interactions. HURADEC, in coordination with the Ramechhap chapter of FNJ, organized an interaction on “Government and Civil Society Partnership” in Manthali, Ramechhap with the objective of furthering engagement and partnership between CSOs and local and provincial governments. Likewise, IHIRICON organized an interaction on “Vibrant Civic Space and Policy Priorities” in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. These interactions helped participants, including representatives from CSOs and other stakeholders, develop understanding regarding the importance of working together to advance a common agenda, including policy formation and reform.
Also, in FY 2019, FMDC organized a province-level interaction with civil society and media representatives that focused on their role in the changed context. The objective was to explore available civil society space to support collaboration with provincial and local governments. The importance of collaboration between civil society and media to advance common agendas was also discussed. Hem Raj Pant, former registrar of Far-West University, presented a paper on the role of civil society in the changing context. A written commitment was made by civil society representative and lawmakers to promote civil society participation in law and policy- formulation processes at the provincial and local levels. Ensuring the participation of marginalized communities in government processes was also emphasized. The Deputy Speaker of Sudurpashchim Province and Nirmala Badal moderated the discussion. Please also see Activity 1.2.6 for other details related to this initiative. Output of Activity 3.2.5: 119 district-level interactions the roles of civil society and media Activity 3.2.6: Conduct strategic coalition-building meetings between CSOs and media for initiating joint actions Collaborative actions between CSOs and media in CS:MAP districts increased significantly in FY 2019. A total of 86 joint actions were initiated by CSOs and media to address the issues discussed in the civil society interactions described in Activity 3.2.5. These joint actions included submission of letters of memorandum, delegations and meetings with local government to raise issues of public interest and discuss policy. Joint actions focused on
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engaging CSOs in the law-making process, strengthening collaboration between local governments and CSOs in the district, reinvigorating civil society’s role in democratic governance and improving public service delivery. Some of the examples of joint actions ae described below: ● CSOs and media in Dadeldhura handed over memoranda to local governments highlighting the lack of information regarding delays in the distribution of quality seeds and establishment of fair criteria for the classification of farmers—including the provision of identity cards for farmers. ● Following the civil society interaction on “Civil Society Participation in the Local-Level Planning Process in Nuwakot,” CSOs and the media submitted a letter of memorandum to promote civic participation in the local- level planning process. ● CSOs and media in Sindhuli jointly organized a delegation and submitted a letter of request to the District Administration Office and Kamala Mai municipality asking that they properly manage the district’s slaughterhouse and meat market. ● CSOs and the media in Dang jointly submitted a letter to local governments to promote the participation of citizens, CSOs, and marginalized groups in the local planning process during ward-level meetings. ● CSOs and media in Chautara, the district headquarters of Sindhupalchowk, produced an action plan to monitor proactive disclosure by public bodies in the district. ● Civil society and media representatives in Sindhupalchowk district advocated for delisting/providing tax waivers to owners of land that is used for expanding rural roads in Barhabise municipality. A similar issue was also raised in Kavre district. A joint meeting with media was organized to identify collaborative initiatives to address “tax waiver of the land under the rural road site.” A memorandum was submitted to the mayors of Panauti and Banepa municipalities by CSOs and media to address these issues. Output of Activity 3.2.6. 1132 issues identified, and 86 coalition-building meetings
Activity 3.2.7: Hold Bi-annual summits CS:MAP organized two bi-annual summits in FY 2019. The first bi-annual summit took place in April 2019 in Kathmandu, and focused on promoting collaboration between civil society and the media as well as coordination between district and national networks to support public service oversight. The second bi-annual summit took place in September 2019 in Nepalgunj, and focused on deepening the understanding of CS:MAP partners on the concept of civil society at the federal and local levels. Representatives from CS:MAP project partners participated and shared lessons learned from advocacy initiatives, as well as shifts in civil society roles at the district and federal levels. Civil society experts from the federal and local level and national-level HEAD coalition/federation representatives were invited to serve as resource persons to strengthen vertical and horizontal linkages between CS:MAP partners and national-level actors. Output of Activity 3.2.7: Two biannual summits Result 3.3: Improved citizen awareness and use of available GON social accountability mechanisms Activity 3.3.1: Conduct orientation for citizens on social accountability tools CS:MAP conducted 71 orientations on SA tools for citizens and elected representatives at the gaunpalika/municipality level in FY 2019. Participants, including CA members, LDAG members, representatives from local CSOs, elected representatives (chairs/vice-chairs, mayors/deputy mayors and ward chairpersons) and gaunpalika/municipality representatives were introduced to legal provisions for SA tools. They received an overview of the Public
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Hearing Guidelines-2067, Public Audit Guidelines-2067, Social Audit Guidelines-2067, Right to Information Act-2064 and Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act-2064. HURADEC organized an interaction between CSO representatives and local government on SA tools in Dolakha in FY 2019. A total of 26 representatives (15 female) including representatives from Bhimeshwar municipality, women’s rights groups, civil society, and media participated in and discussed the effective use of SA tools, especially in local government units. The orientation focused on public hearings, public audits, social audits, CSCs and RTI, as well as the concept, significance, and application of SA tools. The ward chair of Bhimeshwar municipality committed to making local government activities more effective and transparent by applying the public hearing, public audit and other SA tools. In addition, HRPLSC organized orientations in Pyuthan, Salyan, and Rukum districts. Similarly, IRDC organized orientations in Palpa and Kapilvastu districts. SOCH Nepal organized orientations to SA tools for CSOs, elected peoples’ representatives, LDAG members and CA members in Gorkha, Okhaldhunga and Kathmandu districts. Sundar Nepal organized similar orientations in Jajarkot, Dailekh, and Surkhet districts for citizens, the ward chairperson and vice-chairperson, CA and LDAG members, and the media. Participants learned about public hearings, public audits, social audits, RTI and CSCs, as well as other SA tools and concepts. Output of Activity 3.3.1: 71 orientations on SA tools to empower citizens Activity 3.3.2: Institutionalize and regularize gaunpalika/municipality for organizing social audit and public hearing at a fixed venue Seventy-six local governments in CS:MAP project districts sought CSOs’ technical support to organize public hearings in FY 2019. CDC-Nepal provided technical support to Kalika gaunpalika to organize the first public hearing conducted by local governments in Rasuwa. During the public hearing, representatives from Kalika gaunpalika shared information about annual plans, budgets and allocations with citizens. Similarly, Chhatradev gaunpalika in Arghakhanchi district conducted a public hearing to publicize its programs and policies and seeked public opinion to improve performance. Public hearing participants expressed grievances related to the poor participation of citizens in the local-level planning process, the lack of a grievance-handling mechanism at the ward office and poor public service delivery. Ward offices 13 and 7 of Chedaghat municipality in Jajarkot also conducted public hearings. The public hearings focused on service delivery status and implementation of development projects in the first half of the fiscal year. Bheri municipality in Jarjarkot, Gulmidurbar municipality in Gulmi, Triveni gaunpalika in Rukum, and Ghorahi sub-metropolis in Dang also organized public hearings with technical support from CS:MAP partners. Nine public hearings were conducted by local governments in CS:MAP districts, focused on publicizing annual budgets, lists of projects approved by local assemblies, the implementation status of approved projects and service delivery challenges. Barhabise municipality in Siddhupalchowk district also conducted a public hearing, which was the second public hearing organized by the municipality in FY 2019. CS:MAP partner Samudayik Sarathi provided technical support to the municipality in organizing the public hearing. Likewise, Panchkhal municipality in Kavre conducted a public hearing, and Sailung gaunpalika in Dolakha district organized a public hearing with technical support from CS:MAP, which concluded with a three-point public declaration. Similarly, Khadadevi
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gaunpalika, Manthali municipality, Sunapati gaunpalika Ward no. 1 and Umakunda gaunpalika in Ramechhap district organized public hearings with support from CS:MAP local partners. The three ward offices of Ghorahi sub-metropolis in Dang conducted public hearings with technical support from the local CS:MAP partner. These public hearings focused on topics including budget expenditures, implementation of projects at the community level, and public service delivery in the health, education and agriculture sectors. Public hearings were attended by representatives from local governments, media, civil society, academia, and citizens. During the public hearings, participants, including citizens, expressed grievances related to poor participation of citizens in the local-level planning process, the lack of a grievance-handling mechanism at the ward office, and poor public service delivery. Output of Activity 3.3.2: 76 public hearings conducted by local governments with the technical support from 10 CS:MAP local partners Activity 3.3.3: Conduct public expenditure tracking system (PETS) at the local level In FY 2019 CS:MAP partners conducted 50 PETS activities focused on distribution of scholarships in community schools. DEC Nepal in Dhading conducted PETS related to distribution of scholarships to target groups. Similarly, IRDS in Arghakhanchi; Sanjeevani Nepal in Kanchanpur, Baitadi and Dadeldhura; SOCH in Okhaldhunga; IHRICON in Bhaktapur; and RWDC in Dang conducted PETs focused on scholarship amounts. Similarly, Samudayik Sarathi in Sindhupalchowk and Kavre; Sundar Nepal in Jajarkot, Dailekh and Surkhet; and CDC in Rasuwa and Nuwakot conducted PETS focused on the distribution on scholarships in community schools. The findings showed protracted delays in the distribution of scholarship amounts, that scholarship funds were not distributed proportionately to all eligible students and that a list of scholarship recipients was not posted on notice boards. CSOs have shared the findings with division chiefs of the relevant municipalities/gaunpalika. Output of Activity 3.3.3: 50 PETs conducted and a set of recommendations Activity 3.3.4: Conduct community score card at the local level CSOs conducted 45 CSCs of health posts. These CSCs served as platforms for service providers and citizens at the community level to identify gaps, explore constraints qualitatively, jointly discuss issues related to public service delivery, and resolve them amicably through formulation of an action plan. RWDC conducted a CSC at Saundiyar health post of Ward 7, Ghorahi sub-metropolis. RWDC identified gaps, strengths and weaknesses in service delivery of the health post and developed action plans to improve the services. Khopiram Chaudhary, chair of Ward 7, committed to apply the CSC in schools and agricultural areas. An input tracking matrix, self-evaluation score card, performance score card and face-to-face meetings were organized, and an action plan was developed to address the gaps and improve service delivery at the health post. Based on the findings, the chair of Ward 7 committed to achieving the following within six months: make immunization services effective, implement family planning services, and ensure availability of 35 types of free medicine. SOCH Nepal conducted a CSC at Dachhi health post in Kageshwori-Manohara municipality 5 in Kathmandu and Raniswara health post in Gorkha municipality 8 in Gorkha. An input tracking matrix, self-evaluation and performance score card and interface meeting were conducted to formulate an action plan. Based on the findings, the health post committed to addressing the unfriendly behavior of staff, unavailability of 35 free medicines, poor sanitation,
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lack of a counseling room, improper disposal of syringes at Raniswara health post, and no display of a Citizen Charter in a visible location. In the CSC action plan, the health management committee committed to building extra rooms for counseling at Raniswara health post in Gorkha, manage extra beds for the birthing center and video x-ray at Dachhi health post, expand school health program to private schools, print names of medicines in Nepali, and post Citizen Charters in visible locations. Samudayik Sarathi conducted a CSC at Chaku health post in Bhotekoshi gaunpalika Ward 5, Sindhupalchowk. An input tracking matrix, self-evaluation matrix, performance evaluation matrix, and interface meeting were used during the process. Citizens and service providers jointly agreed on an action plan, divided of tasks and responsibilities, and established deadlines. The health post committed to improving the availability of free medicines, establishing a staff mobility chart, improving poor sanitation, organizing mobile health camps in remote areas, and arranging a counselling room for patients. A five-member monitoring committee has been formed to monitor implementation of the agreed-on action plan. Sundar Nepal Sanstha implemented a CSC in Bheriganga health post in Bheriganga municipality 11, Ramghat, Surkhet, for the first time. Similarly, SOCH Nepal in Okhaldhunga implemented a CSC at Prapcha health post in Molung gaunpalika, Ward 5 in Okhaldhunga. The process highlighted the lack of a separate room for family planning counseling and immunization, unfriendly behavior of the staff, lack of room for a village clinic, ineffective waste disposal system, lack of display of a Citizen Charter in a visible place, lack of stretchers for carrying patients, lack of awareness programs in schools, lack of women-friendly toilets, lack of training for Female Community Health Volunteers, and lack of a regular water supply. A monitoring committee was formed to oversee the action plan, which lists tasks, deadlines and responsibilities for addressing the identified issues. Output of Activity 3.3.4: 45 Community Score Cards conducted, and action plans prepared. Activity 3.3.5: Conduct social audit of CSOs Twelve social audits were conducted by CS:MAP partners in FY 2019. IRDC in Kapilvastu, SOCH Nepal in Kathmandu, Samudayik Sarathi in Kathmandu, IHRICON in Lalitpur, DEC Nepal in Dhading, Sanjeevani Nepal in Kanchanpur, Sundar Nepal in Surkhet, HRPLSC in Rukum and FMDC in Kailali, organized institutional social audits this year. Administrative and program details such as target vs. achievements, and financial details including a list of projects being implemented by partners, were presented to multi-stakeholder groups including representatives from government offices, local governments, media, CSOs and beneficiaries, among others. The willingness to CS:MAP partners to conduct their own institutional social audits has lent credibility and increased mutual accountability among CSOs and government agencies in the district. To improve transparency and accountability through self-regulatory practices, IRDC conducted a social audit that assessed its overall institutional performance, with participation from a wide range of stakeholders. Major organizational achievements and contributions to social development, including progress and challenges faced in the previous year, were presented and discussed with beneficiaries and other stakeholders in the district. Likewise, SOCH Nepal organized a social audit to promote transparency and accountability within the organization. Member of Parliament Yagya Raj Sunuwar was the chief guest of the program.
