CIVIL SOCIETY: MUTUAL ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT

Annual Progress Report October 1, 2017-September 30, 2018

October 26, 2018

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 GPO Box 8803, Gopal Bhawan Anamika Galli, Baluwatar, , Tel: 977.1.4437173 Email: [email protected]

Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 1 AnnualThis Progress document Report No.was 3 :produced Oct 1, 2017 -forSept review30, 2018 by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by FHI 360. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 7 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 13 2. CONTEXT ...... 13 3. PROGRESS OVERVIEW ...... 18 4. ACTIVITY PROGRESS ...... 35 4.1 DEVELOPMENT AND SUBMISSION OF DELIVERABLES ...... 35 4.3 PROGRESS ACHIEVED TOWARD PROJECT OBJECTIVES ...... 36 OBJECTIVE 1: STRENGTHENED ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR CIVIL SOCIETY AND MEDIA...... 36 OBJECTIVE 2: IMPROVED CIVIL SOCIETY AND MEDIA CAPACITY FOR EFFECTIVE POLICY ADVOCACY AND GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT ...... 53 OBJECTIVE 3: MORE COORDINATED AND EFFECTIVE CIVIL SOCIETY AND MEDIA OVERSIGHT OF PUBLIC RESOURCE USE AND PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY ...... 67 OBJECTIVE 4: STRENGTHEN ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF CSOS WORKING IN USAID PRIORITY SECTORS TO ADVANCE LOCAL SOLUTIONS ...... 84 5. CROSS CUTTING INTERVENTIONS ...... 89 5.1 GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION ...... 89 5.2 YOUTH ENGAGEMENT ...... 95 5.3 USE OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION, AND MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES ...... 97 6. COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION ...... 98 7. MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...... 100 8. HUMAN RESOURCES ...... 104 9. ACTIVITY PROGRESS SUMMARY ...... 104 10. PRIORITIES FOR YEAR 4 (OCT 1, 2018 – SEP 30, 2019) ...... 104 11. SUCCESS STORIES ...... 105 12. CHALLENGES AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 105 13. LESSONS LEARNED ...... 107

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Abbreviations and Acronyms

ADDCN Association of District Development Committees in Nepal AIN Association of International NGOs in Nepal AMO Advocacy, Monitoring and Oversight AOR Agreement Officer’s Representative ARI Advocacy Readiness Index AWP Annual Work Plan CA Common Assembly CAG Content Advisory Group CAR Community Action Researchers CDC Community Development Center CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy CDJMC Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication CIAA Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority CIJN Centre for Investigative Journalism, Nepal CS:MAP Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project COP Chief of Party CR Community Reporter CSO Civil Society Organization DCC District Coordination Committee DEC Development Experience Clearinghouse DQA Data Quality Assessment DRR Disaster Risk Reduction EA Equal Access ECN Election Commission of Nepal EOCG Election Observation Coordination Group FMDC Media for Development and Social Change FNJ Federation of Nepali Journalists GESI Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

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GGB Good Governance Barometer GoGo Foundation Good Governance Foundation GoN HEAD Health, Education, Agriculture and Disaster Risk Reduction HRPLSC Human Right Protection and Legal Service Center HUARDEC Human Rights Awareness and Development Center ICNL International Center for Not-for-Profit Law ICT Information and Communications Technology IHRICON Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal IJ Investigative Journalism INSEC Informal Sector Service Center IIP Institutional Improvement Plan IRDC Indreni Rural Development Center IRD Inland Revenue Department IRDS Rural Development Society ISO Intermediary Service Organization IVR Interactive Voice Response KLL Kathmandu Living Labs LDAG Listening, Discussion and Action Group LDO Local Development Officer MAG Media Advocacy Group M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MITRA Samaj Measures for Intervention Training Research and Action Samaj MoCIT Ministry of Communication and Information Technology MoFAGA Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration MoFALD Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development MoHA Ministry of Home Affairs MoWCSW Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizen MuAN Municipal Association of Nepal

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NARMIN National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal NEOC National Election Observation Committee NEPAN Nepal Participatory Action Network NMCP National Mass Communication Policy NGO Non-Governmental Organization NFN NGO Federation of Nepal NNSWA Nepal National Social Welfare Association NRA National Reconstruction Authority NSET National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal OCA Organizational Capacity Assessment OGP Open Government Partnership PEAR Participatory and Evidence-based Action Research PET/S Public Expenditures Tracking (System) PGIMS Performance and Geographic Information Management System PIL Public Interest Litigation PIO Public Information Officer PMELP Performance Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan POC Public Outreach Campaign PPWG Public-Private Working Group PSA Public Service Announcement PSO Public Services Oversight QPR Quarterly Progress Report RADO-Nepal Rural Awareness and Development Organization-Nepal RTI Right to Information RWDC Rural Women Development Center SA Social Accountability SAP Nepal South Asia Partnership Nepal SBC Sajha Boli Chautari SMS Short Message Service

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SMV SMS My Voice SOCH Society for Humanism (SOCH) Nepal SSMK Saathi Sanga Manka Kura STTA Short-Term Technical Assistance SWC Social Welfare Council TA Technical Assistance ToT Training of Trainers TU Tribhuvan University USAID United States Agency for International Development

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Executive Summary

Over the past year Nepal continued its transition to federalism, with federal and provincial elections held on November 26 and December 7, 2017. Under the leadership of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the Community Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and Community Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) unified in May 2018 to form a government with a majority in Parliament. All three tiers of government are now in place, a critical step in the operationalization of the 2015 . The transition continues to play out incrementally and unpredictably, requiring government officials and citizens alike to adapt as a new governance architecture for inclusion takes root in the post conflict, post-earthquake context. In particular, the ambitious federalization agenda reflects the desires and expectations of traditionally marginalized communities for real change. Against this backdrop, the Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project (CS:MAP) made notable progress towards its objective of fostering a more legitimate, accountable and resilient Nepali civil society that is capable of advancing the public interest. CS:MAP efforts to contribute to national policies resulted in multiple successes, including revising or repealing 15 laws to improve the civil society and media enabling environment. CS:MAP partner International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) reviewed the National Mass Communication Act and compared the draft National Integrity Policy and Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA)’s Directive for civil society regulation with international standards and were shared with NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN), Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Association of International Non-Government Organizations in Nepal (AIN) and other partners. These findings were incorporated in the advocacy. NFN, along with national advocacy partners, organized two coalition meetings on the proposed National Integrity Policy 2074 and the circular issued by the MoHA to all DAOs to collect property details for NGO founders and to limit NGOs’ work to one objective. As a result of these meetings, participants better understood the potential limitations to CSOs’ work and were incentivized to engage in constructive policy advocacy. Meeting participants then prepared and submitted a “concern paper” to the Government of Nepal (GoN) requesting changes to provisions restricting the civil society enabling environment and advocacy efforts. The GoN later postponed implementation of the National Integrity Policy and withdrew its circular directing all District Administration Office (DAO)s to seek the property details of NGO personnel, and limit NGO interventions to only one specific sector. These efforts were followed by GoGo Foundation sharing findings from its “Legal Landscape Report on CSOs of Nepal” with senior officials and the board members of the Social Welfare Council (SWC), civil society organization (CSO)s/groups and governments officials. Findings include barriers to CSO registration, renewal and project approval due to complex processes and policies, including seven direct and twelve indirect laws that govern CSOs.

NFN and South Asia Partnership (SAP) Nepal widely shared the “Joint Position Paper” on the CSO legal environment with government officials, parliamentarians, media and the CSO community. NFN also shared its review and analysis of the Bill on NGO Management and Operation Act at the provincial level. Similarly, FNJ shared its findings from a review of the draft Bill on Mass Communication Act with major stakeholders and concluded that there are major problems with the Act that can be mitigated by proposing a model law. FNJ later drafted a model

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Bill on Mass Communication Act and shared with GoN ministries, the CSO and media community, and parliamentarians. And, Media Advocacy Group (MAG) and Samjhauta shared GESI guidelines for policy formulation and implementation with ministries and local governments. These efforts resulted in commitments from the government to involve civil society and media in legislative drafting processes, and the government also formed a committee to review the Civil and Criminal Codes. Freedom Forum and FNJ engaged with provincial governments and parliamentarians to make changes on the proposed Media Policy, and with MoFAGA to make changes to the Sample FM Radio (Management and Operation) Procedures. South Asia Partnership Nepal (SAP Nepal) disseminated the key findings of its CSO contribution report with stakeholders, engaged with the MoHA and Nepal Law Commission during the drafting process for the NGO Management and Operation Act. INSEC shared its review of the Sample NGO Management Act with the MoFAGA and CSO community. Similarly, SAP Nepal discussed their concerns regarding the Draft Social Welfare and Development Bill with the Joint Secretary of the MoWCSW and MoHA and Ministry of Finance officials. NFN and INSEC also met with the Secretary of the MoFAGA and lobbied to revoke the draft Act on NGO Operation at the Local Government Level. In response to this engagement, the Secretary of the MoFAGA removed the draft Act on NGO Management and Operation from the Ministry's website.

Freedom Forum reviewed and analyzed the Bill on Right to Privacy Act and Bill on Press Council Act, as well as draft media policy Bills prepared by Province 3, and . The analyses were shared with the journalists, human rights defenders, CSO leaders, parliamentarians and government officials.

In addition to this, CS:MAP collaborated with National Administrative Staff College (NASC) to design and integrate a civil society component within their regular training courses for government under-secretaries. Additionally, CS:MAP facilitated two separate sessions on May 9 and May 16, 2018 as part of the month-long “Advanced Course on Governance and State Management,” which is mandatory for promotion to the joint secretary level. As the premier national-level training institution for government employees, NASC will use the same resource material to facilitate a session on civil society for future course participants.

CS:MAP in partnership with the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (CDJMC), Tribhuvan University (TU) developed a report media self-regulation: Self-regulation Mechanisms in the Media and its Interlinkages with Credibility. Findings were shared with media owners, editors, political leaders and journalists. The research was based on an analysis of content published in 10 major mainstream print dailies over a period of one week, prior to each phase of the national and provincial elections held on November 26 and December 7, 2017, respectively. The analysis explored the extent to which election reporting adhered to journalistic best practices, media self-regulation and ethics, and the election code of conduct. TU will use this research as resource material for their teaching and learning activities.

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The project also took steps to improve public perceptions of civil society and media by launching a public outreach campaign that reached more than 60,000 individuals, disseminating messages about role and importance of civil society in the changed context, and fostering connections among civil society, media, government and citizens through social media, local outreach activities, and trainings for diverse stakeholders. Through seven provincial civil society conferences organized by the NFN in collaboration with other civil society networks, CS:MAP educated more than 1,000 civil society actors, government officials, political party representatives, parliamentarians, academicians and activists on the role and contributions of civil society. By improving public understanding of, trust in and collaboration with civil society and media, CS:MAP is helping that sectoral actors are better equipped to promote government accountability and equitable distribution of resources. In addition, CS:MAP convened a round table at the national level and four at the sub-national level with the civil society, media and government actors in Open Government Partnership (OGP) to foster collaboration for increasing participation, inclusion, transparency, and accountability of both civil society and the GoN. CS:MAP supported for the participation of a parliamentarian, a Mayor and a CSO leader at the 5th OGP Summit in Tbilisi, Georgia from July 17-19, 2018. The participation helped them enhance their understanding on OGP framework, principles, values and importance of OGP for Nepal. CS:MAP also continued to support CSOs in their role as watchdogs and advocates. A total of 548 trained civil society activists supported to practice the citizen voting rights, and to promote fair and free elections by taking part in election observation. Similarly, the project supported analysis of and recommendations for electoral processes, sharing findings with the Election Commission, political parties and parliamentarians. The project likewise promoted accountability within civil society and media organizations, working with Intermediary Service Organization (ISO) partners to develop and implement self-regulation and internal governance standards, with a total of 136 CSOs trained on the importance of these provisions. As a result, 92 CSOs have agreed to implement the standards, and five media houses are implementing the Media Self-Assessment Toolkit, developed by the media coalition lead, FNJ. During the reporting period CS:MAP achieved results across project objectives, including at the local level and with media partners, for sustained impact. These include: District-level achievements: Fourteen district-based local CSOs and media organizations received capacity-building training and support to improve their organizational and advocacy functions, resulting in the incorporation of “advocacy” in strategic plans; 102 advocacy issues identified and plans prepared in the health, education, agriculture and disaster risk reduction (HEAD) sectors which are taken for further advocacy; increased use of the Sajha Sabha app and its management system to collect data on local issues which helped in evidence informed discussion in the meetings at the local level; knowledge-sharing and data distribution through Common Assembly (CA), coalition and public-private working group (PPWG) gatherings helped in strengthening the advocacy efforts for better public services delivery; evidence generated for 34 advocacy issues and evidence gathering initiated for an additional 20 issues, with memoranda submitted to local government supported in advocacy initiated in consultation with district-level HEAD coalitions. To support these efforts, CS:MAP trained 50 facilitators from 34 project districts to facilitate HEAD coalition discussions, PPWG and Sajha Sabha deliberations. Many of the advocacy efforts

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led to measurable changes, such as improved agricultural products, more efficient grievance- redressal mechanisms, improved health services for women, improvements in staffing and supplies at health posts and schools, and government information more readily available to the public. CSO partners have also experienced gains in their internal governance and financial sustainability, with action plans for resource mobilization and a total of 48 new funding streams between October 2017 and September 2018. In addition to this, a total of 247 CA meetings (71 in Quarter 4) held, focused on the availability of free medicine in health posts, student scholarships, school management committees and their roles, and local-level construction work, among other issues. Participants discussed indicators for improved health and education services, and meetings resulted in developing implementation plans with the indicators for improved services during consultations between service providers and citizens. Participants arrived at solutions for a number of problems. CS:MAP in coordination with the respective local units completed the development of an Open Local Government Digital System for Neelakantha municipality in Dhading and sub-metropolitan city in Banke. These systems were backstopped by ‘Mero Neelakantha’ and ‘Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan’ mobile applications, which can also be easily downloaded from the Android Play Store. Using the ‘Talk to the Mayor’ feature in the digital platform, citizens can directly contact the Mayor’s office using their social media accounts. Furthermore, the website and the mobile app enabled citizens to access information on municipal services, their procedures, required documents, estimated time of completion and tariffs by simply browsing through the web portal or mobile application. MoFAGA has assumed management of this project-developed Open Local Government Digital System (OLGDS) to improve transparency in local government. Media accomplishments: CS:MAP also provided support to media partners, worked with radio outlets to educate and engage audiences for increased civic knowledge and participation, and strengthened civil society communication skills. With leadership from CS:MAP partner Equal Access (EA), 41 media professionals were trained as investigative journalists, resulting in 15 stories published during the reporting period and an additional 16 awaiting publication. These investigative stories dwelt upon topics like reconstruction of public schools affected by earthquake; limitation in health services and lack of health facilities; lack of disabled-friendly government office structures; poor rehabilitation of flood victims; gap in government policy implementation in the health sector (e.g. free medicine distribution in health centers); crops and livestock insurance, among others. Likewise, forty-three journalists were trained on Advocacy, Monitoring and Oversight (AMO), resulting in 18 published stories dealing with the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing public resources and HEAD services; construction of gender-friendly toilets within schools; instances of misuse of power by local government; concentration of Ward offices within the office making public access difficult, as well as another 549 stories posted in MeroReport, a project web portal. The growth in the number of investigative and monitoring and oversight related articles related to public interest advocacy and oversight is in itself a significant achievement. This addresses a significant gap in journalistic reporting, due to lack of understanding of the need to report on such issues, as well as lack of skills to carry out investigative monitoring and oversight. While the immediate impact of such reporting is yet to be determined, we hope to witness dialogue in public forums as a result of

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such reporting. CS:MAP also produced 266 Sajha Boli radio programs through 40 radio stations, highlighting a range of issues including the local-level planning process, revenue sources for local governments, and the role of CSOs and media in promoting social accountability tools in the public sector. Public service announcements (PSAs) aired in Nepali and seven local dialects, with themes including gender-based violence, anti-corruption, Right to Information (RTI) and local government roles and oversight of public service delivery. CS:MAP also developed key resources including a Participatory and Evidence-based Action Research (PEAR) training manual and toolkit and media self-assessment toolkit, all of which are being put to use by project partners. Sustainability and local ownership: CS:MAP partners made measurable organizational development gains during the reporting period, with 20 percent overall increases over the baseline assessments in FY 2017. CSO partners have also indicated their commitment to and understanding of the need for self-regulation and institutional governance, and the project has engaged in discussions with the Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN) to further institutionalize these practices. To promote local ownership, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) has assumed management of the project-developed Open Local Government Digital System (OLGDS) to improve transparency in local government. Challenges and mitigation measures: CS:MAP encountered a number of challenges during the reporting period and took mitigation steps where possible and identified lessons learned to adapt project activities and anticipate future issues. These include: • Local ownership and stakeholder coordination: CS:MAP advocacy initiatives at the local level at times lacked adequate support from district-level coalitions and non-CS:MAP partner CSOs. In response, CS:MAP CSOs conducted outreach to coalition members and potential partners to secure support for advocacy efforts, and CS:MAP provided additional orientation and trainings to board members to improve their ability to communicate project objectives to stakeholders. • Communication and coordination with Community Reporters (CRs): CS:MAP CRs and CSO district coordinators at times struggled to collaborate effectively. In response, CRs received refresher trainings and mentoring to support meaningful coordination with CS:MAP mechanisms, CSOs and other stakeholders, and CSOs were also supported to improve coordination. • Reformation of Listener Discussion and Action Groups (LDAGs): CS:MAP LDAGs are designed to support listener action in response to radio program content and link individuals from marginalized groups. In some LDAGs, however, most participants were from the same community, and/or were already aware of the issues under discussion. As a result, group membership was reconsidered, and groups were re-formed to support inclusive and effective LDAGs. • Technical challenges related to radio stations and radio coverage: CS:MAP partner EA selected radio partners following a competitive process. However, some target communities are not covered by the partners’ broadcast range. In addition to recommending other listening options, such as the centrally-produced version broadcast