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Major organizational achievements and contributions and challenges faced were presented and discussed with the beneficiaries and stakeholders. The stakeholders included representatives from Kageshori-Manohara municipality, Budhanilkantha municipality, government agencies, academicians, journalists and CSO leaders. Samudayik Sarathi organized an institutional social audit in Kathmandu. The event focused on a review of achievements, contributions, issues and challenges the organization faced during the last fiscal year. Major recommendations of the social audit were to improve active involvement of management committee members, prepare a program exit strategy in line with the strategic plan, diversify funding and develop a sustainability plan. Participants said that Samudayik Sarathi had inspired other organizations to conduct social audits and that CSOs should play a watchdog role, provide oversight of government activities and improve their own credibility through transparency and accountability measures. A total of 54 people participated, representing CSOs, media, academia, government, the private sector, lawyers and international agencies, among others. Dr. Bal Gopal Baidhya, former Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission, attended as the chief guest. Similarly, IHRICON conducted its social audit in Kathmandu with the aim of assessing overall institutional performance and identifying areas for further improvement. IHRICON expected to legitimize IHRICON’s strategic interventions and build its public image through the social audit. A total of 65 participants (31 women), including elected representatives of the local governments, IHRICON’s immediate stakeholders, ISOs, CSOs, the media, and FHI 360 representatives, attended. In addition, FMDC organized a social audit in Gauriganga municipality in Kailali. The program was facilitated by an independent consultant. Administrative and program details (e.g., targets versus achievements) and financial details, including a list of projects being implemented by the partners, were presented to the multi- stakeholder group comprised of representatives from government offices, local governments, media, CSOs and beneficiaries. Output of Activity 3.3.5: 9 social audits conducted, reports prepared, and a set of recommendations prepared Activity 3.3.6: Conduct right-to-information (RTI) campaign In FY 2019 IHRC filed 40 RTI requests with local governments in Banke and Bardiya districts. The RTI requests sought information on the implementation status of service provisions and how governments are providing designated services to citizens. A PIL was filed against Bardiya District Hospital because the unavailability of doctors and poor services compelled patients to look for better services in private hospitals and clinics. The RTI application revealed that only eight doctors were working at the hospital when there was a quota for 14 medical doctors. At a hearing on the PIL, the district court in Bardiya asked the district hospital to maintain doctors as per the approved quota to ensure that every citizen enjoys his/her fundamental right to receive basic health services. IHRC also conducted an RTI campaign in the trade fair organized by the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry for seven days from March 4–10, 2019 and disseminated RTI-related information to more than 300 people and distributed books, leaflets, and other information, education, and communication (IEC) materials collected from different sources. IHRICON organized sensitization programs on the “Proactive Disclosure of Information” in Balkot municipality in Bhaktapur and Godavari municipality in Lalitpur. The elected
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representatives and civil society representatives were sensitized about the mandatory provisions related to proactive disclosure of key information on a quarterly basis to promote accountability and increase understanding of the scope of the right to disclosure according to the Right to Information Act. FMDC organized three one-day RTI clinics in Gauriganga municipality of Kailali, KI Sing gaunpalika of Doti and Sanfebagar municipality of Achham districts. RTI clinics aimed to sensitize citizens on the importance of the RTI law. A total of 271 citizens visited RTI clinics and sought information on how and where RTI applications can be filed in order to seek information from public entities. FMDC also disseminated RTI publications, books, leaflets, and IEC materials collected from the National Information Commission and other sources. FMDC also organized one RTI caravan in Kailali. Sundar Nepal in Surkhet has disclosed information proactively, as required by the RTI Act— becoming perhaps the first non-governmental organization in the district to do so. Sundar Nepal disclosed 20 types of information to the public by displaying them on an organizational notice board. Sundar Nepal has been working on governance for many years and took this step to promote its accountability. IHRC has also initiated the disclosure of 20 types of information as required by the RTI Act. Every quarter, IHRC publishes information on its notice board information detailing types of activities, their costs, and other details. IHRICON organized a sensitization program on proactive disclosure of information in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur for HEAD coalition members and other civil society members. The program aimed at sensitizing CSOs on the importance of proactive disclosure, its role in promoting accountability, and the legal obligation to disclose information as per the RTI Act. Commemorating the International Day for Universal Access to Information, CS:MAP partner Samjhauta Nepal/MAG held an interaction on RTI with locally-elected women representatives of Kathmandu and Lalitpur municipalities on September 29, 2019 in Pulchowk, Lalitpur. Aimed at enabling women to exercise their right to access information by supporting solicitations, the event was an effort to address the asymmetry of information flow as described by the women representatives, hindering their ability to influence, prioritize and make decisions and serve effectively in their elected roles. The discussion mainly focused on the challenges faced by women in obtaining information on government progress and programs happening in their constituencies, the concept of RTI and the process of filing an RTI application, followed by queries regarding the cost and legal implication of this policy, if any. The interaction brought conceptual clarity on RTI among the women representatives, including on the format, process and procedure of filing an application to request information from concerned authorities. A total of 45 locally-elected women representatives participated in the interaction. Output of Activity 3.3.6: 4 RTI campaigns; 3 RTI clinics; 40 RTI requests; and 1 PIL case filed. Activity 3.3.7: Radio programming to raise citizen awareness of social accountability mechanisms In FY 2019 the CS:MAP radio series increased citizen awareness of local government resources, public service delivery liability of local governments and SA tools for citizen oversight. It utilized creative formats, including mini-dramas, outdoor discussions and call-in segments. Additionally, the radio episodes promoted SMV campaigns with their audiences,
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and featured a segment to allow local elected representatives to respond to public interest queries posted via IVR by their constituency members. Activity 3.3.7.1: Hold content advisory group (CAG) meetings EAI and its 10 radio production partner radio stations conducted quarterly CAG meetings with project stakeholders at the national and sub-national levels, including media representatives, CSOs, CS:MAP partners, sectoral experts and government officials. The purpose of these CAG meetings was two-fold: first, to bring relevant stakeholders to discuss matters of public interest amongst themselves, and hence to promote a sense of ownership, cooperation and collective responsibility; and secondly, to identify important themes and topics for inclusion in upcoming radio program episodes. A total of 44 CAG meetings (four for central production and 40 for local productions) were conducted during this reporting period. CAG meetings helped to generate content ideas, while allowing for fruitful multi-stakeholder discussions. Additionally, they served as suitable platforms for coordination among radio stations, representatives from government offices, CSOs, media and academicians, among others. In total, 562 participants attended 44 CAG meetings during this reporting period. The central CAG meetings supporting the production of the central versions of Sajha Boli and SSMK were held in Kathmandu.
Figure: Gender and caste/ ethnicity of central CAG meeting (51)
Figure: Gender and Caste and ethnicity of local CAG meetings (510)
A total of 270 issues were identified as potential themes/topical material for Sajha Boli and SSMK. The local and central CAG meetings also helped to endorse the advocacy issues generated by CS:MAP partners. The meetings ensured that GESI and youth- focused content remained central, and helped to create coordination between government officials and other stakeholders. Activity 3.3.7.2: Conduct refresher training on local content production for Sajha Boli local production partners
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A three-day refresher training was organized for radio program production partners of Sajha Boli in Nepalgunj in Q1. The objective of the training was to provide information on new radio formats like outdoor discussion sessions and call-in segments; to build capacity among radio producers on how to conduct CLFSs; and to enhance their editing and mixing skills. During these trainings, EAI organized an outdoor session which was conducted at Duduwa gaunpalika-3 of Banke district in coordination with IHRC. The vice chairperson and executive members of Duduwa gaunpalika, police, lawyers, journalists, CSO representatives, LDAG members, and students were present at the outdoor discussion session. They shared their views on the status of GBV in the community and measures to address GBV. Based on this outdoor session, Krishnasar FM, a local partner of Sajha Boli radio program, produced a radio episode on GBV that was aired in December 2018. Producers from all 10 partner radio stations conducted outdoor discussion sessions and produced dedicated episodes on “16 days of activism against GBV,” which aired in December 2018 A total of 10 producers (five female) from 10 radio stations and two community reporters (one female) participated in the training. The training helped sub-national radio program producers take discussions out of the studio and into the communities, and to get community voices directly into radio program episodes. During the training, producers reviewed and reflected on the achievements and challenges they faced and developed action plans to address the challenges regarding coordination among CSOs, CARs, CRs, LDAGs, broadcasting radio partners and local media. They also identified mitigation measures to mitigate these challenges. Activity 3.3.7.3: Carry out Sajha Boli program production, broadcast, and audience interactivity The Sajha Boli radio program episodes mostly focused on the use of SA tools, the local- level planning process, plan implementation, service delivery mechanisms at the local level, and principles of open government. In addition, the program also focused on gender and social inclusion issues and RTI. The local version episodes focused on the status of public resource use and public service delivery in the HEAD sectors at the local level. In addition, they highlighted the use of SA tools like public hearing, public audit, social audit, RTI and proactive disclosure. Local radio partners also covered the local-level budget, its implementation process and role of civil society for effective public service delivery and oversight at the local level. Some of the production partners produced dedicated episodes on GBV, the local-level planning process, public hearing and local-level plan implementation. The episodes also contained content related to the status of post-earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation, the role of the local level for preventing sickle-cell anemia, the commitments of elected representatives during elections and their achievements, the status of health checkups in government schools, and the status of current fiscal year's budget implementation. A total of 286 Sajha Boli episodes (26 central and 260 local version) were produced and broadcast 2,054 times in FY 2019. While 198 episodes used the magazine format with mini-dramas, 44 were based on outdoor discussions involving the community, local elected representatives, CSOs, media, youth and other CS:MAP stakeholders. Likewise, 44 episodes used studio-based call-in formats. The various formats helped
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make the production process more participatory and inclusive, ensuring that community members also received opportunities to take part in discussions. The “outdoor discussion and recording” production format offered an interactive platform for various stakeholders to openly engage in discussion on matters of public interest, in community spaces outside of formal recording studios. By allowing all participants to have their say, the forum provides a platform for sharing and discussing local challenges, and collectively arriving at solutions. EAI produced 4 central episodes through discussions held at outdoor locations in the Pyuthan, Makwanpur, Baitadi and Ramechhap districts. Local gaunpalika chairs, vice chairs, chief administrative officers, executive members, Ward chairs, information officers, heads of sectoral units, representatives from different CSOs, LDAG members, CA members and journalists actively participated in these outdoor discussions. Likewise, EAI produced four central version episodes in the studio-based call-in format, where two experts from CSOs and media were invited. One such episode, broadcast on the international anti- corruption day, focused on mechanisms for addressing corruption; others covered OGP, SA tools, and GESI in governance.
‘Bhim Bhandari, Bajura - "This program has benefited us a lot. We are getting information regarding social accountability tools, policy advocacy, and good governance. I understand that Social Auditssocial audits are powerful community monitoring processes that are often used to look at the utilization of resources in public".
Suresh Bhandari, Bhaktapur - "This program is so relevant as it provides information regarding local -level roles and responsibilities. This program inspired me to ask questions toof representatives and oversee whether they are doing their duties or not".
Isha Laxmi, Bhagwatu Radio Listening Group, Argakhanchi - "We heard the episode about modernization in agriculture and the challenges. We got to hear the discussion on our district'sdistrict local level's-level representatives' effort on bringing several schemes in agriculture. We are really happy for it".
Radio Nigalsaini FM’s example of using an outdoor discussion format in Baitadi district is representative of the overall effectiveness of the approach. Conducted within the premises of the Dasrathchand municipality office, the participants discussed the implementation status of target group budgets, and the plan for the current fiscal year. Until May 2019, no programs had been implemented supporting or targeting the Dalit communities, and hence, the allocated budget of 20 million Rs was about to be spent on other programs. After this issue was discussed, the budget was reallocated for the Dalit community for skills development programs to be implemented by community- based organizations Dalit Samaj Bikas Manch and Dalit Udhyam Bikas Samaj' ( IVR Response & Listeners feedback of Sajha Boli Sajha Boli received 12,482 IVR responses in FY 2019, a two percent increase over the previous year.
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Among the total callers on Sajha Boli Chautari, 1,018 provided gender and age information. The gender distribution of the callers shows that 41 percent were female, 54 percent were male, and two percent were “other.”. The remaining callers did not disclose their gender information. Likewise, at least 88 percent of the callers were youth between age 15-29. Figure: Number of callers in Sajha Boli Chautari
Critical Listening Feedback Sessions (CLFSs) A total of 40 CLFSs were conducted by CS:MAP local production partners during this reporting period. All the CLFSs were conducted in the local community and the offices of the local-level governments, attended by key government officials, members of LDAGs and CAs and CS:MAP actors. A total of 698 individuals (418 female) attended these sessions. CLFSs served as a platform to seek commitments from government stakeholders for improved public service delivery. The analysis of the annual CLFSs shows that there was an overall two percent increase in the CLFS scores of the production partners. This excludes the score of Ujjyalo
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FM and Mero FM, as Ujjyalo FM discontinued the production from Q4 while Mero FM started the productions from the same quarter. The CFLS score is a mean of scores received by “This is the first time I participated in a Critical Listening Feedback Session. It's a the FM station in each of the eight following good practice to conduct such a session in areas: presentation of the issue in the content, the community. First, it provides clarity of the script, creativity, relevance of the information to those who participate. content, quality of script, technical aspect of the Second, they can provide feedback to the radio program, and GESI content and radio program instantly. Third, it supports good coordination among government integration. The participants evaluate each officials, media and CSOs. After listening criterion on a scale ranging from “Very Poor” to to the episode on agriculture and animal “Very Good,” equivalent to a numeric score of 1 insurance, I felt that our Ward should also to 5. During analysis, the score is converted to a allocate budget for the same, as we haven't percentage. allocated such a budget as yet. I will now take this issue to the municipality and The maximum increase in CLFS was observed advocate for the allocation of budget funds for Dinesh FM. However, there was a decrease for agriculture and animal insurance” – Kailash Shrestha, Ward Chair of in the score of Radio Niglasaini, Baitadi from 89 Bhimeshwor Municipality 7, Sailung percent in Q1 to 80 percent in Q4. The production team keeps track of the CLFS score as one of the measures of the radio program production monitoring, and accordingly provides support to the partners. Production and Broadcast of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) PSAs are short and effective messages that are disseminated related to designated thematic areas and other project-specific areas. They help to raise awareness and provide information to citizens. During FY 2019, PSA themes were selected according to the context of the local-level planning process, and to support the 16 days campaign against GBV and International Women’s Day. The themes were: sexual violence, accessible public infrastructure for PWDs and the need for accompanying information, RTI and mandatory proactive disclosure, gender- responsive budgeting, local-level planning processes, public audit as a SA tool, youth participation in local-level plan implementation, and civic oversight for local development and effective service delivery. A total of 104 PSAs were produced and broadcast 16,640 times. The PSAs were produced in nine different languages and dialects, including Nepali, Magar, Newari, Awadhi, Tamang, Chepang, Sherpa, Tharu and Doteli. These PSAs were broadcast at least 16 times a day for 10 days in each quarter. The PSAs were also disseminated through IVR, MeroReport and Sajha Boli radio programs. PSA assessments were conducted through a paper-based survey, for which CRs were mobilized. Two rounds of assessment were conducted in March and July 2019, respectively. Of the 235 survey participants from 23 districts, 35 percent were male and 65 percent female. The main objective of the survey was to assess audience understanding of PSA messages, and determine if the PSAs motivated actions. Almost all participants (99 percent) stated that they clearly understood the messages, with 97 percent finding the messages useful, and 98 percent willing to share the messages with others.
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Output of Activity 3.3.7: 44 CAG meetings, 40 critical listening feedback sessions, 1 training for local production partner radio station-based producers, 10 producers attended the local production partner radio station training, 26 central and 260 local Sajha Boli radio episodes produced, 2,054 Sajha Boli broadcasts; 104 PSAs produced and broadcast Activity 3.3.8: Listening, discussion, and action groups (LDAGs) to engage citizens in social accountability EAI assessed 102 LDAGs through data collected via CRs. Based on indicators set for the assessment, these LDAGs were categorized into A, B and C categories, with those in the “A” assessed as active, those in “B” marked as potential, and those in “C” designated as inactive. Fifty-five LDAGs were assessed as active, 35 groups were assessed as potential, and 12 were deemed inactive. The inactive LDAGs were reconstituted and/or relocated with the support of local CSO partners. As strengthening of CS:MAP outreach to ensure the effective mobilization/integration of LDAGs was a key focus for EAI, and EAI conducted a series of visits to support CSOs in mobilizing LDAGs in the potential and inactive categories. These visits covered Kathmandu, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Achham, Doti, Dadeldhrura, Pyuthan, Dang, Sindhuli, Ramechhap, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Okhaldhuna and Baitadi districts.
EAI also facilitated two three-day trainings on effective facilitation skills for the 46 radio LDAG facilitators (28 female) at Bhaktapur and Nepalgunj, respectively. The training helped participants learn group facilitation skills for improved meeting management, documentation of meeting minutes, discussion and analysis of information shared on the radio program, and development and implementation of action plans aimed at oversight and reform of public resource use and public service delivery. Following the trainings LDAG facilitators better understood their leadership roles in initiating community engagement for civic oversight; in addressing challenges that affect the daily lives of women, youth and other traditionally marginalized groups; for raising awareness about SA tools and their use; and for prompting local authorities to action. They learned about group formation, structures and group dynamics; engaging with local stakeholders, including CSOs, media, CRs, CARs and CAs; planning constructive engagement with government and other local stakeholders; and why and how people should participate in the LLPP. Equipped with a basic understanding of local governance, these youth facilitators are assets who, with continual support from CSOs, are potential civil society leaders. Significantly, 38 of the 46 participants were below 30 years of age.
EAI also documented and shared revised LDAG formation and management guidelines with CSO partners to ensure that new groups were formed or old groups were re-formed or relocated in accordance with pre-determined criteria. The guideline particularly helped to ensure the participation of young people, women and those from marginalized groups within LDAGs, the role of facilitators and members, and the role of CSOs during and beyond LDAG formation.
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EAI also prepared a LDAG visit checklist as a monitoring tool for FHI 360 and EAI staff making field visits to LDAGs. LDAG engagement to promote social accountability Equipped with information provided via the Sajha Boli radio program episodes, CS:MAP LDAGs initiated significant citizen engagement actions to promote social accountability in this reporting period. LDAGs submitted memoranda and attention notes to their local governments to address issues related to livestock services, agriculture insurance programs, citizen charters, student health checkups and provision of sanitary pads for female students. As a result of efforts by the Janachetana LDAG, a veterinary clinic has been established in Kandakhutti in the Ghorahi sub-metropolis. By providing vaccination, spaying and castration services, the clinic has addressed a local service need that was not being met. In Kailali, Musuriya the LDAG raised the issue of sickle-cell anemia in their regular meeting and submitted a memorandum to the chairperson of the Masuriya Ward 11, demanding the allocation of budget funds to provide for health check-ups and treatment of sickle-cell anemia patients. The ward chair raised this issue at the Gauriganga municipal council meeting, and the council responded affirmatively. As a result, the municipality allocated a budget of 50,000 Rs to Ward 11 to enable free health check-ups and treatment for sickle-cell anemia patients. Bhure Takuri LDAG of Sarumarani gaunpalika-4, Baddanda, in Pyuthan district raised the issue of mandatory health checkups and lack of sanitary pads in schools. There, female students are known to avoid school or even drop out as they reach menstrual age due to a lack of sanitary pads and appropriate mechanisms for disposal after use. The LDAG submitted a memorandum to the ward chair on April 23, 2019 demanding mandatory periodic health checkups for students and provision of sanitary pads in community schools. The ward office organized a health checkup at the Janata Secondary School on May 14, 2019 and has initiated the free distribution of sanitary pads in schools. After listening to and discussing the government’s agricultural insurance program which was covered in the 54th episode of Sajha Boli local version, the Jaleshwori LDAG in Dhading district submitted a memorandum at the Siddhalekh gaunpalika office requesting the implementation of the agricultural insurance program. The Siddhalekh gaunpalika-5, Bunsun Ward chairperson made a commitment to prioritize this program in the upcoming plan through the village assembly. A Ward office in the Dolakha district is in the process of publicly displaying its citizen charter after Katakuti LDAG members submitted a memorandum to the ward chairperson requesting the same. After regular follow-ups by the Maharudra LDAG, the ward office of Dasharatchand
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municipality-1 in Baitadi district supported the marking of a zebra crossing on the Dasrathchand highway near the Manilekh School at Gurukhola to reduce road accidents. After the Syauli and Bhur LDAGs in Jajarkot district took up the issue at the CA meeting and engaged with Ward offices, as of May 2019 citizen charters have been placed in all ward offices of Bheri municipality. Earlier, citizen charters had not been publicly displayed at the offices of Wards 7, 8, 9 and 10. There was also a lack of pregnancy test facilities at the Bheri municipality-9, with services being offered only once a week at the Bhur health post. After this issue was raised by Bhur LDAG members at the CA meeting in the presence of the Bhur health post in-charge, the problem was resolved, with the health post now offering pregnancy test services on all working days.
LDAGs also organized and led interactions, awareness drives and campaigns that led to tree- planting, improved sanitation services and quiz and entertainment events, as well as debates on corruption and GBV. Drabya Shah LDAG of Drabya Shaha municipality Ward 5, Gorkha has been allocated a budget of 500,000 Rs from the municipality for consolidation and sustainability of LDAG activities. The LDAG in Salyan district raised the problem irregular school attendance among female students during their menstruation periods and requested that elected representatives and school management committees address this problem. After this issue was raised at the CA meeting in Salyan, the CA decided to raise this issue with concerned stakeholders. The local government funded and established a restroom with a bed at all community schools of Salyan district for girls, so that they can rest while menstruating and so that the school dropout rate is reduced. LDAG engagement in LLPP The 62nd episode of the Sajha Boli central version inspired 10 LDAGs to actively participate in the LLPP in the Arghakhanchi, Dang, Gorkha, Jajarkot, Makawanpur, Salyan, Baitadi, Kailali and Dadeldhura districts. LDAG members proposed projects for improved drinking water supplies; irrigational facilities; children’s playgrounds; and youth income generation, entrepreneurship and life-skills activities. More than 45 LDAG members participated in the LLPP. The Masine LDAG in Makawanpur district proposed a plan for building an irrigation facility in their village. In the previous year’s LLPP, this LDAG had successfully advocated for a drinking water supply project for their village for which a budget of 449,000 Rs had been approved. Similarly, Janachetana LDAG members participated in the recent LLPP and proposed plans for their community. The proposed plans include allocations of 75,00,00 Rs for drinking water tank construction, 300,000 Rs for playground construction, 160,000 Rs for four deep-well digging projects, and 500,000 Rs for road construction. All the plans were approved by the municipal assembly. The assembly is now planning to implement those plans by forming different users committees.
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Namuna LDAG and Bhalukhop LDAG Ramechhap jointly submitted a proposal for 100,000 Rs to their ward office to conduct a training event for youth. The ward chairperson has committed to allocating budget funds for the training. Dilpeshwor LDAG in Doti district participated in the LLPP and proposed a plan of 30,000 Rs to buy sports equipment for a child club. The plan has been selected by the municipal assembly, although the implementation process has not started yet. Output of Activity 3.3.8: 1 LDAG training held and 46 LDAG facilitators trained. Activity 3.3.9: Engage youth in social accountability Twelve youth-targeted SSMK radio episodes were produced and broadcast from Radio Nepal and more than 60 local FM radio partners during this reporting period. Themes were selected from feedback sent by listeners, suggestions received from the field, and CAG meetings conducted by the Sajha Boli radio program. The episodes focused on public audits, social audits, RTI and proactive disclosure, project information boards, violence against women and girls (VAWG), public service delivery, and the role of youth in oversight through the application of social accountability tools such as public hearing, social audit, and RTI. The episodes included interviews of government representatives to describe how the local governments are applying various SA tools. Experiences of social activists from different districts including Bali Khadka (Pyuthan), Mithu Tamang(Rasuwa), Yogmaya Dhakal (Rasuwa), Sajan Shrestha (Sindhupalhowk), Satira Tharu (Bardiya) and Shashi Lamichhane (Rasuwa) were included in the VAWG-related episode. SSMK episodes also covered the proactive public interest information disclosure as a SA tool, the LLPP, and public hearings as a SA tool. The episodes integrated the opinions and experiences of youth related to the use of SA tools and participation in the LLPP, as well as the voices of government officials at the federal and sub-national level calling youth to collaborate with governments in ensuring transparency and accountability. Responses were received from 2,207 audience members via Facebook, IVR and VOY messages. This indicates growing interest among youth in the LLPP and social accountability at the local levels, as the response rate has increased from FY 2018 when only 1,644 calls were received. A majority of the responses were received via Facebook (1,174), followed by IVR (636) and SMS (397). SSMK initiated four poll questions through IVR and social media related to the importance of youth using SA tools, overseeing local-level budget allocation and implementation, participation on users' committee for implementing planned activities, and seeking accountability and transparency from elected representatives. The program received 133 responses to its poll questions, with most listeners answering correctly, demonstrating increasing familiarity among youth of SA tools and mechanisms.
Figure: Facebook poll question screenshot
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Some responses of SSMK via Facebook and IVR "I am watching SSMK Facebook live from Sindhuli. I have already participated in public hearing programs four times. There is dialogue with stakeholders regarding public concern issues, so I am interested to participate on this type of program. I got information related to public hearings through radio programs and by a Facebook post posted by the municipality as most of the local municipalities post information related to public hearing on social media. Thus, we can know whether local representatives are working transparently or if they are accountable or not. We even know about allocations for activities. We're aware that budget is implemented in local level in a proper way and make sure that the budget is not misused. Most of the local-level representatives don't even know about how to allocate budget. So, I urged them to allocate budget for youth's issues and activities." Sarala Sunuwar, Sindhuli "I listened to episode 916 after that I realized we should have participated in public hearing programs in our local-level ward and gaunpalika. If we had participated in this program, we would have known about budget allocation and expenditure at local level with transparency." -Juna Rai, Bhojpur “After listening to the SSMK radio program, I published information on SA tools and the local-level budget on information board; we've started broadcasting and publishing about public hearing events in newspapers and on radio.” - Ward elected representative, Sailung, Dolakha 'To make local representative accountable, we need to publish information regarding their activities on planning information boards. Similarly, we can conduct public hearings, public audits and information sharing from various media as well'. - Som Gurung, Banke "It's better for the local level to allocate their budget according to the needs and aspirations of citizens rather than the wish of the people's representatives by providing accountable services to its citizens as a responsible guardian to get life-long popularity and to be remembered for their good deeds in the future by the future generation." - BE Joy Output of Activity 3.3.9: 12 youth focused SSMK episodes produced, 543 SSMK broadcasts.