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via Radio Nepal, Equal Access provided flash drives to all LDAGs with radio programs saved. • Contextual considerations for self-regulation and internal governance: Based on consultations at national and sub-national level, CS:MAP and partners recognized that self- regulation and internal governance standards developed at the national level can and should be adapted for local contexts without comprising essential values. • Local-level ownership and sustainability: Orientations and training on SA tool application for district- and local-level representatives helped officials understand the tools’ use and importance. In addition, working with existing CSO coalitions/networks in the district helped make coalitions-led activities more effective and sustainable. CS:MAP has also recognized the need for developing indicators/checklist for public service oversight and resource use for effective oversight functions and is developing these resources. Lessons learned:

• Rapid pace of policy development: Fast-track law-making processes make it difficult for civil society and citizens to provide input on laws and policies. So, civil society and citizens need to be continuously engaged and be ready to share information and provide inputs for relevant draft laws and policies to political parties, parliamentarians and other law drafters. • Board involvement in advocacy at the local level: CSO board and senior staff involvement in different CS:MAP events and orientations is necessary to integrate advocacy into CSOs’ strategic visions and improve their advocacy leadership at the district level. • Service providers also want constructive engagement: Orientations and training on SA tool application for district- and local-level representatives helped officials understand the tools’ use and importance. This opened up the space for citizens’ engagement with the local government. There is need for developing indicators/checklist for public service oversight and resource use for effective oversight functions and CS:MAP is supporting the CSOs in developing these resources. • Internalization of GESI principles need ownership from the board: GESI skills and lessons must be reinforced among CSO board and staff to improve institutional adaptation, and that the project must focus on the intersections between ethnicity, gender, geographical identity, age and disability as shapers of experience. The project plans to continue engaging with a GESI focal person in each of the CSOs to champion GESI causes within their organizations. This has worked quite well for the project. For example, FMDC Kailali has designated one of its board seats for a disabled person, and has included a Muslim member on its board. • Fewer production partners for better mentoring: CS:MAP was previously partnering with 20 FM radio stations to produce local versions of Sajha Boli, with the EA team providing mentoring support through periodic Skype meetings. It was learned that mentoring 20 different FM radio stations with varying capacity levels was difficult. And, again depending on one producer can also derail the quality of the production. So, EA decided to limit the number of production partners to 10, reaffirmed the commitment, trained an alternative producer from the same FM radio stations, which helped to a smoother production process.

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1. Introduction

The Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project (CS:MAP), implemented by FHI 360, in partnership with Equal Access (EA) and the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), aims to foster a more legitimate, accountable and resilient Nepali civil society that is capable of advancing the public interest. It will achieve this by accomplishing four objectives, while incorporating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) across all project activities: 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 civil society organizations (CSOs) working in USAID priority sectors to advance local solutions.

2. Context

National context: Nepal has seen noteworthy political progress during the past year, with the successful completion of all election phases and formation of a new government. The Government of Nepal (GoN) and the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) conducted the first federal and provincial elections under Nepal’s new Constitution on November 26 and December 7, 2017. All major political parties participated in the election, including the Madhes-based parties, which also participated in the third phase of local elections despite previous opposition. These elections represent a significant milestone in the implementation of the new Constitution and realization of state restructuring. After the elections, a stable government was formed under the leadership of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, ending the prolonged political transition. Prime Minister Oli and reached a power-sharing deal to unify the (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre). Under this agreement, both leaders serve as co- chairs of the unified . This unification, completed in May 2018, has attracted support from additional political parties. With the merger in May 2018 of the two leftist parties in the alliance, and the Madhes-based parties supporting it, the current federal government has a significant two-thirds majority in Parliament. All three tiers of governments have been formed, concluding the first step in operationalizing the 2015 Constitution of Nepal. Achieving federalization in Nepal will require adaptive change, which will play out incrementally and unpredictably over time as a new governance architecture for inclusion takes root in the post conflict, post-earthquake context. The ambitious federalization agenda reflects the desires and expectations of traditionally marginalized communities for real change. The federal Parliament drafted laws to ensure constitutionally-guaranteed, fundamental rights in September 2018. However, the drafting process did not allow for sufficient time for consultations to solicit citizen inputs in those laws.

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At the provincial level, governments and assembly members face a significant challenge in institutionalizing the provinces as stipulated by the Constitution. The Constitution empowers provinces to develop their own laws and policies. Given this mandate, provincial governments face the task of drafting approximately 100 laws, and members of provincial assemblies must debate, revise and approve these laws. All laws must be in line with the Constitution and international standards. Yet, the chief ministers of all the provinces have indicated that they lack sufficient authority from the federal government to move forward. And, the provincial and local governments are still struggling to establish relationships and modes of engagement between the two tiers. As an example, Province 2 has already passed a police law before the federal parliament has been able to enact a police law as required, and it has created a state of confusion and constitutional challenge. After the local elections, general assemblies of National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal (NARMIN) and Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN) elected their new leadership. Provincial coordination committees of these associations are also formed as per the Nepal’s federal setup. MuAN and NARMIN are effective platforms to enable participatory, accountable, inclusive and citizen-responsive government. These associations are working to address policy issues supportive to local government; and represent in various forums for policy advocacy and ensure benefit to local people. At the local level, the 753 newly-elected officials in local government units have a strong sense of their roles and responsibilities and are beginning their work with high levels of enthusiasm. Public expectations are likewise high now that communities have elected new representatives to fill a two decades-long leadership gap. The officials have at times lacked clarity regarding their roles and responsibilities, and struggle to perform effectively in the absence of necessary regulations. In addition, the restructuring of service delivery offices at the district and local levels is still in process. There are significant capacity needs related to service delivery, including governance challenges involving education and health within local units. Existing capacity at the district level is insufficient, and these gaps further affect local units. Despite these limitations, elections at all three levels have revived citizens’ hopes that democratic progress continues. On the policy front, civil society intervention made a significant impact on national policies related to Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Association resulting in the introduction of four new policies, the implementation of six laws and policies, changes to one draft Bill on the Right to Privacy, and the repeal of four laws and policies. The federal cabinet has provided approval to draft a new law on organization registration and management, and the Nepal Law Commission has begun the drafting process. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) has provided a sample draft on NGO registration and operation to be passed by sub- national governments. The Bill on Organization Operation and Management is tabled at the Parliament of Karnali Province and is under discussion at the relevant parliamentary committee. Other Provinces are also working on the Bill but have not yet delivered a final draft. Province 1 has passed a law on FM Radio (Management and Operation) Act, but it has not been published in the Gazette. Similarly, the Internal Affairs Ministry of has prepared a Communication Policy, which is under discussion. Similar laws and policies are under discussion in other provinces as well. Some and municipalities have passed NGO Coordination

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Acts/Directives/Guidelines and FM Registration and Management Acts, and others are working on similar laws. Although lack of approval from the federal government has resulted in delays, sub-national governments continue working to develop laws in their jurisdictions. Despite these successes, the GoN has introduced a number of policy drafts and directives that potentially threaten civil liberties and civic space. In April, the GoN introduced a draft National Integrity Policy that was opposed by Nepali civil society, the donor community, diplomatic missions and international organizations due to clauses that curtail fundamental freedoms, primarily Freedom of Association. In June, the GoN issued a directive banning public gatherings and demonstrations in certain public areas in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. These moves to limit civil liberties and the civic space for public oversight run counter to freedoms outlined in the Constitution. In response to the writ petition filed in the Supreme Court against the directive, the Supreme Court issued an order on July 17, 2018 asking the government not to implement the directive. In addition, in the last quarter of Year 3 the GoN enacted the Civil and Criminal Code Acts, which repealed the longstanding General Code Act (Muluki Ain). The media fraternity expressed serious concerns over provisions that undermine fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the press and freedom of expression, guaranteed by the Constitution. Media reports suggest that the new Criminal Code Act can prevent journalists from carrying out effective investigative journalism. In separate statements the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Freedom Forum and Nepal Press Council expressed concern over the gradual criminalization of defamation and privacy intrusion. Similarly, certain provisions of Criminal Code related to criminal liability on the issue of professional responsibility were raised by Nepal Medical Association (NMA) as well. Government agreed with NMA to amend the certain provisions of Criminal Code as demanded by them. In September, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) formed a task force to review legal provisions curtailing press freedom, including those outlined in the Muluki codes. The task force has been given 45 days to submit its report to the MoCIT. Also, in the last quarter, the House of Representatives passed the Right to Personal Privacy Bill. After media and civil society representatives criticized restrictive provisions in the Bill some of the stricter provisions limiting press freedom were removed, while provisions defining the general public and public office bearers were added. The GoN is also considering a Media Council Act that will establish a Media Council with media regulatory and oversight responsibility, as outlined in the 2017 Mass Communication Policy.