Result 3.4: Improved citizen engagement in media and information and communications technology (ICT) tools to strengthen public participation and oversight Activity 3.4.1: Conduct SMS My Voice (SMV) campaigns
EAI launched the SMV campaign from December 8, 2018 to September 13, 2019. The campaign aimed to encourage youth to actively engage in oversight of public resource use and public service delivery through the use of ICT tools. Titled Mero Palika Mero Chaso (my local government, my concern), the campaign encouraged citizens to participate in the LLPP for budget advocacy and oversight. The campaign was divided into six phases to match the campaign timeline with the LLPP timeline. A total of 5,679 individuals participated by recording their statements in the form of a concern, query or report about their participation in the planning process, or by listening to statements left by other participants. Table: Phase wise response of SMV campaign via IVR Phase Date Number of callers Number of qualitative responses Phase I Dec 8, 2018 - Jan 15, 2019 976 29 Phase II Jan 16 – Feb 28, 2019 1,082 70 Phase III March 1 – April 15, 2019 1,183 143 Phase IV April 16 – May 31, 2019 1,073 106 Phase V June 1 – July 15, 2019 527 56 Phase VI July 16 – September 13, 2019 838 103 Total 5,679 507
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Figure: Number of callers in SMV campaign Gender and Age distribution Among the total participants in the campaign, 1,289 provided information about their gender, among which 39 percent were female. Three percent of the participants chose “Other” as their gender identity while 9 percent preferred not to disclose information about their gender identity. Likewise, 1,259 participants provided information about their age group, among which 73 percent belonged to the youth category (15-29 years). Campaign promotion and community engagement EAI adopted a two-tier approach for campaign promotion. While campaign promotional videos included an introduction to the campaign and the ways of participating, and targeted the participants through social media, the community-level promotion was done through CRs and field visits. The promotional videos included a video featuring former Miss Nepal Malvika Subba and another video that features media personality Samirman Shrestha. Both of the videos were posted and shared through the Facebook pages of Sajha Boli, Makhaandina campaign and MeroReport. Likewise, the CRs promoted the campaign during the visits to the LDAGs and other groups in their communities. The campaign team also conducted field visits to promote the campaign. In Q4, the campaign team visited Nuwakot, Dhading, Rasuwa, Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap and Sindhuli districts for the promotion of the campaign. The campaign team interacted with LDAGs, youth groups and college students during the promotion of the campaign. In addition, the production team utilized the CLFS outdoor production platforms in the project districts for campaign promotion. The EAI team also continually emphasized campaign promotion during the bi-annual summit and other meetings with CS:MAP partner CSOs and ISOs to ensure their ownership and garner their support for the campaign. Analysis of the responses Among the 5,679 campaign callers, 507 responses were recorded. The analysis showed the campaign impacted citizen engagement and strengthened public participation and oversight in two ways. First, the campaign enhanced the youth knowledge regarding public service delivery and public resources, and the LLPP. As a result, youth were more motivated to visit their local
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authorities either to inquire about or participate in various stages of the planning process. Though most of these actions were initiated by LDAG members, there were examples of non- LDAG youth and youth outside of project districts increasing their civic participation as a result of the campaign. "I am a LDAG facilitator and we had gone to the ward office on Baishak 25 (May) to inquire about the dates of different phases of the planning process. The ward secretary informed us that it will start in the first week of Ashar (May). We are all excited about it, and will be participating in it." (LDAG facilitator, Bheri municipality, Jajarkot) "We, the members of Buda LDAG in Dailekh, participated in the community-level gathering of the planning process, and expressed our voice and opinion. We will also be participating in the upcoming steps of the planning process." (facilitator, Buda LDAG, Dailekh) "I am a member of a mother's group in my community. We are planning to demand training on how to use Facebook and the internet as most of us are illiterate and do not have knowledge about how to use such tools." (Secretary of Jana Sewa Aama Samuha) "I am a facilitator of the Janachetana LDAG group in Dang. I know that the budget is allocated in various sectors and implemented by users' committees. 300,000 rupees was allocated for road construction and it was implemented by a users' committee. 700,000 rupees was allocated for a pure drinking water supply and a pipeline was constructed by the users' committee. Likewise, 1.5 million rupees was set aside for the construction of deep-water boring, for which work has begun as of April. Ghorahi municipality is also conducting a public hearing every four months and it is also conducting social audits". (LDAG facilitator, Ghorahi sub-metropolis, Dang) As seen in the statements above, campaign participants not only increased their participation, but also influenced the local budget allocation and program decisions. In addition, the campaign participants have expressed their concerns regarding the lack of information and lack of effective service delivery in their communities. "I am currently staying at Rajghad gaunpalika in Jhapa, where we do not have proper road and health facilities. The health workers don't come to their offices regularly. They don't conduct public hearings. The ward chair never consults with local people and does whatever he/she likes. Even in this modern time, we don't have roads." (A caller from Jhapa) "In my municipality, what budget is allocated for agriculture, or health or for youth? How can youth benefit from local plans and budgets? What can be the role of youth? I participate in many activities in my municipality but there is no information board. So, when will they put up an information board?" (Chandra Dev Badu, Punararbas municipality, Kanchanpur) The campaign was also significant in terms of participant engagement with local-level authorities. During their outdoor production and field visits the campaign team met with local authorities in Dolkha, Baitadi and other districts. The local leaders not only appreciated the campaign for its role in motivating youth toward public oversight, but also joined the campaign themselves. “We have also been actively promoting the importance of youth participation in the local-level planning process. So, I really like the idea of this (SMV) campaign as it encourage youth to be more active in their own community. We know that youth are such an important agent of change. If they actively contribute in their community, there will be better management and oversight. So, when I heard about this campaign, I was really excited. I will continue to support this campaign.” (Bharat Prashad Dhungel, ward chair, Shailung rural municipality Ward 5, Dolakha district) EAI made continual efforts to increase the number of callers who interacted by posting their own thoughts, opinions or queries. The campaign team conducted follow-up calls to assess why callers refrained from posting statements. To ensure maximum participation, the campaign team conducted field visits, and also ensured regular follow-up with the callers. The responses
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received from SMV participants have been shared via radio program as well as through other platforms. Output of Activity 3.4.1: 1 campaign; participation of 5,679 individuals Activity 3.4.2: Organize Public Service Delivery Exhibition A three-day refresher training on photo journalism was conducted for 30 (25 female) CRs from CS:MAP districts in Nepalgunj in March 2019. The event was organized to build CRs’ technical and creative capacity to take photographs and use the photos to support ongoing oversight of public service delivery. The training mainly focused on photography, understanding of photo-stories, photo-editing, caption writing, and creative ways to carry out advocacy through photography. The training also focused on the roles and responsibilities of CRs, radio formats, audio editing, review and reflection on radio program production, and a session on MeroReport. The participants were taken to visit the community to carry out a practical photography session and location discussion. EAI stressed the need to approach photography as a public service oversight tool through a GESI lens. Participants were from mixed ethnic groups, including Tharu, Hill Mountain Janajati, Hill Brahmin/Chhetri, and others castes. The majority of participant were Hill Brahmins/Chhetris (67 percent) followed by Hill mountain Janajati (17 percent), Terai/ Janajatis/ Adivasis (10 percent), Newars (3 percent) and Hill Dalit (3 percent). The training assessment showed an average increase in confidence levels among CRs for conducting advocacy through the use of photographs, as well as in designing short photo- stories. They were trained to identify and capture high-quality photographs that depicted the utilization of public resources and the delivery of public services, with the aim of exposing gaps. The number of photographs being shared by CRs has increased post-training, as has the quality,
in t erms of the messages the photographs convey. A total of around 350 photographs were shared this year related to agriculture, health, education and DRR. CRs have also captured photos that reflect different themes including gender equality, social inclusion and CS:MAP interventions. EAI has been featuring photos in MeroReport and its Facebook pages. Most of the photographs focused on government services, flood and landslide events, CS:MAP interventions and community- based activities. A public service photo exhibit was organized in Kathmandu in September 2019 to encourage public viewing of the photographs captured by the CRs (see photos). A total of 90 photographs were displayed that helped highlight gaps and challenges in public service delivery and areas where the government needs to focus most in order to influence the lives of women and marginalized communities. Output of Activity 3.4.2: 1 refresher training for CRs on photography, 1 photo exhibit event.
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Activity 3.4.3: Update online collaboration platform (MeroReport) In FY 2019 MeroReport was used to engage citizens via media and ICT to strengthen public participation and oversight. There has been a significant increase in the number of page views since the first quarter of Year 4 as compared to the previous year. In Year 4, there were 83,613 page views, which is 67 percent higher than the total page views during the previous year. As highlighted in the chart to the right, approximately 72 percent of the users reached the website through different social networking sites while 16.8 percent directly reached the site by typing the address in the browser. The rest reached the site through various search engines and referral links. The MeroReport social media pages have been utilized for sharing MeroReport content and for the cross-promotion of CSMAP activities. As of this year, there are 1,853 fans (20 percent female) and Twitter has 3,637 followers (15 percent female). The majority of fans and followers of the social media pages are between 25 and 34 years of age. The posts shared have reached 7,360 people, of which 7,562 engaged directly by commenting, liking, reacting or sharing the post. At the end of September 2019, MeroReport had 2,224 members. There are 537 new blog posts from 34 CS:MAP districts in FY 2019. The highest number of posts were from Surkhet district (206), the second highest from Dadeldhura district (165) and the lowest from Bhaktapur district (11). The maximum number of posts are from districts where CRs, CSOs and trained journalist are active while the lower number are from districts where they are not active. Along with the social media pages for MeroReport, EAI also utilized social media platforms for the Sajha Boli radio program and the MaKhaandina anti-corruption campaign. As of now, there are 14,605 fans (36 percent female) of the Sajha Boli Facebook page, and the majority of fans and followers are between 18-24 years of age. The posts shared on the Sajha Boli Facebook page this year have reached 64,645 people, among which 7,742 engaged directly by commenting, liking, reacting or sharing. Likewise, the MaKhaandina page has 13,388 fans (23 percent female) with the majority of fans and followers between 18-24 years of age. The posts shared on the page this year have reached 64,688 people, among which 5,415 engaged directly by commenting, liking, reacting or sharing. Output of Activity 3.4.3: 2,062 blogposts; 83,613 page views Activity 3.4.4: Orientation on Sajha Sabha apps Fifty-three orientations on Sajha Sabha apps were organized by CS:MAP partners in FY 2019. IRDC, CDC-Nepal, RWDC, FMDC, IHRC, DEC-Nepal, and HURADEC, among others, organized such orientations. DEC Nepal conducted a one-day orientation for CA and LDAG members and the general public in coordination with Neelakantha municipality, Dhading. The objective was to increase awareness of the municipality’s efforts on ICT tools through the development of Mero Neelakantha Mero Mobile, Facebook page, and web site as part of the Open Local Government Digital System (OLGDS). Participants were oriented on the use of the Sajha Sabha app, and the municipal apps, website, and Facebook page, and on the process
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for handling issues and complaints for decision-making or responses. CS:MAP CRs also shared information on how to access and utilize the MeroReport web portal. Likewise, HURADEC held a one-day workshop on ICT in Sindhuli district. The objectives were to educate and teach civil society actors the importance and application of ICT in advocacy through social media and to orient them on the use of mobile apps such as Sajha Sabha and MeroReport. The 21 participants included executive committee members, executive directors, program coordinators, district coordinators, CARs, CRs, and LDAG facilitators. Output of Activity 3.4.4: 53 orientation sessions held by CSOs to orient elected representatives and community members on Sajha Sabha Apps Activity 3.4.5: Technical Support to open local units’ (municipality/gaunpalika) annual budget and plans to the public CS:MAP proposed 10 local government units to MOFAGA for the implementation of OLGDS. During the reporting period, CS:MAP provided necessary support to Nepalgunj sub- metropolitan and Neelakantha municipality in the implementation of OLDGS, and consulted with other technical expert agencies to leverage this through their initiatives. Output of Activity 3.4.5: CS:MAP proposed 10 local government units to MOFAGA for the implementation of OLGDS; provided necessary support to Nepalgunj sub- metropolitan and Neelakantha municipality in the implementation Objective 4: Strengthen organizational capacity and sustainability of CSOs working in USAID priority sectors to advance local solutions
Result 4.1: Improved institutional governance of selected CSOs and media organizations
Activity 4.1.1: Train and provide technical assistance and coaching to partner CSOs and media organizations
In Q1, ISO partner NEPAN conducted a three-day training on governance and leadership for CSOs in order to strengthen CSO institutional governance. A total of 22 participants (four female) from 13 CSOs attended the training. Participants targeted for the training were chairpersons and executive directors from CSO partners. The three-day training aimed to reflect major findings and address gaps identified in OCAs, focusing on understanding a CSO and its system, CSO governance, and the role of a board for effective organizational leadership. In addition, the training reviewed progress on OCA action plans and explored opportunities, including CSO principles, values, and action plans to strengthen institutional governance.
Training sessions were tailored according to the needs of CSOs and their leadership teams and facilitated the use of adult learning principles and approaches such as games, case studies, assessments, reflection, presentations, and discussions followed by action planning. All CSOs prepared at least three workable action points in order to improve their institutional governance and leadership development. Participants committed to take their lessons learned and apply them in their respective organizations.
In addition to providing training, ISO partners NNSWA, NEPAN (until Q3), and MITRA Samaj conducted coaching and mentoring for 14 CSOs on OCA-IIPs and provided support as the CSOs carried out activities outlined in their IIPs. The CS:MAP capacity building team scheduled their visits to CSOs with ISO partners. The team also provided oversight for ISO
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support to CSOs to strengthen institutional capacity building. Comprehensive coaching and mentoring support to CSOs was provided to attain their plans outlined in OCA-IIPs. During the coaching, ISOs focused on reviewing organizations’ operation plans, reviewing a procurement plan, assessing the board’s capacity for succession planning, institutionalizing internal audits, evaluating staff performance, assessing training needs for staff development, documenting the general assembly, and conducting social audits. Remaining activities of IIPs for 2018 were reviewed and adjusted in the IIPs prepared during the third round of OCA in 2019.
In Q4, ISO partners continued their coaching and mentoring visits and supported CSOs to review the strategic plans and update organizations’ operational plans. Further support on the application and institutionalization of minimum standard for internal governance were provided to all 14 CSOs. All 14 CSOs endorsed the minimum standard for internal governance through a board decision and institutionalized it through endorsement from their general assembly.
In addition, IHRC in Banke and Bardiya, RWDC in Dang, CDC in Nuwakot, and HRPLSC in Salyan interacted with other CSOs, media, and government officials in their respective districts to spread the importance of the minimum standard for CSOs in those districts.
ISO partners conducted four rounds of coaching and mentoring visits, completed in FY 2019. Details of the coaching and mentoring are described in Activity 2.1.1.1 above.
In addition to providing regular coaching and mentoring support to CSOs, in Q4 ISO partners NNSWA and MITRA Samaj supported a review of the five-year strategic plans of 13 CSOs (i.e., SOCH Nepal, HURADEC, Samudayik Sarathi, IHRICON, DEC-Nepal, IRDS, RWDC, Sundar Nepal, IHRC, HRPLSC, IRDC, FMDC, Sanjeevani Nepal), which led to the major findings of the OCA of 2018. A two-day strategic plan review workshop was conducted to review the CSOs’ strategic focus areas, the status of their annual plans, and the strengths and challenges of the organizations in implementing the plan activities, and to identify the funding gaps on their strategic focus. Considering all this, all 13 CSOs reviewed their strategic plans and prepared operational plans for the next year. This enabled all the CSOs to internalize the importance of reviewing strategic plans and preparing operational plans for the next year. Along with reviewing the strategy plans of 13 CSOs, MITRA Samaj supported CDC Nepal in conducting a strategic planning workshop and preparing a new strategy plan for 2020–2024.
Output of Activity 4.1.1: Quarterly coaching and mentoring visits, a training event to 22 persons from 14 CSOs Activity 4.1.2: Conduct annual organizational capacity assessments with partner organizations and adjust IIPs
Refresher training on the OCA tool was conducted for ISOs in Kathmandu on March 15–16, 2019. Eight staff from three ISOs participated in training, which focused on common understanding of the ARI tool, the facilitation process, and the relation of the tool to the existing advocacy efforts of CSOs. Each domain and subdomain were reviewed, and simulation sessions were conducted to equip new staff of the ISO MITRA Samaj to use the tool. At the end of the training, a schedule for the third round of OCA was prepared.