Context in the earthquake-affected districts: Over the last year reconstruction progress has accelerated, in part due to government support but also as a result of many householders and communities raising their own resources to rebuild. The most disadvantaged are still struggling to earn a living and take advantage of government support to acquire land and build their own houses. According to its September report, the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has decided to mobilize local governments to speed up post-earthquake reconstruction of private houses and other structures. The NRA Steering Committee will turn over responsibility for monitoring and government assistance

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recommendations to local governments. The Steering Committee also announced new deadlines for receiving government-provided private housing grants: beneficiaries who have received the first tranche of funds (Rs. 50,000) should now collect the second tranche (Rs. 150,000) by the end of mid-January 2019. Similarly, those who have received the second tranche should collect the third tranche (Rs. 100,000) by mid-May 2019. However, different deadlines will be considered for individuals who report grievances, as well as people who are included after re- survey, those living in traditional places, and individuals who needed to be resettled in safer places. Similarly, the Steering Committee has decided to provide the government’s private housing grant (Rs. 300,000) to landless, earthquake-affected families; local governments will determine the location and grant criteria. Although the GoN expects that most earthquake victims will be able to meet the deadlines, the civil society fears that vulnerable populations—including the poorest, who must borrow money to reconstruct—are at risk of being left behind. Reconstruction delays have been a primary concern in these areas, and have overshadowed other district issues, including new health center management, staff deployment for agriculture services, etc. Further, the continuous change in NRA leadership has affected its functioning. The government has also developed guidelines for providing concessional loans to earthquake victims, but few people are aware of them and the NRA has not included the guidelines in its priority list. In addition, the guidelines’ complicated terms and conditions have prevented the banking and financial institutions from considering the loans; the institutions are also skeptical about potential recipients’ ability to repay loans. Earthquake victims are therefore left to reply on compensation from the GoN, their only source of support. To address some of these challenges, in Year 3 CS:MAP initiated activities aimed at facilitating dialogue between CSO and media partners and local representatives. In doing so, CS:MAP sought to develop civil society mechanisms for oversight of and advocacy for reconstruction work, as well as public resources and services in the health, education and agriculture sector, ensuring equitable and timely service delivery. Partner CSOs supported mechanisms such as the Common Assembly (CA), Public-Private Working Groups (PPWGs), and radio Listening Discussion and Action Groups (LDAGs) through which citizens discussed priority issues with public officials. Likewise, CS:MAP partner radio stations produced and broadcast radio program episodes that informed citizens about policies and provisions, and also issued a call to action in the form of advocacy and oversight related to public resource use and service delivery in earthquake-affected districts. CS:MAP has used its support mechanisms to disseminate relevant information to citizens. Platforms such as the Common Assembly, PPWG and Sajha Sabha (Public Forum) have been activated to promote engagement between citizens, citizen groups, the NRA, elected government representatives, and government service-providing line agencies. For example, in , Community Development Center (CDC) highlighted the need for effective grievance- handling and improved health, sanitation and educational services for citizens affected by the earthquakes. Government officials not only committed to ensuring effective service delivery, but also agreed to carry out regular monitoring for service consistency. Despite slow progress, project partners in the earthquake-affected districts have continued to advocate for improving and expediting services to victims. In Dolakha, earthquake victims from the Thami community were unable to receive housing support installments from the government because they did not have

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land registration certificate. CSOs in Dolakha responded by advocating on behalf of the community and now Bhimeswor municipality has committed to resolving the problem. Context in the Western districts: As federalization in Nepal became a reality, many citizens experienced both increased expectations and disappointments as opportunities to participate in local-level planning processes failed to materialize, and previously-existing structures such as the Ward Citizen Forums and Citizens Awareness Centers were no longer available. Yet, CS:MAP is filling this gap to some extent, and through its structures people are engaged in the planning process, even as citizen priorities are inconsistently incorporated in the final plans. At present, local government units primarily are focused on infrastructure developments, and need-based budgeting but failed to prioritize the needs of women, members of marginalized communities, and children. Throughout the reporting period CS:MAP continued advocating for citizen engagement in local-level planning process and monitored the implementation process. In the Western districts, lack of experience, limited human resources and limited opportunities for citizen input created confusion which delayed public services delivery. Disagreements between local government units’ elected heads and deputies seemed to increase over the past year, which affected day-to-day administration. In most of the local units, the deputy mayors/vice chairpersons were treated as the subordinates of the mayors/chairs. Although they have clearly defined responsibilities, such as leading judicial committees, monitoring and coordinating non- governmental organizations (NGOs) and leading budget planning, they have not been able to fulfill these responsibilities either because they were new to the system or because of interference by their heads. This situation appeared worse in municipalities/gaunpalikas where the heads and deputies come from different political parties. In addition, the new system is set up for centralized service delivery at the local unit, but the staff and leaders have not been able to perform their roles because they lack cross-cutting expertise, and do not receive adequate support and facilitation from the federal government. For example, an agriculture expert assigned to a local unit may have a background in fertilizer but may not be able to provide suggestions on seed selection. Civil society and media are raising the issue of sub-national governments not having adequate staff to fulfill their constitutionally-mandated responsibilities and contributing to the development of relevant laws and policies. Local-level policy drafting processes continue to receive undue influence and input from the federal government. At the same time, local officials lack the capacity to develop their own policies, law and directives. District Coordination Committee (DCC) chairpersons have begun lobbying to have their authority recognized in Local Governance Act-2073. In addition, the GoN failed to provide adequate local-level staff, and local authorities are subsequently requesting that they be allowed to hire staff locally. Civil society can play a critical role in this transition, reviewing policies and procedures to facilitate equitable budget allocations to local government units. Although civil society is not explicitly restricted in the Western districts, the overall enabling environment is not considered hospitable to CSOs. For example, CSOs operate under tax

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regulations, and need approval to conduct activities from a local authority. The circular from the MoHA has further affected CSOs’ ability to operate. Yet, CS:MAP engagement with local elected representatives has proven successful. For example, the Triveni gaunpalika trusted the CS:MAP local CSO partner in Rukum so much that they requested that the CS:MAP local CSO partner facilitate a public hearing. Overall, local government units allow space for media organizations and often use media platforms to share their plans, policies and activities, especially those connected to Right to Information (RTI) efforts.

3. Progress Overview

The following immediate outputs and outcomes were achieved as a result of CS:MAP activities during this reporting period: 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.

• Three laws related to freedoms of association and expression are revised or drafted with civil society and media coalitions’ inputs through comprehensive analyses and public debates; the Alternative National Mass Communication Act, drafted by FNJ, was submitted to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology; the Bill on Privacy and sample NGO Coordination and Management Act for local governments were revised in response to inputs from national advocacy partners; and, the NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) provided inputs on the draft Bills on NGO Registration and Operation proposed by Province 3, Karnali Province and Sudurpaschim Province. • CS:MAP’s civil society coalition led advocacy efforts aimed at the removal of provisions in the GoN circular directing all District Administration Offices (DAOs) to gather information about NGO personnel property, and to limit their interventions to one sector. Similarly, CSO coalition efforts were successful in preventing implementation of the National Integrity Policy 2074, which restricted freedom of association and freedom of expression. On local level policy engagement, CSOs engaged with local governments on policy issues through advocacy efforts by raising local policy issues and agenda. These include advocating for formation of policy on asset disclosure by local governments in Dailekh and Jajarkot, formation of guidelines on social accountability tools, governance policy formation in , among others. • At the National Civil Society Conference (November 7-8, 2017) more than 700 civil society leaders from across the country endorsed a declaration demanding the formulation of a CSO-friendly social development act. The declaration also called on the GoN to reduce tax and administrative barriers to CSO operations. CS:MAP is sharing the demand with government agencies that indicate a favorable response. • The Nepal Law Commission drafting committee consulted with CSO leaders while drafting The Privacy Bill, and incorporated some of their inputs into the proposed draft.

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Result 1.2 Improved public understanding and confidence in the role of CSOs and media.

• Through the Public Outreach Campaign (POC), CS:MAP reached more than 60,000 people with messages about the role and importance of civil society. Products developed for the campaign include two video dramas, four award-winning videos (selected from a video contest), a civil society documentary and TV debate. Messages were deiminated through social media and “Get to know your CSO” fairs. Four additional fairs are being organized in Kailali, Nuwakot, Dolakha and Surkhet in October 2018. • More than 1,300 civil society actors, government officials, political party representatives, parliamentarians, academicians and activists were sensitized on the role and contributions of civil society through seven provincial civil society conferences organized by NFN, in collaboration with other civil society networks. • Civil society organizations in 34 districts-initiated discussions on CSOs’ roles in Nepal’s changing context to increase understanding of the sector and plan joint interventions to strengthen the civil society enabling environment and advance public interests. • CS:MAP through its partner, NEOC observed two phases of federal and provincial elections, held on November 26 and December 7, 2017. A total of 548 trained civil society activists served as watchdogs to ensure citizen voting rights were respected and to promote fair and free elections by serving as election observers. Electoral laws and policies based on international standards and election observation experiences were shared with the Election Commission, political parties and parliamentarians. • The election report launched on March 25, 2018, showed the improvements needed in voter registration, code of conduct enforcement, campaign finance regulation, preparation and distribution of voter IDs, curbing poll violence and rigging, standardizing and expediting counting, and installing effective and transparent election and dispute resolution mechanisms. The Prime Minister and the Chief Election Commissioner said that they would consider report suggestions while preparing for future elections. • Five interactive dialogue workshops conducted by NEOC during this reporting period discussed on the electoral advocacy for external voting processes, inclusive and participatory representation, the current Nepali electoral model, electoral systems, election observation reviews and next steps. Stakeholders, including parliamentarians, committed to facilitate the process for electoral reform. • Due to continuous lobbying by CS:MAP, Nepal Administrative Staff College (NASC) included civil society content in its regular trainings for government under-secretaries, which will promote greater understanding of the role and importance of civil society. The trainings will also help under-secretaries understand civil society’s ability to improve governance, empower citizens and help the government implement sound policies that benefit all citizens. Result 1.3 Improved self-regulation of the sector and internal governance of CSOs and media.