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Based on the assessment schedule, NNSWA, MITRA Samaj, and NEPAN conducted a third round of OCA of 14 CSO partners in Q2 and Q3 FY 2019. The assessment was conducted in 39 subdomains aligned in seven domains: governance, administration, human resource management, financial management, organization management, program management, and external relationships of the CS:MAP OCA tool. The CS:MAP capacity building team provided backstopping support to each ISO to ensure the quality of the assessment and to mentor new staff in assessment and facilitation of the tool. The third round of assessment held in Q3 FY 2019 showed significant improvements in each domain since the baseline established in 2017. The figure above represents the cumulative and comparative improvements in CSOs between 2017 and 2019.
The third round of assessment found improvements in capacity scores for all domains. The largest improvements over baseline were in administration (from 2.09 to 3.30) and human resource management (2.0 to 3.16). Capacity in financial management increased by 1.13 (2.15 to 3.25), followed by program management by 1.02 (2.14 to 3.16), governance by 0.96 (2.18 to 3.14), and external relations by 0.90 (2.30 to 3.20). Compared with other domains, governance and external relations had smaller increases because they had higher scores at baseline, as both are core parts of the organizations and are maintained well by CSOs. The overall increase in the third round of the assessment was 66.53 from the baseline of 2.20 in 2017. This overall increase can be attributed to systematization of memberships, the general assembly, clear organizational focus and understanding, joint meetings with board and staff members, orientation of the board and staff to policies and guidelines accessible to team members, systematization of social audits, and increased relationships with stakeholders and government line agencies. After the assessments, ISO partners supported CSOs to prepare IIPs for the next year, covering all 39 subdomains under seven major domains. All identified gaps were included in IIPs and narrowed down for further improvements. IIPs for 2020 focus on institutionalizing systems in CSOs, such as regularizing staff performance appraisals, preparing staff development plans, procuring according to procurement plans, expanding general members, regularizing internal audits, and mobilizing general members. CS:MAP in coordination with ISO partners will provide necessary support to CSOs to address these gaps. All 14 CSOs have required policies and guidelines in place; however, willingness and power dynamics within CSOs hinder full implementation of their policies and progress achieved through OCA and ISO support. In addition to a subsection on gender and culture under the domain of program management, the OCA tool has integrated GESI throughout other domains including governance structure and human resource management. Output of Activity 4.1.2: Third round of OCA assessment conducted in 14 CSOs and IIP prepared; 1 event of refresher training to ISOs
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Result 4.2: Improved capacity of select CSOs and media organizations to mobilize social and financial resources for sustainability Activity 4.2.1: Develop financial sustainability plans In Q3, CS:MAP’s CSO partners completed the project’s financial sustainability revenue form to access their financial status during the past three years and to plan for the next two years. CS:MAP ISO partner MITRA Samaj analyzed the forms and prepared an analytical report based on the plan for financial sustainability until 2021. The financial statuses in the report reflected the CSOs’ plans to diversify funding using their own resource mobilization guidelines. Output of Activity 4.2.1: Analysis report of financial revenue form of 14 CSOs Activity 4.2.2: Conduct biannual group trainings in financial sustainability Based on the financial sustainability plan prepared for FY 2019, the CS:MAP capacity building team coordinated with ISOs and CSOs and tracked their efforts on resource mobilization and the status of new funding. During this reporting period, 14 CSO partners submitted 112 proposals (31 to government and 81 to international sources) for new funding. Out of all the proposals, 14 CSOs received at least one new source of funding, and there were 39 new funding sources in total (19 from government, 19 from INGOs, and one from the private sector). In Q4, 11 CSOs submitted 39 proposals (12 to government and 27 to international donors) for new funding and secured 14 new funding sources (seven from government) for their program implementation. CS:MAP and ISOs provided support to CSOs to implement their resource mobilization plans, with a focus on diversifying funding to strengthen CSO efforts. The overall funding status of FY 2019 represents the CSOs’ efforts to diversify funding, which is being attributed to the training on financial sustainability and resources mobilization conducted in Q4 FY 2018 and to need-based support from ISOs and CS:MAP. In addition, four capacity development specialists from ISOs and two CS:MAP staff participated in training on fundraising for civil society, organized by the civil society academy. This provided an avenue for promoting the importance of fundraising for civil society. Considering the effective approaches, CS:MAP plans to conduct customized training for chairpersons/board members and executive directors from 14 CSOs in FY 2020. Output of Activity 4.2.2: 14 CSO partners submitted 112 proposals (31 to government and 81 to international sources) for new funding. Out of all the proposals, 12 CSOs received at least one new source of funding, and there were 39 new funding sources in total (19 from government, 19 from INGOs, and one from the private sector) Activity 4.2.3: Conduct open houses to expose CS:MAP partners to new donors CS:MAP is working to widen the reach of its partners and to showcase the good work they have carried out, including institutional reform. So, in Q4, CS:MAP organized a one-day open house meeting with donors. CS:MAP ensured effective preparation and meaningful participation of donors and INGOs. The open house meeting helped the CSOs to share their best practices, successes, and future plans with the donors and INGOs. The CSOs also explored opportunities for further collaboration and partnership. The gallery presentation gave the donors and INGOs a wider understanding of the CSOs’ work, achievements, and strengths. The meeting was held in Kathmandu and included a photo exhibit program so that all invited donors could observe the CSOs’ effective practices through visual presentation. Eighteen
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representatives from INGOs and bilateral organizations and 14 CS:MAP partners participated in the meeting. Output of Activity 4.2.3: One event on open house meeting with donors (named as “MeetTheCSOs” conducted, number of CSOs shared best practices, learnings and future plans in open houses Result 4.3: Improved capacity of CSOs and media organizations to advance local solutions on priority development issues across sectors and to promote peer-learning opportunities Activity 4.3.1: Train and provide TA to selected CSOs and media partners to improve technical and organizational development capacities Please refer to Activity 4.1.1. for details on TA. Output of Activity 4.3.1: 1 technical capacity building event; 4 quarterly review and reflection meetings; regular coaching and mentoring of local CSOs through ISOs Activity 4.3.2: Strengthen the local marketplace of capacity development services The CS:MAP capacity-building team supported ISOs in strengthening the marketplace of capacity development services, especially of the OCA tool and minimum standards for internal governance in 14 CS:MAP working districts. The ISOs helped CSOs hold meetings with non- CS:MAP CSOs to share information about the OCA tool, the importance of OCA, tools, processes, major areas to assess, and post-assessment plans to address gaps. In total, 172 CSOs (199 participants) participated in 14 orientation programs held in 14 CS:MAP CSO districts. In Q4, CSO partners coordinated with respective CSOs that showed interest in OCA and finalized the dates for assessments. ISOs MITRA Samaj, NNSWA, and NEPAN supported OCA for 12 non-CS:MAP partners (one in Q3) based in Kavre, Dolakha, Nuwakot, Kathmandu (two CSOs), Lalitpur, Gulmi, Kapilvastu, Banke, Dang, Rolpa, and Kanchanpur districts. The program coordinators from CS:MAP’s CSO partners supported ISOs in documenting and facilitating OCA for non-CS:MAP CSOs. It is challenging to manage the cost and the time of CSO board and staff members for five days of OCA. Considering this scenario, CS:MAP in consultation with ISO partners customized the CS:MAP OCA tool for three days for non-CS:MAP partners. The customized tool consisted of five domains—governance, human resource management, financial management, program management, and organizational management—and 27 subdomains. CS:MAP oriented ISO partners NNSWA and MITRA Samaj on the customized tool and equipped ISO staff for the assessments. CS:MAP also supported ISOs in preparing the outline for three days of assessment. As a result, 12 non-CS:MAP CSOs (one in Q3 and 11 in Q4) conducted OCA using the customized tool. These CSOs and more information on facilitation of the assessments are provided in the table below.
Name of non-CS:MAP CSO District Facilitating ISO and CSO Nawa Aasha Kanchhanpur NNSWA Dalit Social Development Center Kapilvastu NNSWA Fatima Foundation Banke NNSWA Freed Kamlahari Development Forum Dang NNSWA
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Name of non-CS:MAP CSO District Facilitating ISO and CSO Rural Development and Awareness Society (RUDAS) Rolpa NNSWA Bahira Bikash Sangh Kavre MITRA Samaj Community Development Forum Dolakha MITRA Samaj Disability Human Rights Forum Nuwakot MITRA Samaj Nepal Chepang Association Kathmandu MITRA Samaj Nepal Natural and Human Resources Development Lalitpur MITRA Samaj Association Hope Disability Centre Gulmi MITRA Samaj Association of Dalit Women’s Advancement Nepal Kathmandu NEPAN
At the end of the assessments, ISO partners facilitated the preparation of IIPs for each CSO for one year. The project coordinator for CSO partners supported the ISOs in planning and facilitating OCA of non-CS:MAP CSOs. This opportunity helped CS:MAP CSOs enhance their capacity to facilitate assessments, review documents, plan actions, and further support non-CS:MAP CSOs in their own districts, which will contribute to improving capacity in internal governance. Non-CS:MAP CSOs will coordinate with the project coordinator of the CS:MAP CSOs for any support to implement their IIPs. Output of Activity 4.3.2: 14 sharing events; 14 CS:MAP local partners applied minimum standards for internal governance; 12 non-CS:MAP partners conducted OCA using customized OCA tool Activity 4.3.3: Facilitate peer learning among partner CSOs and media organizations In Q4, with the support of the CS:MAP capacity building team, ISOs organized peer-learning visits and sharing events, proposing a methodology for a peer-learning event in which a group of representatives from visiting CSOs explore best practices in three major areas: advocacy, government/citizen engagement, and institutional governance. Three CSOs—RWDC in Dang, HRPLSC in Salyan, and CDC in Nuwakot—were selected as host CSOs, and the remaining 11 CSOs visited the host CSO districts, based on their best performances and improvements in the respective areas. A project coordinator and district program officers (DPOs) were selected to be visit participants for advocacy and citizen-government engagement, and PC along with one board member/chairperson were selected for internal governance. CS:MAP supported ISO partners in planning and facilitating the peer-learning visit through coordination with host CSOs and selection of participants for respective themes. The visit was planned for four days for each team. In addition, visual documentation was used as resource material to share the lessons learned with all CS:MAP teams. Apart from the visit, ISO partners NNSWA and MITRA Samaj conducted a peer-learning sharing event in Nepalgunj on September 8, 2019. Team leaders from respective teams shared their major lessons learned, and a short video of the peer-learning visit of each group was shared among all 34 CS:MAP district officers. This event provided a platform to learn from sharing and videos for cross learning from different themes. At the end of the event, CS:MAP
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district officers prepared a list of the major takeaways for their district and committed to share it with their team. The key takeaways from the effective practices are as follows: Internal Governance: ● Document the minutes of board meetings and share the decisions with staff through the executive director, as this makes the staff knowledgeable about key decisions made by the board members. ● Hold meetings between board members and staff onceevery six months. ● Institutionalize handling of grievances, including forming a three-member grievance handling committee. ● Hold a focal person responsible to a board member on a specific program area. ● Conduct timely performance appraisals of staff based on promotions, demotions, and dismissals. ● Make a program manager responsible for the budget of a project, to increase accountability and transparency. ● Revise policies in a timely manner and display them in a “policy corner” easily accessible to everyone. Advocacy: ● Select advocacy issues from the needs of the community and involve the community in the advocacy process. Similarly, involve leadership of CSOs in advocacy to influence government and decision makers. ● Involve stakeholders in the advocacy process and provide detailed documentation of to promote evidence-based advocacy. ● Use SA tools (e.g., community score cards, exit polls, community report cards) in selected advocacy issues to help effectively scale up advocacy. ● Develop common understanding of CA, LDAG, coalitions, and Sajhedari Manch on advocacy issues for wider efforts. ● Promote constructive engagement, commitment, and joint efforts of local government, civil society, and media on advocacy issues for visible results. Citizen and Government Engagement: ● Promote engagement of CA, LDAG, and Sajhedari Manch with the local government for better results and prompter responses from the government. ● Encourage the local government to establish a system for information dissemination (e.g., website, mobile app) and public participation in the local development process. ● Create an environment for developing a commitment from the local government on the raised issues and public concerns. ● Work together with the government in policy formulation and implementation. ● Promote partnership on local issues through public policy review and feedback to the government for improvement. In addition, in Q4, 13 CSOs organized a learning and sharing workshop in 13 CSO districts in collaboration with the district chapter of the NGO Federation of Nepal. The objective of the workshop was to disseminate the effective practices and efforts made through CS:MAP and also learn about other CSOs’ efforts and practices. The workshop helped spread knowledge aout CS:MAP work as well as develop a culture of learning and sharing in the districts. A total of 93 district-level CSOs including 13 CS:MAP CSO partners shared their successes and
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effective practices among 362 participants representing CSOs, media, local government, and others in their respective districts. This initiation enabled an environment for establishing a sharing platform among CSOs in the districts. At the end of the workshop, most of the participants committed to hold such an event at least once on a semiannual or annul basis in the future. Similarly, as part of the learning, CS:MAP also conducted monthly and quarterly review and reflection meetings with its partners separately. In addition, the MeroReport portal and monthly activity stories have been used increasingly by CS:MAP partners for learning and sharing experiences. Output of Activity 4.3.3: 2 bi-annual summits; 13 peer-learning and sharing workshops; 12 issues of CS:MAP monthly 5. Cross-Cutting Interventions 5.1 Gender Equality and Social Inclusion CS:MAP reviewed a new federal umbrella bill titled Social Organization Act 2019 with a GESI lens. The new act aims to regulate CSOs and will supersede the existing legal framework for CSO registration, operation, and renewal. Most of the laws, including the legal framework for CSOs, are being revised to respond to the new constitution, which strongly emphasizes GESI in all of its articles. CSOs need a GESI-friendly legal framework to ensure GESI considerations for registration, operation, and renewal. To support a GESI-friendly legal framework for CSOs, CS:MAP applied a GESI lens to the Association Registration Act 2034, Social Development Bill, Legal Landscape Report on Civil Society Organizations of Nepal (developed by the GoGo Foundation), and Assessment of the Legal Environment for CSOs and Media in Nepal, which was carried out by ICNL to identify legal obstacles for CSO and media registration, renewal, and operation. On December 28, 2018, Samjhauta Nepal/MAG organized an event to share the review with the coalitions and to collect recommendations for the review report. The national civil society coalition, led by NFN, came together with its Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kathmandu district chapters and the FNJ-led media coalition to discuss the report. Representatives from various media houses and civil society were also engaged in the discussion. Based on the discussions, final recommendations were prepared to ensure GESI integration while reviewing or developing new policy for CSO registration, operation, and renewal. The recommendations were handed over to the chairperson of the Nepal Law Commission, who agreed to take the recommendations into consideration while finalizing the draft before submitting it to concerned ministries. Samjhauta Nepal and MAG also organized meetings between members of parliament and CSO representatives to share the CSOs’ concerns over the draft bill on social organization. On September 27, 2019, in view of news of submission of CSO-related bills in the federal parliament through the Nepal Law Commission, a policy dialogue was held with federal and provincial parliamentarians to present prevailing GESI gaps and concerns in the bills. CSO representatives reiterated that the laws and policies should intend to facilitate but not control CSOs. (Please refer to Activity 1.1.2.1 for details). CS:MAP continued its advocacy to integrate GESI as a part of strengthening the enabling environment for civil society and media. CS:MAP developed GESI Envision for promoting GESI-friendly laws for CSOs and for media, based on the review and analysis of the relevant legal and policy frameworks and in line with the constitutional provisions and international
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standards. CS:MAP is producing summary sheets on GESI recommendations developed on the basis of GESI Envision for the legal frameworks for CSO registration, operation, and renewal and the Umbrella Act for National Mass Communication and the National Media Policy 2016. The summary sheets are intended to be used for advocacy to ensure that GESI is integrated into the legal frameworks for CSOs and media.