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• A total of 136 CSOs participated in five orientation programs focused on implementing self-regulation and internal governance standards. The orientations were organized by the CS:MAP coalition lead and other national advocacy partners. Of the 136 CSOs, 92 have agreed to implement these standards. • Five media houses implemented the Media Self-Assessment Toolkit, developed by FNJ in collaboration with other media houses. The five implementing houses are: Ujjyalo Network, Media House, Image Television, Pahilopost.com and Barakhari.com.

Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption: The first two phases of Nepal’s federal and provincial elections provided an opening for civil society and media actors to strengthen sectoral coalitions and initiate joint advocacy efforts to influence law- and policy-making processes. In response, the GoN, media and civil society actors demonstrated their willingness to engage in dialogue focused on civil society and media laws and regulations. Similarly, NFN and FNJ have engaged non-members in policy advocacy through civil society and media coalitions. Proposed civil society and media policies containing restrictive provisions likewise attracted diverse stakeholders to advocacy activities aimed at expanding spaces for civic engagement. Dialogues were informed by evidence-based advocacy, drawing on analysis of proposed policies and provisions and comparison to standards, laws and best practices. Multi- stakeholder dialogues with parliamentarians, political parties and civil society, organized by national advocacy partners, both improved and halted regressive policies drafted by the GoN. CS:MAP relied on social media in its launch of the POC to improve the public’s perception of civil society, civil society organizations and the media. To increase interactions, views, likes, followers and audience engagement, CS:MAP used the campaign hashtag title #MaNagarikSamaj. In addition, CS:MAP convened civil society, media and government actors in Open Government Partnership (OGP) roundtables to foster collaboration for increasing participation, inclusion, transparency, and accountability of both civil society and the GoN. OGP roundtables at the national and sub-national level helped stakeholders understand the role and importance of civil society in strengthening democracy and addressing public interest. Understanding the importance of strengthening sectoral ownership and legitimacy, CS:MAP interventions focused on developing and promoting buy-in to self-regulation mechanisms. The civil society coalition lead used a participatory and inclusive approach to develop sectoral internal governance standards and self-regulation mechanisms. A newly-formed drafting committee comprised of civil society coalition members and representatives emphasized the benefits of supporting and ultimately adopting the regulations. Similarly, the media coalition lead developed and implemented a self-assessment for improving media governance and self-regulation in consultation with media owners and journalists. Anticipated challenges and CS:MAP mitigation measures In response to potential distrust between sectors and actors, multi-stakeholder dialogues, small group meetings and one-on-one meetings with the Prime Minister and other ministers and lawmakers helped promote trust. Similarly, the project mitigated potential lack of understanding

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and missed opportunities for collaboration by facilitating ongoing discussions on the role of civil society and interactions between civil society and media fostered collaboration to advance public interest issues. Policy analysis and recommendations based on international standards, best practices and laws strengthened advocacy by civil society and media coalitions. CS:MAP also faced a challenge in demonstrating the value of self-regulation to civil society and media, and in developing and implementing internal governance mechanisms. In project- sponsored dialogues, government and political leaders described the importance of self-regulation and internal governance; and described it as a protective mechanism guarding against restrictive legal and policy provisions. In response, the civil society coalition, in collaboration with the wider civil society sector, drafted a set of minimum standards of CSO internal governance and self- regulation. Similarly, civil society coalition lead NFN has started developing a Civic Charter as a means of self-regulation. The participatory and inclusive process of this charter development has increased its acceptance. Likewise, CS:MAP initiated discussions with the Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN) in hopes that they will consider these standards as part of the criteria for selecting local partners. As a result, CS:MAP has created an environment that encourages the development and implementation of sectoral guidelines and promotes the benefits of voluntarily adhering to institutional governance/self-regulation standards. 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. • CS:MAP partner Equal Access (EA) designed and led a two-day workshop during which 31 participants from the 14 CS:MAP CSO partners developed their organizational strategic communication guidelines. The guidelines were later endorsed by their respective boards of directors, and partner organizations began implementing the guidelines to better support their advocacy efforts. Three intermediary service organizations (ISOs) received strategic communications training in order to provide regular support to partner CSOs. • Fourteen district-based local CSOs and media organizations received nine trainings1 and direct coaching/mentoring support that resulted in all 14 CSOs incorporating “advocacy” into their five-year strategic plans. The CSOs collectively prioritized 102 advocacy issues related to health, education, agriculture and disaster risk reduction (HEAD) and prepared detailed advocacy plans. Results from the development and implementation of the plans include: o Sajha Sabha App is being used by citizens to file issues and concerns on public service delivery and compiled information is being used in CA meetings for

1 Public Service Oversight, Communication Strategy, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Advocacy Strategies, Facilitation Training, Participatory and Evidence-based Action Research (PEAR), Refresher on Advocacy, Refresher on Social Accountability Tools and Orientation on Federal and Local-Level Policies on HEAD

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discussion and further connecting them with advocacy efforts at district and gaunpalika/municipality level. o Common assembly and PPWG members including coalition members were educated on the use of Sajha Sabha App. This will help bolster the use of Sajha Sabha App in robust ways in the coming year; o Discussion of relevant issues in CS:MAP-facilitated local structures; o Evidence generated for 34 issues (evidence generation is ongoing for an additional 20 issues) and initiation of evidence-based advocacy in consultation with district-level HEAD coalitions, coalitions are using the evidence collected to substantiate their advocacy efforts in the district; o CSOs submitted letters of memorandum to local governments to draw their attention and focus on the advocacy issues in the district. This helped familiarizing local governments with advocacy issues being raised by the CSOs in advance; o Facilitation by 54 facilitators from 34 districts of HEAD coalition discussions, PPWG meetings and Sajha Sabha deliberations in their respective districts. • Two hundred and forty-seven meetings (71 in Q4) of 68 CAs created opportunities for citizens to engage with local governments. Through the CAs, participants identified gaps in and actions needed to improve public service delivery systems. Discussion items included the unavailability of medicines at local health facilities, irregularity of health facility staff, lack of gender-friendly toilets in health posts, ineffective and non-transparent scholarship distribution to students, inadequate ward budget allocation for reproductive health education to adolescents, lack of provisions for regular health checkups for marginalized communities, implementation insurance programs for crops and livestock, the lack of updated citizen charters, delayed reconstruction works and delayed installments to earthquake victims, delayed construction of primary health care centers, slowed or absent construction of drinking water supply systems in Kanchanpur, delayed relocation of flood-affected people in Makwanpur, and lack of systematic provisions of agriculture subsidies to the marginalized community in Dadeldhura. • Thirty-six Sajha Sabhas (21 in Q4) held in project districts increased public understanding of district issues and highlighted solutions that emerged CA discussions and PPWG meetings. The Sajha Sabhas also helped service seekers and service providers disseminate best practices and action plans widely across districts. Sajha Sabha endorsed the CA and PPWG efforts, action plans and achievements by disseminating them. Details on the Sajha Sabha issues and commitments are described under Activity 2.1.3. • Six provincial legislators, three federal legislators, fourteen mayors/chairpersons, twelve deputy mayors/vice chairpersons, five DCC chiefs/deputy chiefs and government officials from local governments attended Sajha Sabhas and made commitments for improvements on the issues raised.

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• Fifty-three PPWG meetings (22 in Q4) were held in CS:MAP districts, focusing on public service delivery issues such as free medicine distribution, formation of governance committees in gaunpalikas, etc. DCCs welcomed decisions from the PPWGs and circulated information to other municipalities and gaunpalikas in the district. As a result of PPWG recommendations the agrovets in Dhading began selling quality seeds and controlling the selling of harmful pesticides; in Nuwakot and Rasuwa the NRA responded to grievances from earthquake-affected people within 10 days; Dipayal-Silgadhi municipality allocated Rs. 2 million for screening and further treatment of women suffering from uterus prolapse. • National level advocacy partners worked with federal and provincial governments on policy reforms including civil society’s enabling environment issues while district-based CSOs collaborated and engaged with local governments through common assembly and PPWG meetings. At district level, HEAD networks/CSO coalitions played important role in advocating for better policies directly engaging with local governments and district- based stakeholders. Furthermore, CSOs brought local level advocacy and policy issues in the bi-annual summits and shared them with federal-level networks and coalitions for collective actions. More such collective advocacy efforts and collaborations will be carried out in fourth year.