The judicial committee in the local bodies is responsible to look after field cases and drafting laws, so it is crucial for the committee to be GESI-friendly. CS:MAP reviewed the sample/draft procedures relating to settling of disputes, to be followed by Judicial Committee. Key findings included failure to imbibe by the essence and spirit of the new constitution in terms of GESI commitment as stated in the preamble and articulated in the articles and further, reflect the very objective of establishing judicial committee, which was to settle disputes at local level and deliver justice to victims, particularly, women, children, Dalit, persons with disabilities, single women, single mother, Madhesi, minority, marginalized, illiterate and extremely poor communities, through easy, speedy, inexpensive and simple judiciary process and maintaining confidentiality - contrary to court’s cumbersome legal process. The sample procedure failed to take into consideration special needs of pregnant women, single and breast-feeding mothers, persons with disabilities, physically frail, elderly people, children, single women, sexual minority in course of settling disputes through judicial committee. Key specific concerns were non provisions of closed hearing, making female lawyer and female mediator available as far as possible, providing free and continuous mediation and legal service and protection of personal details/information as per the Supreme Court order and giving priority to cases involving minors/children, physically weak, persons with disabilities, elderly people, women, pregnant, single and breastfeeding mother etc. Following the review, an interaction program was organized inviting judiciary committee members – Deputy Mayors - from Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur as well as CSOs and media and the review findings were shared. Further, recommendations were made to address the above-mentioned GESI gaps. In the program, judicial committee members acknowledged their lack of clarity on their roles and jurisdiction and further shared a problem of having to deal with cases beyond their jurisdiction. CS:MAP disseminated a checklist for observing GESI minimum standards for formulating new laws and policies or amending previous legislations to parliamentarians, various committee members, influencers in formulating new laws/policies, and all 753 local government bodies. CS:MAP also handed over the checklist to the Honorable Minister Tham Maya Thapa of the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens on November 13, 2018 and to Buddhi Bahadur Khadka, the secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, on October 26, 2018. At the subnational level, CS:MAP held orientations on GESI minimum standards for developing and implementation of laws and policies for locally elected representatives of Kathmandu and Lalitpur metropolitan cities and Kalikasthan and Uttargaya rural municipalities in Rasuwa. The checklist is based on the constitution and several international frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is designed to assess laws and policies from a GESI perspective. The checklist allows users to analyze the objectives, content, development process, and implementation approach of any given law or policy. CS:MAP has developed a Google form for assessing the applicability and tracking the use of the checklist in ensuring GESI-responsive laws and policies. The project will use the Google form to follow up on how all local units are using the checklist and will prepare a consolidated report.
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CS:MAP organized a meeting to mutually reinforce the role of CSOs and media in protecting and promoting civil rights amidst rising concerns of a shrinking civic space experienced by CSOs and media. Participants representing Madhesi, Muslim, and gender-minority communities, different CSOs, and media were invited. Similarly, a meeting was held to review and discuss the budget from a GESI lens, following the presentation of the federal budget for FY 2019/20 in the joint session of the House of Representatives and National Assembly on May 29, 2019. In addition, MAG engaged with parliamentarians and held discussions on the Advertisement Bill, the and Social Security Bill, and the Bill to Regulate Sports Development 2076 from a gender perspective. Giving continuity to the #MaBolchhu campaign, which calls on communities to think, act, and be gender-inclusive by promoting collective actions and shared responsibility, Samjhauta Nepal together with MAG conducted a storytelling program during the 16 days of activism against GBV. Prominent female leaders from different sectors shared their personal stories and the struggles they faced because of their gender while advancing in their respective fields. Ms. Karishma Manandhar, actress and politician, was the keynote speaker. Ms. Bimala BK, member of Parliament; Ms. Devu Parajuli, rehabilitation therapist at the National Disable Fund; Ms. Nitu Pandit, chairperson of Sancharika Samuha; and Honorable Dr. Usha Jha, member of the National Planning Commission, were guest speakers who shared their reflections on the issue of gender-based discrimination. (Please refer to Activity 1.2.5 for details.) A similar storytelling event was organized on International Women’s Day, when women from different walks of life were invited to share their experiences of exclusion and inequalities faced, challenges encountered, and their efforts and success in dismantling patriarchal structures that promote disparity, discrimination, and division. This event left the audience inspired to break their silence and speak up against gender biases in both public and private spheres of life.
To commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information, CS:MAP partner Samjhauta Nepal/MAG held a meeting on RTI with locally elected female representatives of Kathmandu and Lalitpur municipalities on September 29, 2019. The event was aimed at enabling the women to exercise their right of access to information by supporting solicitations. It was an effort to address the asymmetry of information flow, as shared by the female representatives, which hinders their influence and their effectiveness as elected representatives. To ensure the integration of GESI into the project’s advocacy efforts at the subnational level, CS:MAP focused its capacity building on identifying systematic ways to mainstream GESI in all advocacy efforts. CS:MAP ISO partner Shtrii Shakti conducted coaching and mentoring sessions for CA coordinators and LDAG facilitators covering all 34 districts, with sessions conducted in nine clusters—seven clusters in Mahendranagar, Dhangadhi, Nepalgunj, Surkhet, Dang, Butwal, and Nuwakot and two consecutive clusters in Kathmandu. The main objective of this round of coaching and mentoring was to strengthen the partners’ and community management entities’ understanding of GESI in advocacy, public resource use, and service delivery. CS:MAP also worked closely with local CSO partners to ensure that GESI principles were strongly incorporated into all activities, including LDAG formation and mobilization; the composition and conduct of CAGs, CAs, and Sajhedari Manch meetings; and various trainings the partners delivered. CS:MAP developed the LDAG formation and operation guideline to ensure that women, youth, and marginalized communities participated and that their issues were raised in regular bi-monthly group meetings. GESI was integrated in public service oversight (PSO) as well. It was ensured that the coalition formed for public service oversight
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 121 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
was made inclusive with participation of women and members of marginalized groups. At an individual level, capacity building trainings on PSO targeted to the coalition equipped the members with necessary oversight and advocacy skills and knowledge and engagement in PSO activities enabled them to raise and advocate to address public service issues including GESI specific. In FY 2019, the coalitions conducted 79 PSO initiatives - 39 in health posts and 40 in community schools. Some of key GESI issues identified included lack of women and disabled friendly infrastructure in health posts and lack of transparency in distribution of scholarships, information on scholarship recipients and supply of sanitary pads in schools and also safe settlement issue of 353 flood victims. Further, advocacy on the issues resulted in women and disabled-friendly infrastructure and establishment of birthing center in health posts and supply of sanitary pads in schools, provision of GESI budget as well as policy interventions in health, education and agriculture sectors with drafting of policies on Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health, GESI and agriculture targeting smallholder farmers. CS:MAP developed Evidence Based Research: Success Case Stories in CSOs and Media as a result of GESI integration within the institutions and programmatic interventions. The main purpose was to document successful cases of positive impacts on overall institutional performance as a result of GESI integration efforts and, thereby, encourage both state and non- state agencies to adopt GESI-friendly laws and policies. The research findings were shared among CSOs, media, and academia. To promote gender-equal and socially inclusive institutions and systems in CSOs, including media, CS:MAP organized a workshop on GESI policy development in coordination with other CS:MAP national advocacy partners—the FNJ, NFN, and coalition leads on media and civil society. Following the workshop, a participating organization drafted a GESI policy and shared it during their annual general assembly and obtained approved; two other organizations were also given authority from their AGM to develop a GESI policy. At the subnational level, recommendations from the local CSOs’ GESI audits and resulting action plans emphasized the absence or insufficiency of GESI policies. This was addressed through intensive coaching and mentoring to develop a customized GESI policy and action plan for each CSO. A round of field visits was carried out to follow up and monitor the implementation of the GESI action plans of the local CSOs in Banke, Bardiya, Dang, and Nuwakot. CS:MAP utilized every opportunity to sensitize its partner organizations to GESI. CS:MAP incorporated a session on Why GESI? during its bi-annual summit, review, and reflection meeting. There it emphasized the role, value, and relevance of CSOs in representing the voice of marginalized and excluded groups, who are less likely to be heard or to be aware of their rights and available public services, and who have limited ability to articulate their needs and engage in policy discussions. The need for CSOs to adopt a GESI approach and actions to gain legitimacy and public trust and confidence were re-iterated. The implications of not including a part of society, as well as the importance of GESI as a prerequisite to achieving justice, democracy, and sustainable development, were also discussed. Similarly, during the annual review, reflection, and work plan meeting, a group discussion was held on the importance of both analyzing problem from a GESI perspective and building the advocacy capacity of those whose issues CSOs claim to represent, for effective advocacy. CS:MAP held capacity building workshops for its national as well as local implementing partner organizations to build institutional capacity on efficient organization of people and resources, effective financial reporting systems, and promotion of harassment-free workplaces.
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In addition to ensuring the integration of GESI into programmatic interventions, CS:MAP ensured that GESI dimensions are not missed/overlooked while tools and knowledge products are being developed under the project. For example, while developing a booklet on anti- corruption, gendered dimensions of corruption were discussed, including how corrupt law enforcement systems affect women, girls, and minorities when gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequalities are encountered. This not only helped bring a GESI perspective to the content of the booklet but also enhanced the partner organization’s understanding of GESI aspects of corruption. Similarly, CS:MAP dedicated a section on GESI in a study being carried out to capture civil society’s contribution to development. CS:MAP in partnership with Dalit Reader, an educational research center of Dalit studies, organized a “Workshop on Methodology for Exploring Powerful Experiences of Discrimination and Struggles under Dalit Chintan: From Experiences of Discrimination to Struggle” against the backdrop of the dilemma among Dalit activists on whether they should reach out to policymakers and academia with their experiences of discrimination, humiliation, and exclusion and on the prevailing problems of public and policy ignorance of the daily struggles of Dalits, the lack of data and evidence for public debate, narrow voices, and no policy innovation. CS:MAP also remained cognizant of GESI in the design, implementation, and assessment of its media-related activities such as training, radio programs, PSA message design, content and theme selection in the MeroReport, and the staff hiring process. The radio program ensured the participation of women and marginalized communities, as well as discussions of their issues, in the planning process. Similarly, the importance of GESI has been incorporated in the training plan so that our radio partner and investigative journalist produce inclusive materials. CS:MAP made all attempts to prioritize female journalists and those belonging to marginalized communities. CS:MAP also ensured that people from geographically remote areas and their difficulties were prioritized. Likewise, the selected journalists were encouraged to focus on issues of public interest and the agendas of women and marginalized communities. Among the 19 published IJ stories, nine focused on the issues of women; Dalits; and minorities from Rukum, Surkhet Ahham, Rolpa, Sindhupalchouk, and Rasuwa districts. CS:MAP made adequate efforts to ensure GESI in setting agendas and selecting participants for trainings/workshops for exposure visits. This ensured balance in the voice and agenda of those represented in radio program episodes, as well as ensured inclusive participation and a balanced agenda in CAG meetings through the GESI tracker. CS:MAP ensured balanced representation in CAG meetings at the local and central levels. Both male and deputy mayors participated in the advisory meetings. Radio programs have incorporated GESI as an agenda while raising issues such as participation of target groups in the LLPP; assessment of implementation of the plan for target groups at the local level; status of maternity health services; girl- and child-friendly environments in schools; and the role of women in political decision making and gender-based violence. To ensure the direct participation of the community, CS:MAP designed the recording of community discussions as a format for its radio program. CS:MAP ensured the participation of minority groups in the outdoor discussions through call-in segments that included their issues and empowered them through radio programs and other campaigns. CS:MAP developed the GESI trackers to track the inclusion and participation of target groups in the radio program, as well as the number of times that issues of women and marginalized groups were discussed. CRs were provided specific instructions to include the voices and
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 123 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
opinions of women, Dalits, and members of marginalized communities whenever their support was required in the content for the radio program Sajha Boli. For example, in this reporting period, CS:MAP covered topics on or related to gender-based violence and means of mitigation; stories of empowered women during the 16 days campaign against gender-based violence; the role of judicial committees; the role of women's representation in decision making; the target-group budget and its implementation; the role of women’s health volunteers for smooth delivery of health services; legal and service needs of differently abled people; and the importance of inclusion within user’s committees that oversee local project implementation. Likewise, content on the importance of effective maternity service and a review of one year of female elected representative's tenure, challenges, and opportunities were included in this reporting period. Both Sajha Boli and SSMK dedicated episodes to women’s concerns on the occasion of the 16 days campaign against gender-based violence. These covered GESI themes of sexual violence and advocacy for public infrastructure that is friendly for differently abled people, for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Apart from the radio program, the SMV campaign encouraged youth to advocate for budgets friendly to women and other needs of target groups. To ensure wider reach and coverage, CS:MAP ensured that the radio programs and PSAs were produced in multiple languages and dialects. In this reporting period, 26 PSAs were produced in Nepali each quarter, and they were reproduced and broadcast by 12 local FM radio partners in eight additional languages: Magar, Newari, Awadhi, Tamang, Sherpa, Chepang, Tharu, and Doteli. Similarly, local radio partner Krishnasar FM, Banke produced local Sajha Boli in Awadhi, and local radio partner Nigalasini FM, Baitadi produced in Doteli and broadcast in eight CS:MAP districts. The radio programs were produced in Awadhi and Doteli in addition to Nepali to ensure that communities that spoke those two languages benefited. 5.2 Youth Engagement In recognition of the pivotal role an empowered youth could play in combating discrimination, inequality, injustice, and exclusion and in creating a just, equal, and inclusive society and state, CS:MAP prioritized and ensured, to the extent possible, the involvement of youth in all dialogues, discussions, and interactions held under the CS:MAP project. As a result, youth constituted more than 20 percent of the participants in the interaction events with CSOs and media. In addition, youth engagement in social accountability and public oversight remained an ongoing priority, and efforts were made to ensure that our training, media messages, campaigns, and outreach activities (especially LDAG-led) maintained a youth focus. Twelve episodes of the youth-focused SSMK radio program were produced and broadcast this year to inform and engage youth in social accountability. The episodes were based on the right to information and mandatory proactive disclosure, the local-level planning process, the SA tool, and local budget allocation focused on youth participation, engagement, and oversight. (Please refer to Activity 3.3.9 for details). Similarly, the LDAG group members, of whom a large majority are youth, took several actions to promote citizens’ engagement in social accountability. (Please refer to Activity 3.3.8 for details). The LDAGs maintained almost 80 percent youth membership and took up policy advocacy; annual planning and budge engagement; and initiatives to reform public service delivery, with a primary focus on the interests of youth, women, and marginalized groups. A description of
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 124 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
how LDAGs utilized SA tools in pushing for accountability and transparency in public offices is described under Activity 3.3.8. The SMV campaign was designed and implemented targeting youth participation in budget advocacy and oversight, coinciding with Nepal’s annual fiscal planning and budget development cycle. As such, 73 percent of campaign participants (among 1,259 who revealed their age) were youth. The majority (60 percent) of fans and the followers of the social media pages of MeroReport were between ages 25 and 34, and 14 percent were between ages 18 and 24. Moreover, the majority of the members of MeroReport were youth between ages 15 and 29 years, and of 2,062 blog articles posted this year, approximately 84 percent were posted by the youth members. Similarly, in Year 4, there were 70 blog posts that highlighted youth engagement and participation in planning of local programs and budgets, accountability, local development, and entrepreneurship. The above data and developments point to an encouraging trend in youth engagement in shaping local governance to advance public interest. They also provide an important learning for CS: MAP and EAI—that digital engagement is a work in progress and requires not only appropriate technology but also a major cultural shift in the way young people utilize and interact with technology (given their propensity to embrace information and communication technologies [ICTs] more easily). While we continue to address the cultural dynamics that limit meaningful digital engagement, it is important to remain abreast of the rapidly evolving technology capes in Nepal and elsewhere. 5.3 Use of Information and Communication Technologies
CS:MAP, through its partner EAI, continued to use ICT tools such as radio, IVR, SMS, the MeroReport web portal, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter to encourage citizen and youth participation in advocacy and oversight. During this year, 266 Sajha Boli radio episodes and 12 SSMK radio episodes were produced and broadcast to raise citizen awareness and emphasize the use of available GON and SA mechanisms for oversight of public resource use and public service delivery. Furthermore, these radio program episodes continued to encourage the use of IVR to source information and serve as a platform for citizen interaction and feedback. Similarly, the SMV campaign utilized the ICT tools (i.e., IVR, SMS, MeroReport, social media [Ma Khaandina]) to encourage youth to participate in oversight of public services delivery and public resource utilization. A total of 5,679 callers participated in the SMV campaign via the IVR system, and 12,966 callers provided feedback to these radio programs (12,482 for Sajha Boli radio programs and 484 for SSMK radio programs). In Year 4, 2,062 articles were posted with 83,613 page views, which is 67 percent higher than the page views the previous year, demonstrating an increase in digital interactivity. IVR was used to implement M&E related to the effectiveness of media messaging; to monitor performances of CRs, CARs, and LDAG facilitators (through short questionnaires); to harvest outcomes, and to monitor broadcasts. MeroReport served as a useful platform for online reporting, sharing, learning, and peer interactivity on cross-sectoral public services like health, education, agriculture, DRR, youth, and GESI. EAI conducted assessments and provided technical support for trained journalists, CRs, and local producers of the Sajha Boli radio program via Skype and social media messenger groups. EAI used Google forms for short
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 125 Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019
surveys to assess PSA effectiveness, radio coverage, and CR performance, among other outcomes. 6. Coordination and Collaboration During the reporting period, the CS:MAP team coordinated activities with various stakeholders. Government of Nepal During project implementation, CS:MAP engaged with the GON through two approaches: directly at the federal level and in the districts where is was working, and secondly through its partner organizations on specific agendas. CS:MAP collaborated with the MOFAGA to develop civic engagement resource materials to share with wider stakeholders including local governments. In this process, several meetings were organized to discuss ideas for a further partnership between CS:MAP and the MOFAGA to promote civic engagement at the local level. Depending on issues and necessity, CS:MAP partners engaged with different GON institutions and individuals. For example, Samjhauta Nepal/MAG engaged with all three tiers of the government. At the federal level, the partner engaged with the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens; different parliamentarian committees; parliamentarians; and policymakers and handed over the GESI minimum standards. In addition, CS:MAP coordinated with concerned government offices, the Nepal Law Commission, parliamentarians, and policymakers on a regular basis; this included sharing the parliamentarians’ analysis of the federal budget for FY 2019/20 from a GESI lens, engaging with federal parliamentarians on reviewing the Advertisement Bill, Social Security Bill, and Bill to regulate Sports Development 2076 from a gender perspective; and working to enhance the capacity of provincial parliamentarians. Coordination with the Nepal Law Commission during drafting of the Social Organization Bill enabled the partners to obtain the draft bill in time to review it, share it with concerned stakeholders, and collect and provide feedback. This also helped the partners organize a meeting between CSOs and parliamentarians to share the CSOs’ concerns about the draft bill at an opportune time. At the provincial level, the partner held policy dialogues and meetings with parliamentarians on the legal framework for CSO registration, renewal, and operation from a GESI lens. At the sub-national level, locally elected representatives were oriented on the GESI minimum standards and the right of access to information. Local governments and networks CS:MAP established a good working relationship with the MuAN this year. Several meetings were organized, and the two agreed to work together to promote OGP, citizen engagement, and use of technologies in local governments. Because of this enhanced collaboration, it was possible for CS:MAP to co-host the Mayors Conference in Province 1 and Sudurpaschim Province and facilitate sessions on OGP and civic engagement in the respective Majors conferences, which provided an opportunity for CS:MAP to Association of International Nongovernmental Organizations Working in Nepal CS:MAP established a close working relationship with AIN on CSO-related policy advocacy issues. CS:MAP implementing partner NFN signed an MOU with AIN on May 29, 2019, for joint policy advocacy work to establish an enabling environment for CSOs. CS:MAP regularly
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provided CSO-related policy development and updates to AIN through a policy working group that AIN is then using to update development partners in Nepal. USAID projects CS:MAP collaborated with other USAID projects, especially Niti Sambad (implemented by the National Democratic Institute) to produce and share resources on OGP and civic engagement at the local government level. Staff from the projects, along with the accountability lab, have been meeting once a week. A CS:MAP team member facilitated a session on the role of local government to promote civic engagement, organized by Niti Sambad on September 13, 2019, where more than 20 female mayors and presidents of local government units were in attendance. In addition, CS:MAP provided technical support to Niti Sambad for capacity building for deputy mayors in Province 2. The CS:MAP governance advisor facilitated a two-day orientation organized by Niti Sambad in Bara. CS:MAP is also coordinating with USAID’s Public Financial Management Strengthening Project (PFMSP) on budget advocacy for better governance. CS:MAP GESI advisor participated in the gender responsive budgeting training conducted by PFMSP. CS:MAP provided feedback and suggestions to the Sajhedari team for effective GESI integration and shared tools developed under CS:MAP. Further, both project teams discussed and explored possible areas of collaboration. Monthly/quarterly review and reflections: See below, Section 7: Monitoring and Evaluation. Monthly CS:MAP bulletin: As per the approved FY 2019 work plan, CS:MAP released a monthly bulletin the first week of every month for project partners and other stakeholders. The bulletin included stories and activities from the previous month and documented CS:MAP and partner successes.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation To provide continual feedback and technical support to partners, CS:MAP established and managed a robust system to track activities and progress. It opted for multiple approaches such as periodic progress review and reflection meetings, field visits, surveys, and orientation sessions about the CS:MAP database management system and its linkage to indicators for building the capacity of its partners.
During the reporting period, the CS:MAP Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (ME)L team made efforts to maintain a strong monitoring system for effective program implementation and to capture lessons learned for further improvements through on-site orientations on the CS:MAP database management system, field data verifications, and general data quality assessment (DQA) of its partners. In Q4 FY 2019, CS:MAP, through its research partner FDM, concluded a public perception survey for measuring the level of public understanding and public confidence toward the role of CSOs and media in Nepal. Apart from these highlighted activities, CS:MAP continued producing a monthly newsletter—a peer-learning document for distribution to partners, USAID/Nepal, and other relevant stakeholders through an email listserv. CS:MAP also organized two bi-annual summits, followed by review and reflection meetings, and conducted “meet the CSOs” and “photo exhibit” events that were highly praised in terms of sustaining project outcomes.
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Specifically, CS:MAP undertook the following activities during this reporting period: Capacity building activity related to MEL and the CS:MAP database management system CS:MAP had created its own database management system in FY 2017 using Microsoft Office 365’s SharePoint platform to track events and participant details, and this system is still functional. The CS:MAP MEL team has been providing technical orientation sessions through trainings, one-on-one meetings, and virtual platforms such as telephone and Skype meetings to establish a mutual understanding of the key concepts of MEL in CS:MAP, and to enhance and build expertise around participatory MEL and the database management system. As of this quarter, CS:MAP partners have entered details on more than1,000 events with more than 25,000 participants. This has helped partners analyze periodic data and reflect on their outreach in reports.
In Q4 of FY 2019, the CS:MAP MEL unit provided six on-site orientations: orientations to the focal persons and other program implementing staff of HRPLSC and IHRC in Nepalgunj, and to the staff of SOCH Nepal, Samudayik Sarathi, IHRICON, and IRDS.
The MEL team also highlighted the database management system and progress made by the CS:MAP partners during each quarterly review and reflection meeting with ISOs and national advocacy partners. The objectives of such efforts were to help the partners understand the reporting time frame and the alignment of activities with the project goal, and to expand their technical capacity to manage the database and update it periodically.