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. • The MeroReport platform was promoted as an open space for networking, dialogue and collaboration among CS:MAP CSO and media partners and other stakeholders at the national and sub-national levels. During this reporting period, 11 thematic groups were formed, 281 new members joined, and 1,383 new blogs highlighting CS:MAP cross- sectoral priority themes were posted. • Thirty-four HEAD/CSO coalitions formed/identified in project districts met 111 times in the last year to promote discussion and collaborative action. CSOs helped connect local issues with provincial and federal level coalitions and networks by sharing advocacy issues in the bi-annual summits. The coalitions submitted memoranda to relevant government offices or sectors, especially during the elections; served as a common platform for civil society and government to discuss advocacy issues raised by CSOs, validate advocacy plans, and discuss issues that disproportionately affect marginalized communities related to public service and resources. For example: the HEAD coalition in Makwanpur discussed the ineffectiveness of government health insurance and unsatisfactory services from the hospitals. The coalition submitted a memorandum to the District Health Office in May 2018 asking it to address these concerns. Responding to CSO memorandum, district hospital has improved its services in terms of quality and regularity. The coalition in Dang discussed the ineffectiveness of scholarships for Kamlahari students, prepared an advocacy plan and asked the Rural Women Development Center (RWDC) to conduct research to inform its advocacy plan. Findings of the research were shared with the respective schools which made the school authority commit for a fair and transparent process while distributing scholarships to Kamlahari students.

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• A total 15 Shreejanshil Shakhas were established in program districts during the reporting period. Thirty-two Shreejanshil Shakhas are being used as meeting venues by CSOs and media. These hubs are also being used to gather information on government policies and provisions using the internet. The Shreejanshil Sakhas will be handed over to host institutions by December 2018. 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. • EA developed a training manual on Participatory and Evidence-based Action Research (PEAR) and conducted a training of trainers for CS:MAP ISOs. The manual on PEAR is being used by the CAR as a guideline while collecting evidence/information on the advocacy issues. Measures for Intervention Training Research and Action Samaj (MITRA Samaj), Nepal Participatory Action Network (NEPAN), Shtrii Shakti and Nepal National Social Welfare Association (NNSWA). The ISOs then led PEAR trainings for 33 Community Action Researchers (CARs) based with CSO partners in the 34 project districts. Thirty-three CARs now have the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct basic research in their communities and have collected evidence/information on 34 issues. They are in the process of collecting evidence/facts on 20 more advocacy issues. Evidences/information by CAR were gathered on status of application of social accountability tools by local governments, animal/corps insurance situation in the districts, among others. Evidences collected by CAR were used for advocacy by CS;MAP partners in consultation with HEAD/CSO coalitions.

• Forty-one EA media professionals from CS:MAP districts received capacity building related to investigative journalism (IJ), and 12 of them participated in a study visit to the Center for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) Nepal, resulting in the preparation of 31 investigative stories and publication of 15 stories, with the remaining 16 scheduled for publication at a later date. The 12 journalists who participated in the study visit continue to work closely with experienced journalists at CIJ to publish investigative articles. In addition, all 41 journalists have written about the priorities of marginalized communities and women from their districts and have written/posted a total of 549 stories in MeroReport this year. • Forty-three journalists from CS:MAP districts were trained on Advocacy, Monitoring and Oversight (AMO), resulting in the publication of 18 stories highlighting the challenges that marginalized communities face when accessing public resources and services related to health, education, agriculture, disaster risk reduction and local development. These stories were published in national dailies, online news portals and in the MeroReport portal. • EA supported collaboration between media trainees and five CS:MAP CSO partners working in 13 districts, resulting in improved coordination and understanding of the need for joint media-civil society advocacy efforts. • Both IJ and AMO trainings included considerations for journalistic safety and security, ensuring that the 84 participants understood the importance of and strategies for remaining safe and secure while carrying out in-depth, investigative public interest inquiry and

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reporting. While it is difficult to ascertain immediate impact or larger benefit to society arising from these trainings, there is notable improvement in the quality and number of public interest reporting being undertaken. Public interest reports posted on MeroReport include 120 reports on disaster risk reduction related issues, 50 on agriculture, 110 on education and 140 on health related issues. A review of these articles demonstrate improved linkages made between evidence generated and public policy priorities. Although not established empirically, an indirect correlation can be made between such reporting and the increasing number of public policy advocacy issues being identified by CSO partners. There is also increased reporting on issues concerning gender equality and social inclusion, mainly concerning youth issues related to HEAD services. Compared to the last annual reporting year, this year has seen significant increase in the number of MeroReport page views, up from 26,637 unique visits last year to 50,045 visits this year. A correlation can be made between the rise in number of page visits to the quality and diversity of content being posted. The goal of digital engagement through greater online interactivity, especially in terms of increased comments, feedback and discussions on articles, is however yet to be realized. Efforts to promote such interactivity are ongoing with the understanding that meaningful digital engagement is a time-taking process. • MITRA Samaj and NEPAN prepared a PEAR training manual and PEAR toolkit translated them into the , with technical support from EA. The ISOs supported 14 CSOs in selecting 102 issues for advocacy and mobilizing trained CARs to research 34 issues (one per CS:MAP district). The research findings were discussed with district-level coalitions, included in memoranda prepared for local governments and agencies.

Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption: Critical assumptions about government engagement and civil society/media capacity-building opportunities made in the Annual Work Plan (AWP) were valid. CS:MAP and partners engaged local-level elected representatives through project structures; the representatives also participated in major events such as Sajha Sabhas and Social Accountability (SA) tool orientations at the district and local levels. PPWGs were chaired by DCC chairs or vice chairs, and ward chairs and other elected members were invited to CA meetings. Government officials and CSOs participated in joint monitoring activities and collaborated with other wards and gaunpalikas/municipalities. ISO partners worked with CSOs to support local governments in improving public service delivery and resource use through application of SA tools and civic engagement approaches. Further, FHI 360 and EA built ISOs’ technical and organizational capacity. The ISOs in turn provided training, mentoring/coaching and technical support to local CSOs to strengthen their advocacy strategies and identify issues and action plans for effective advocacy. Although CS:MAP did not have to alter its overall strategic approach, the project did shift PPWGs from the district level to the gaunpalika/municipality level as a result of local-level restructuring and midterm review recommendations. In addition, three ISOs were mobilized to provide CSOs with support in CS:MAP districts. As a result, district-level CSOs were better prepared to work with municipal-level decision makers, engage in advocacy, and promote government engagement and understanding/application of SA tools at the local and district levels. Project staff also revised

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training content and modalities, expanding trainings to include sessions on local governance, budget allocation and policy making. Similarly, CS:MAP designed and implemented multiple interventions to build the capacity of media professionals, ISOs and CSOs during this reporting period as a result of limitations observed during Year 2. The project publicized available IJ and AMO trainings and attracted applications from journalists with diverse backgrounds who were working in different media channels, including newspapers, radio, television and online portals. Although most of the CS:MAP Shreejanshil Shakhas were not equipped to hold large CSO gatherings, most CSOs have begun using Shreejanshil Shakhas for joint meetings of CSOs, media and other local-level stakeholders, and for CA and LDAG meetings. These venues will be used more often in the future to support collaboration. Anticipated challenges and CS:MAP mitigation measures CS:MAP faced challenges in its implementation of advocacy interventions related to district-level public policy and public service delivery. CSOs working with district-level HEAD coalitions expected that the coalitions would provide feedback on CSO advocacy plans and collaborate on advocacy efforts. However, CSO and coalition capacity gaps and CSO personnel changes limited opportunities for joint actions. To mitigate these challenges, CSOs are visiting coalition members individually, sharing project information in different fora and underscoring the importance of collaboration on public services oversight and local government engagement. ISO partners NEPAN and MITRA Samaj are working to link local CSOs with national or provincial HEAD coalitions to further their advocacy priorities. CS:MAP also experienced challenges in linking district-level HEAD networks/coalitions with national HEAD coalitions/networks because national HEAD networks are not direct CS:MAP project partners, and the CS:MAP national partners do not work directly on HEAD issues. In addition, CS:MAP learned that coordination between local and national-level CS:MAP partners requires additional effort. To address these challenges, the team used the bi-annual summit as a platform for linking local-level policy activities with both CS:MAP national advocacy partners and external networks. The national HEAD networks agreed to consider the advocacy issues raised by local CSOs and requested that CSOs provide evidence to support their advocacy positions. CS:MAP ISO partners were then assigned to provide support to strengthen these linkages. Local- level events also helped CSOs build relationships with coalitions and networks. In some cases, ISOs facilitated orientation sessions on the importance of CSO oversight and legal provisions. To strengthen coalitions, CS:MAP is planning orientations for district coalition on the importance of public services oversight and will involve the coalitions in oversight activities.

The project faced further challenges in engaging trained media professionals and securing their participation in local CSO-led advocacy efforts. In response, CS:MAP has facilitated introductions and led meetings of media professionals and CSO representatives in each district to encourage information-sharing on HEAD advocacy initiatives. In addition, the MeroReport platform has been used to update media professionals about local-level events, and platform articles and blog posts have fostered dialogue between stakeholders around priority issues in project districts.

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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.