Periodic field visits for data monitoring and field verification During the on-site visits to SOCH Nepal, Samudayik Sarathi, IHRICON, IRDS, HRPLSC, and IHRC offices, the CS:MAP MEL team reviewed reported data on the database management system with partner records and documents on hand. Further, the CS:MAP M&E team consulted district coordinators, community reporters, and CARs about their efforts to gather, document, and report data, during field visits to Dailekh, Achham, Sindhuli, Okhaldhunga, Dang, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Surkhet, Rukum-West, Salyan, and Banke districts. Respective district coordinators were also oriented about the database management system, its features, and its use for program management and reporting. This was done to ensure the quality of data reported in the CS:MAP database management system, and was considered part of general DQA. Data quality assessment of CS:MAP partners In this reporting period, the CS:MAP M&E unit conducted DQAs of SOCH Nepal, Saudayik Sarathi, and IHRICON. Suggestions were provided for making adjustments and corrections in the system and for carefully documenting meeting minutes, attendance sheets, photos, and visit notes as evidence of efforts. Further, based on a desk-based assessment of the data entered and attendance sheets uploaded in the CS:MAP database management system, it was also recommended that partners make adjustments and corrections to the system. Assessment of public perception about CSOs and media CS:MAP, through its research partner FDM, concluded a public perception survey during this reporting period. This survey intended to (1) gauge public perceptions of civil society’s and media’s roles; (2) assess confidence in transparency, effectiveness, and governance; and (3) measure the extent to which women and minority groups feel that civil society and media
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represent them. Through this survey, CS:MAP planned to establish mid-term reference values for several of its indicators, including (1) percentage change in public understanding of the role of CSOs and media, (2) percentage change in public confidence in the role of CSOs and media, and (3) percentage change in GON stakeholder satisfaction with CSO and media self-regulation that could be compared with the baseline values set in FY2017. For this study, both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used. A total of 1,612 households were selected from 10 sampled districts from 34 CS:MAP working districts. Data gathered were supplemented by 50 FGDs, 100 KIIs, case studies, and observation notes prepared through immersion. Key findings The quantitative findings were converted into “composite values,” to generate average percentages reflecting people’s overall understanding and confidence toward CSOs and media. The study provided empirical evidence to substantiate the general claim that public understanding of the broad concept of CSOs, and the type of organizations that constitute CSOs, is still poor despite increases in both understanding and confidence towards CSOs and media. Understanding was reported to be 49.6 percent and confidence 42.0 percent (Public Perception Survey, 2019) as compared with baseline understanding of 42.4 percent and baseline confidence of 37.2 percent (Public Perception Survey, 2017). This study also showed that the level of government stakeholder satisfaction towards CSOs and media self-regulation and internal governance practices decreased from baseline (33.8 percent at mid- term and 34.4 percent at baseline). This showed that much remains to be done to improve the self-regulation and internal governance of CSOs to address the current trust deficit they face. One reason for low composite values is lack of awareness of the government about the CSO systems and procedures, suggesting a need for a robust communication strategy and plans to improve government and public understanding of roles, self-regulation, and internal governance practices. Based on these key findings, CS:MAP has planned strategies and interventions including public outreach campaigns to be executed in FY 2020. Some of the key indicators highlighted in this study are presented in the table below. Key indicator Baseline Midline (May 2017) (June 2019) Overall level of public confidence in CSOs and media 37.2 % 42.0 % Overall level of understanding of CSOs and media 42.4 % 49.6 % Overall level of government satisfaction on CSO and media 34.4 % 33.8 % internal governance and self-regulation Have attended CSO public hearing in past 3 months 8.6 % 16.9 % Have participated in CSO program sharing meetings 50 % 71 % CSOs have disclosed target groups, project locations 52.2 % 67.9 % CSOs work under political pressure 63.4 63.3 Media represents issues of women, marginalized groups 65 % 77.25 % Media plays an important role in society 97 % 99.4 % Media is reliable 76.3 % 94
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Monthly/quarterly review and reflections CS:MAP continued to conduct regular monthly and quarterly review meetings with its partners. Program leads from CS:MAP participated in monthly and quarterly review and reflection meetings conducted by the partners to see the impact that the activities and interventions have made on the ground and, if needed, to make necessary changes for the upcoming month and quarter. In each reporting quarter, CS:MAP conducted two quarterly review and reflection meetings with its national advocacy and ISO partners in order to monitor the activities planned and track the progress made. Overall, eight such events have been conducted. During these events, CS:MAP partners presented their progress, the plan for the upcoming month/quarter, implementation strategies, and the challenges they had faced. Afterward, the CS:MAP team members provided feedback. The CS:MAP team also held regular meetings with the USAID AOR/AAOR to keep USAID/Nepal updated on programmatic progress and to increase the effectiveness of activities. Bi-annual review/reflection workshops CS:MAP convened two bi-annual review/reflection workshops bundling with other events, namely a bi-annual summit and an annual workplan meeting. On April 25-26, 2019, in Kathmandu, CS:MAP organized the bi-annual summit, followed by a review and reflection meeting where program leads from all grantees, district coordinators from 34 working districts of CS:MAP, and representatives from USAID participated. Further, the second event entitled “All Partners Annual Review, Reflections, and Work Plan Meeting” was conducted on July 12-13, 2019. These events were held to document and share accomplishments (outputs and outcomes), to review and reflect on innovations and lessons from program implementation (successes and limitations), to discuss and identify priorities for the next reporting periods, to identify and agree on key result targets and build on lessons and innovations, and to share approaches and instances/cases of local solutions and joint actions. Facilitation of peer learning among partner CSOs and media organizations CS:MAP has considered MeroReport, Facebook groups, bi-annual review meetings, bi-annual summits, CS:MAP monthly calendars, and CS:MAP monthly newsletters as the platforms for facilitating peer learning among CSOs and media partners. To feed into this approach, CS:MAP produced 12 issues of newsletters that were shared with all the partners through the email listserv. These newsletters served as the platform for all partners to share their work, both internally among other CS:MAP partners and externally among stakeholders, and to highlight key activities, events, and achievements from preceding months. CS:MAP ISO partners MITRA Samaj and NNSWA also organized peer learning visits and sharing events in Q4 of this reporting year that involved representatives from visiting CSOs exploring the best practices in three major areas: advocacy, government/citizen engagement, and institutional governance. Three CSOs—RWDC-Dang, HRPLSC-Salyan, and CDC- Nuwakot—were selected as host CSOs, and the remaining 11 local CSOs visited the host CSOs districts based on their best performance and improvements in respective areas. On September 8, 2019, a peer learning sharing event was organized in Nepalgunj, where team leaders from each visit team shared their major lessons learned. Such practices have provided a platform to
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learn and share each other’s best practices and initiatives. (Please refer to Activity 4.3.3 for more details.) Further, MeroReport has been serving as a platform of resource sharing, learning, monitoring, and reporting on crosscutting issues that support the peer learning approach as envisioned by CS:MAP. The platform continued providing an extensive range of information and resources related to CS:MAP cross-sectoral priorities, the radio episodes, newsletters, and public service announcements. This reporting period also witnessed increased utilization of the MeroReport platform as a common space for reporting on CS:MAP activities undertaken at national and sub-national levels. (Please refer to Activity 3.1.4 and Activity 3.4.3 for more details.) Good governance barometer From the beginning, CS:MAP has opted for GGB to be implemented in select local governments to improve sectoral governance for effective government service delivery. A second round of GGB was successfully implemented in seven gaunpalika of Gulmi, Sindhuplachowk, Rukum-West, and Kapilvastu districts. The first round of GGB had been implemented in six gaunpalika, and a baseline GGB index score had been calculated in FY 2017. There was significant improvement in the GGB index score since the baseline (GGB score of 41.42 in 2017 versus 54.26 in 2019). The comparison chart of GGB scores presented here shows changes in the mid-term GGB score compared with the baseline values, by component. Such positive changes in GGB scores were substantiated by empirical evidence from the field. GGB generated positive results by improving the delivery of public services and increasing the accountability of service providers. Implementation of a GGB action plan at the Simrutu health post of Triveni gaunpalika in Rukum district improved the delivery of health services. This health post made its birthing center operational with improved facilities by making staff and free medicines available at all times in coordination with the local government. Due to the improved service delivery mechanism, the number of pregnant women seeking prenatal services from the health post increased by 25 percent. The health post also constructed a disability-friendly structure so that individuals with disabilities now have easy access to services. Patariya health post in Suddhodhan gaunpalika has started delivering services from its newly constructed building, as agreed upon in the GGB action plan. The availability of staff and 35 types of free medicines has improved in the health post. The number of citizens seeking services from the health post has increased due to improved health post services. Annual organizational capacity assessments with partners organizations Please refer to Activity 4.1.2 for more details. Finance management trainings, and workshops on human resource management and harassment-free workplaces, for partners CS:MAP organized a two-day capacity building workshop with 24 participants for its implementing partner organizations on September 5-6, 2019, in Kathmandu. Divided into three segments—harassment prevention, human resources management, and administrative and
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procurement—the workshop aimed to build institutional capacity on efficient organization of people and resources and effective financial reporting systems and to promote harassment-free workplaces. This event was based on a similar event conducted on June 20-21, 2019, in Nepalgunj, where 25 participants attended. In addition, CS:MAP organized two two-day partner finance management training events for its implementing partner organizations: one on December 18-19, 2018, in Nepalgunj for 19 participants, and one on March 25-26, 2019, in Kathmandu for 26 participants. These events focused on sharing the knowledge and skills that implementing partners had gained from CS:MAP for efficient fund management, and on orientating participants on legal and donor compliance, the importance of financial monitoring, and cost-sharing contributions.
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8. Travel Update Planned Travel Accomplished Traveler # of Origin- Purpose travel Trips Destination Technical 1 Washington, Provide TA to CS:MAP local partners November 25 – Advisor, FHI 360 DC-Kathmandu on implementation of the Good December 8, 2018: Washington, DC Governance Barometer (GGB) Dr. Joseph Nzima Office Sany Legal Advisor, 1 Washington, Provide TA to coalitions and support in December 11 – 17, ICNL DC-Kathmandu refining drafts of self-regulation, 2018: Zach Lampell institutional governance, and laws related to CSOs and Media Legal Advisor, 1 Washington, Provide TA to CS:MAP coalition leads March 19 – 31, 2019: ICNL DC-Kathmandu and national advocacy partners for Zachery Lampell enhancing policy advocacy work. Design, organize, and facilitate two policy advocacy workshops in Kathmandu. Program 1 Washington, Provide program-related technical March 29 – April 7, Manager, Equal DC-Kathmandu assistance, oversight, and attend 2019: Elisa Choi Access meetings with CS:MAP Team. International Chief of Party, 1 Kathmandu- Attend strategic meetings with senior May 18-June 8, Civil Society: Washington, leadership, directors and thematic 2019: Bishnu Mutual DC-Ottawa experts at FHI 360 Washington DC Sapkota Accountability Office. Project Attend 2019 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit in Ottawa. Legal Advisor, 1 Washington, Design, organize and facilitate self- August 14 - 22, ICNL DC-Kathmandu regulation workshop and policy 2019: Zachery advocacy workshop in Kathmandu and Lampell Dhangadhi respectively.
Provide TA to CS:MAP coalition leads and national advocacy partners for enhancing policy advocacy work.
9. Activity Progress Summary Please refer to Annex 7 for the Activity Progress Summary. 10. Priorities for Year 5 (FY 2020: October 1, 2019–September 30, 2020) ● Prepare the annual work plan for Year 6 through a participatory approach among CS:MAP and its partners ● Review laws/policies related to improvement of civil society, media and human rights environments, at the national and sub-national level ● Orient locally-elected representatives on GESI minimum standards ● Promote open government partnership principles and civic-government engagement modules and mechanisms at national and sub-national level ● Implement minimum standards of CSOs’ internal governance and self-regulation and prepare ‘sample internal governance guidelines’ and circulate among CSOs
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● Roll out self-assessment toolkit and develop action plans ● Conducts campaigns such as #MaKhaandina (anti-corruption day and campaign), #MaBolchu campaign (16 days of activism) etc ● Organize interactions to promote understanding of the role of CSOs ● Strengthen civic-government engagement through regularizing Sajhedari Manch and CA meetings ● Build the capacity of facilitators of CS:MAP supported local structures ● Support local governments in drafting specific laws/policies/guidelines for effective functioning ● Conduct public services oversights through the CSO/HEAD coalitions and also conduct strategic coalition building meeting between CSOs and media for initiating joint actions ● Promote the continuous use of SA tools (Public Hearing, PETS, Social Audit, Public Audit, Community Score Card) in local governments and CSOs ● Implement CS:MAP-HRS at the national and subnational level: assess the human rights context at the national and local level; build capacity of local CSOs and human rights defenders etc. 11. Success Stories Please refer to Annex 8 for the success stories. 12. Challenges and Mitigation Measures ● Strong coalitions among CSOs and activists lead to strengthened CSOs. It has been a challenge to forge a consensus among diverse civil society and media. To address this, civic engagement in public policy formulation has been promoted, and discourses and discussions have been carried out to ensure shared understanding of this concept. ● There has been limited ownership among CSOs to scale up advocacy efforts at the district level because of lack of skills to coordinate with all local governments and promote the efforts. This is being incorporated into the ARI CB plan for all CSOs, and an advocacy advisor will coordinate with respective CSOs and support the process in the next reporting period. ● There are not enough adequately trained technical staff in ISOs to support CSOs on the new agenda and priorities of the project (e.g., OGP, disallowed budget, OLGDS). The CS:MAP team is supporting staff to manage their time and is equipping CSO and ISO personnel to scale up efforts in these areas in FY 2020. ● Sustainability of the local structures has become more challenging, though local governments are committed to replication and ownership. Their efforts are not documented and guided by policy procedures. Therefore, CS:MAP CSOs (mainly board members) will need to conduct more detailed discussions with local governments to incorporate into policy documents in FY 2020. ● Though there has been an increase in joint efforts by CSOs and trained journalists in the project districts, challenges remain in terms of mobilization of CARs, coordination among DCs and CARs, and integrated efforts among CSOs and trained journalists. While the number of advocacy efforts has increased with the CSOs pushing forward more than 120 issues for advocacy, CARs haven't been engaged in evidence generation for all of these cases. One of the reasons is that in at least seven of the districts, the
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position of CARs was vacant. Though new CARs have been hired, adequate support and orientation should be ensured for their effective performance. Similarly, the CSOs need to strengthen coordination among CARs and DCs so that they can support each other in evidence generation, reporting, and publication. CS:MAP will continue to ensure that the CSOs continually monitor the status of CSOs and DCs, and their progress on PEAR, so that support can be provided as needed. Another challenge exists in ensuring integrated efforts by CSOs and trained journalists in advancing the advocacy efforts. ● It is challenging to engage in the process of drafting bills because the government discreetly presents bill to parliament and passes them without adequate civic consultation. Even more challenging is advocating for revisions to bills once they are presented in the federal parliament; however, there have been cases when, after huge protests, the government has withdrawn bills, such as the Media Council Bill and the Guthi Bill. ● CSOs should adopt a proactive approach rather than a reactive one in advocacy. Advocacy is needed to ensure that the government holds adequate consultations with concerned stakeholders and the public before presenting bills to parliament. 13. Lessons Learned ● Since CSOs mostly depend on donors to carry out their activities and advocacy work, engaging with corporate leaders and persuading them to offer funds out of corporate social responsibility could be an alternate source of funding for the CSOs works to advance public interest issues. This was learned in a dialogue between corporate leaders and civil society leaders. Nepali CSOs should be able to offer better solutions and alternates to the corporate sector to win their confidence. ● Having direct access to policymakers has benefitted members of both parliaments, as they also need policy review and recommendations for amendment purposes. Engaging in back-and-forth communication has contributed to policy advocacy. ● Engaging different stakeholders (e.g., CSOs, media, DCC representatives) in public service oversight promotes the high value the local government places on oversight and findings/recommendations. ● Project tools (OCA) and techniques could be welcomed by a wider range of stakeholders (non-CS:MAP) if they were customized per local contexts. ● Joint visits of FHI 360 and EAI teams were helpful for building common understanding. Such visits are vital for building relationship with local stakeholders, as well as building their capacity in ICT use. ● Monthly competitions in the MeroReport platform has increased the number of submissions of blogs and photographs. With regular follow-up and guidance from the EAI team, this has led to increased engagement among journalists, CRs, and other stakeholders in discussions about issues related to public service oversight. ● Community-level interactions such as outdoor discussions and CLFS were found to be an excellent platform for engaging local stakeholders such as government officials, community leaders, representatives from community-based organizations, and community members. This helped gather feedback and suggestions from the
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stakeholders, and allowed promotion of the radio programs, the SMV campaign, and other project activities. By raising local issues and conducting discussions around them in the presence of the chief administrative officer, the chief and deputy chief at the local level, executive members, ward members, and other important stakeholders, the outdoor discussions in various districts helped garner public support for the radio programs. ● CSOs should implement self-regulation initiatives to improve internal governance while advocating with the government to develop CSO-friendly laws and policies. ● During formal and informal meetings, parliamentarians and policymakers constantly raised issues of lack of transparency, accountability, and internal control mechanisms within CSOs, along with reluctance to work in the areas of national priority. Further, they stated these issues stimulated the government to develop strong regulatory oversight. Therefore, CSOs should implement self-regulation initiatives and ensure effective implementation while they undertake advocacy efforts for creating CSO- friendly laws and policies.
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