• , with ethnically mixed-population, was selected to implement the Good Governance Barometer (GGB). The first GGB workshop in Patariya, Ward 1 of Suddhodhan gaunpalika in Kapilvastu held on September 21, 2018discussed issues in agriculture, education and health; and, identified a major health sector issue for GGB implementation; and identified a list of participants for a second GGB workshop, to be held in October 2018. • CS:MAP implemented GGB in six gaunpalikas of three districts (Gulmi, Rukum and Sindhupalchowk) mapped and assessed public service delivery in the education, health and agriculture sectors. Gulmi Durbar and Chhatrakot gaunpalikas () implemented the GGB in the education and agriculture sectors, respectively; Triveni and Bafikot gaunpalikas () implemented the GGB in the health and education sectors, respectively; and Tripurasundari and Sunkoshi gaunpalikas (Sindhupalchok District) implemented the GGB in the education sector. GGB workshops in these gaunpalikas resulted in action plans that are being monitored, with regular progress updates, by GGB Technical Monitoring Committees. • Following the GGB action plans, Gulmi Durbar gaunpalika prepared and distributed annual education calendars to the schools within the gaunpalika, included a provision for head teacher and other teachers’ annual performance assessment in the gaunpalika education policy; Tripurasundari gaunpalika formed the grievance redressal committee at Mahendra Pratap Secondary School, and developed code of conduct to regulate teaching and learning activities in the schools within the gaunpalika; Sunkoshi gaunpalika notified and posted complaint/grievance boxes at community schools located in Ward 6, and revised school improvement plans and activated child clubs in gaunpalika; and Triveni gaunpalika maintained citizen charter and notice board, formed monitoring committee, and installed complaint box at gaunpalika health post. The health post also conducted a free health camp, deployed full-time staff, designated a Public Information Officer to provide information to citizens, and initiated budget proceedings to obtain funds for accessibility structures. In addition, Triveni gaunpalika has increased its health post budget by 25 percent for the coming year. • Eleven interactive groups with a total of 295 members have formed on the MeroReport platform, contributing to more effective collaboration between CS:MAP-led coalitions including the HEAD network, local media professionals, Community Reporters and CARs. Group members contributed to 135 discussion threads in response to articles and blog posts.

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Result 3.2 Improved bottom-up coordination between community, district, and national formal and informal CSOs engaged in public service oversight. • Thirty-four HEAD/CSO coalitions engaged in public service monitoring and general findings are used for advocacy on the issues related to public interest. The coalitions will soon be engaged in public service oversight on basis of checklist/indicators developed by FHI 360 in consultation with subject matter experts and ISOs.

• HEAD coalitions conducted 111 meetings during which participants discussed public service delivery issues, formulated potential joint actions, developed advocacy plans and strategies, identified opportunities to mobilize CARs to gather evidence, and examined findings from SA tools to strengthen advocacy and oversight activities. For example, the DRR network in Dolakha submitted a memorandum to the local authority calling for the reconstruction of houses for the Thami community in Bhimeshwor municipality-2 Fulapa; and the HEAD coalition in Kathmandu used RTI to request the Kageshwori Manahara municipality budget for luxury items. The HEAD coalition in Salyan discussed CSO self- governance and joint plans for monitoring public services; and agreed to develop common minimum standards and abide by them to promote internal government. Similarly, the HEAD coalition in Sindhupalchowk advocated for providing a tax exemption to people living in and around agriculture roads. • CS:MAP promoted collaboration between civil society and media, and coordination between district and national networks on public service oversight, through all-partner bi- annual summits in March and September 2018. Joint declarations issued following the summits focused on CSOs’ joint advocacy for enabling legal environment, self-regulation of CSOs and internal governance improvement through self-made standards, advocacy for press freedom and freedom of speech as guaranteed by the constitution, among others, were some of the points in the joint declaration. Result 3.3 Improved citizen awareness and use of available GoN social accountability mechanisms. • Eighteen orientations on SA tools for elected representatives addressed existing legal provisions for SA, the importance of SA tools, and compliance requirements. The representatives received information and training in the use of public hearings, public audits, social audits, right to information, community score cards, public expenditure tracking (PET), and exit polls including citizen report card surveys. As a result, local governments in CS:MAP districts conducted 31 public hearings during the reporting period (none were conducted in the year prior to this). These public hearings basically focused on service delivery mandate and status of local governments. Citizens were informed about different types of services to be delivered by local governments including allocation of budgets to different projects during these public hearings. • Human Rights Awareness and Development Center (HURADEC) in Dolakha, RWDC in Dang, Sundar Nepal in Surkhet, CDC in Nuwakot, Rural Development Society (IRDS) in

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Gulmi, Human Right Protection and Legal Service Center (HRPLSC) in Rukum, and Sanjeevani Nepal in Kanchanpur organized social audits focused on institutional governance. The results were presented to representatives from the district administration office, district coordination office, media, civil society and target groups, and led to increased trust in CS:MAP partner ability to conduct social audits of government institutions. For example, IRDS conducted six social audits of health posts in Gulmi District. • CS:MAP partners conducted 15 PETs that revealed gaps in scholarship fund allocations in community schools, health post resource allocation and expenditures, and community learning center functions. PETs in Ramechhap and Dolakha led to the recruitment of a facilitator for community learning centers to more effectively manage operations. Partners shared the PET findings with head teachers, gaunpalika/municipality offices and other stakeholders to help service providers address system lapses. • RTI campaigns, including dialogues, clinics and caravans, resulted in a total of 60 RTI requests (six in Kailali, three in Doti, two in Achham, and 49 in Banke and Bardiya) filed with various public agencies. The campaigns also led CS:MAP partners to voluntarily disclose 20 types of information on a quarterly basis through their notice boards and websites, and to celebrate National Right to Information Day on August 18. • Two hundred and sixty-six2 episodes of the Sajha Boli radio programs were produced and broadcast through 40 radio stations during this reporting period. The programs highlighted critical issues such as local-level planning processes; local-level budgets, federal grants and other sources of revenue for local-level governments; the role of CSOs and the media in promoting SA tools in the public sector; and the rights of local, provincial and federal governments as outlined in the Constitution. Twelve episodes of Saathi Sanga Manka Kura (SSMK) were produced and broadcast to increase youth understanding of SA and enlist youth to promote the use of SA tools. In addition, 10 Public Service Announcements (PSAs) were produced and aired in Nepali and seven other local languages/ dialects (e.g., Magar, Newari, Awadhi, Tamang, Sherpa, Tharu and Doteli). PSA themes included gender-based violence, anti-corruption, RTI, local-level planning processes, social justice, accountable journalism, local government roles and oversight of public service delivery oversight. Over 16,000 individuals were engaged by PSAs during this reporting period, of which 12,195 called through the interactive voice response platform (Sajha Boli Chautari), a 100 percent increase over the previous year. An additional 2,222 individuals participated in a sampling survey carried out through IVR to assess PSA effectiveness, and 1,644 young people (approximately 16-24 years old) called in through the IVR system or provided feedback through Facebook. • The central and local versions of Sajha Boli episodes produced this year included the following thematic content: women’s leadership in sub-national governance; quality public

2 26 episodes were produced centrally by EA, and the remaining 240 episodes were produced by radio station partners with continuing support from EA.

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service delivery: jurisdiction, responsibility and challenges of sub-national governments; quality public service delivery: importance of civic participation in oversight; quality public service delivery: grievance handling and redressal mechanism; utilization of social accountability tools for civic oversight; jurisdiction of sub-national governments in sub- national policy/law development; civic participation in sub-national policy/law development; transparency in sub-national budget formulation, revenue generation, resource allocation and use. The Sajha Boli radio series inspired community actions, particularly among young LDAG members. These youth participated in initiatives that led to the establishment of Ward offices; the installation of citizen charters in newly- established Ward offices; the oversight of public resource use and public service delivery within government offices; the display of mandatory information at health centers; and budget allocations for youth, women and marginalized communities, among others. Some LDAG members were selected as Users’ Committee members, and in that role were responsible for the implementation of local-level plans and budgets. Result 3.4 Improved citizen engagement in media and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools to strengthen public participation and oversight.

• Two “SMS my Voice” campaigns led by EA through the Sajha Boli Chautari, Facebook, MeroReport and SMS My Voice (SMV) platform encouraged participation by women and youth in the local-level planning process and anti-corruption drives, respectively. • CS:MAP’s anti-corruption campaign, #MaBhaaglinchhu (I will participate), encouraged youth to assess candidates’ positions on corruption in federal and provincial parliamentary elections. The campaign was promoted through Sajha Boli and SSMK radio episodes, Facebook and CS:MAP outreach activities. A total of 1,912 youth participated in these campaigns, more than 50 percent over the target of 1,200. Youth actions resulting from the campaign include collaboration with elected local representatives to ensure transparency and accountability within local-level governments, and community awareness programs against corruption. The campaign also led to increased youth discussion of issues related to governance, social accountability and public service oversight (as evidenced by the SMV IVR platform), and increased use of ICT tools by youth. • Two hundred and eighty-one individuals became MeroReport members, and 1,383 blog posts were posted during the reporting period (1,000 by youth). This is a significant increase over the previous reporting period, which ended with only 38 members and 61 blog posts. Page views increased, too, with 50,045 total views (compared to 27,637 during the previous reporting period). The MeroReport Facebook page now has 1,774 fans (19 percent female) while the Twitter page has 3,660 followers (seven percent female). Most fans and followers of the social media pages were between 25 and 34 years of age. A total of 86 documents related to the local-level planning process, draft laws, existing rules, policies and laws were uploaded to MeroReport as resource materials for users.

Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption:

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AWP assumptions related to engagement of elected representative and government official for SA tool implementation proved valid during this reporting period. Collaborative approaches and strategies were key in fostering active participation in the application of SA tools. For example, CS:MAP partners in Gulmi, Rukum and Sindhupalchowk districts successfully piloted the GGB with active participation from gaunpalika officials. This success was due in part to CS:MAP partners’ efforts to involve officials at every step in the process. Engaging them in this way fostered government ownership and confidence in the implementation of the tool, with the expectation that it would improve public services and delivery mechanisms. Effective implementation of GGB action plans by local governments further indicates their ownership of the tool. Similarly, the introduction of local government-conducted public hearings, a direct result of technical support from CS:MAP partners, demonstrates local government trust in and buy-in to SA tools promoted by the project. In response to the CS:MAP mid-term evaluation’s recommendation of additional support to and linkages with media partners and activities, the project committed to linking media interventions to local CSO partners and publicizing community concerns through the Sajha Boli broadcasts. In future quarters, results from advocacy activities will be disseminated through project radio programs. In addition, to promote MeroReport more effectively, EA included sessions on MeroReport in the AMO and IJ trainings, conducted one-on-one orientation sessions with CSO partners, provided MeroReport orientations to district-level media and CSO representatives, and created separate MeroReport and Sajha Boli Facebook pages. EA also initiated a monthly competition among bloggers organized around HEAD themes, selecting and awarding three winners and featuring them in MeroReport to encourage more membership and participation. The project also took steps to grow audiences, solicit feedback and promote CS:MAP media activities, including through the use of field-based location reporting and the SMV campaign. Various segments on Sajha Boli Chautari – the IVR platform for the Sajha Boli radio program – have likewise boosted audience interactions, including “Elected representatives taking people’s questions,” a slogan contest, and feedback collection. EA also reached out to IVR callers in its IVR database to solicit their views, opinions and suggestions for SMV messages. SMV was further discussed on Sajha Boli and SSMK radio episodes and Facebook pages, and on the MeroReport platform. The project created an award program to encourage youth participation in the campaign. To solicit radio episode feedback and promote the program, CS:MAP collected information from Content Advisory Group (CAG) meetings, and promotional materials (e.g., pamphlets and notebooks) were developed and disseminated to concerned stakeholders. CAG meetings included input and representatives from national- and local-level government, helping ensure that radio content reflects up-to-date government priorities, plans and policies. LDAG member participation in CAs also provided an opportunity for citizen input, especially youth During this reporting EA began engaging broadcast partners as well as production partners in the production of PSAs to develop announcements in local languages. In addition to improved content quality, this move ensured that there was no gap in production during the absence of the regular producers.

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Anticipated challenges and CS:MAP mitigation measures In order to mitigate potential challenges in SA tool application, CS:MAP implemented a collaborative, participatory approach to working with local governments. The project emphasized collaboration throughout the process and educated elected representatives on the importance of SA tools to build trust and awareness. This approach allowed government partners to familiarize themselves with the GGB and other SA tools, and dispelled concerns that the tools might be used to turn citizens against government. As a result, CS:MAP overcame existing reluctance to the use of SA tools, and instead reframed the tools’ application as an opportunity to promote collaborative governance with citizen input. Because of the trust and confidence that this approach inspired, additional gaunpalikas and municipalities approached CS:MAP partners in Ramechhap, Dolakha, Sindhupalchowk, Gulmi, Nuwakot, Rukum, and elsewhere to request technical support in facilitating public hearings. As a result, more than 24 government-organized public hearings were facilitated by CS:MAP partners.

CS:MAP also recognized the ongoing challenge of creating linkages between CS:MAP partners and activities, especially those connected to media interventions. CS:MAP therefore continued to promote coordination across activities, and to combine media activities with outreach to local CSO partners. EA adapted training sessions, meetings and events to promote the SMV campaign, MeroReport platform, radio programs and LDAG mobilization, and will continue to do so. In addition, EA changed its approach to promote MeroReport as a sharing, discussion and learning platform, and to improve participation in the SMV campaign.

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.

• Three ISOs led 12 trainings based on Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) and Advocacy Readiness Index (ARI) findings and provided ongoing coaching and mentoring to CSO partners (see Annex 1). As a result, 14 CSOs began implementing OCA- Institutional Improvement Plans (IIPs), ARI capacity-building plans, and financial sustainability plans, and finalizing resource mobilization guidelines and action plans. The CSOs have developed five-year strategic plans, reviewed and updated personnel and financial policies, and developed GESI, communication and resource mobilization guidelines to improve organizational systems and operations. Specific actions include the implementation of systematic and transparent staff recruitment (i.e., formation of recruitment committees, reference checks), development of procurement plans/reform of procurement committees, and the organization of general assemblies within three months of the fiscal year’s close. Three rounds of coaching, mentoring and follow-up visits by the ISOs, as well as distance support, revealed a 20 percent increase in CSOs’ overall capacity scores, as compared to their FY2017 baselines.

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• CS:MAP introduced a new OCA domain for conflict sensitivity, allowing CSOs to identify strengths and challenges in that area. In Quarter 2, CS:MAP organized two days’ workshop with ISOs to review OCA tools and its process. A new sub-domain- conflict sensitivity under Program management was added. • In Quarter 3, 14 CSOs increased Internal governance capacity through the development of five-year strategic plan of all 14 CSOs, development of policies and guidelines, review and update personal and financial policies, developed GESI, communication and resource mobilization guidelines which contributed CSOs to operate systematically and in their direction as outlined in their vision. Now CSOs realized to operate their organization in line with their strategic plan and funding diversification outlined in strategic plan and resources mobilization guideline. CSOs capacity were improved mainly in systematic and transparent staff recruitment (formation of recruitment committee, reference check), developed organizational structures, amend the constitution and ensure the provision of general assembly within 3 months from FY completed, develop procurement plan and reformed the procurement committee, ensure GESI in their policies and implementations, meeting donor compliances etc. • In coordination with ISO partners, CS:MAP led the drafting of minimum standard for CSO internal governance. The minimum standard addresses categories that include participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, effectiveness and efficiency, accountability, and strategic direction. Associated indicators are included to guide and measure implementation. ISOs now stand ready to roll out and support CSOs to apply the standards in Quarter 1, FY 2019. Progress will be reported in subsequent reporting periods.

Result 4.2 Improved capacity of select CSOs and media organizations to mobilize social and financial resources for sustainability.

• Following a September 2017 training, 14 CSOs developed resource mobilization guidelines with support from ISOs. These guidelines were then endorsed by their boards or general assemblies. The CSOs now stand ready to implement these guidelines with resource mobilization committees and action plans. During the reporting period 12 of the CSOs received 48 new instances of funding (16 by the GoN and 32 from other donors). • A total of 33 volunteers/CARs representing 33 CS:MAP districts participated in PEAR trainings. The trainings included sessions on basic research concepts and purposes, research planning and implementation, research ethics, conflict sensitivity, power dynamics, GESI sensitivity, and networking and collaboration. Following the training, CARs are hosted by CSOs and conducting research to support advocacy efforts. As of September 2018, 34 CARs are working on evidence-based action research district issues. • Four CSOs – RWDC, CDC, IHRC and HURADEC – publicized their work at district/provincial fairs. They also provided information about public facilities, the role of gaunpalikas and municipalities, service provision by ward offices, RTI, and rights outlined in the 2017 Local Governance Operation Act.

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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.

• Ten interactive groups on the MeroReport platform promoted peer learning opportunities. The groups included four HEAD sectoral groups, one youth group, one GESI group, and a group of investigative journalism trainees. • Two bi-annual summits held in March and September 2018 provided CSOs with platforms to exchange knowledge, identify common advocacy issues, and link district-level advocacy to national advocacy partners and advocacy networks. The national HEAD networks agreed to consider the advocacy issues raised by local CSOs and requested that CSOs provide evidence to support their advocacy positions. CS:MAP ISO partners were then assigned to provide support to strengthen these linkages. Local-level events also helped CSOs build relationships with coalitions and networks. • ISOs are coordinating with each other to support CSOs and exchange their learning experiences and guidance on implementation of project activities such as conducting PET/s, orientation on SA tools district and local level which enable them to create learning practices among themselves. A peer learning event among CSOs will be organized in FY 2019.

Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption: During the reporting period CS:MAP continued to provide technical assistance to five ISOs with expertise in different areas, with the goal of enhancing their skills in priority areas. ISOs have in turn supported local CSOs to implement OCA IIPs, ARI capacity building plan and GESI action plans developed during Year 2 assessments. The AWP critical assumptions regarding ISOs capacity to provide comprehensive capacity building support to improve CSOs institutional governance proved relevant. Local partners have welcomed the CS:MAP capacity-building approach and the opportunity to build organizational strength. CS:MAP has initiated discussions related to building ISO capacity to institutionalize learning and promote long-term organizational sustainability. CS:MAP’s capacity building team worked with three ISOs (NEPAN, NNSWA and MITRA Samaj) to revise ISO mobilization strategies for more effective and comprehensive capacity building. ISOs are now assigned responsibilities based on geographic coverage and technical expertise, and CS:MAP staff, STTA and international partners remain available to provide additional support as needed. As a result of the reorganizing, NEPAN will support four CSOs and MITRA Samaj and NNSWA will each support five CSOs. Despite these revisions, CS:MAP has maintained its overall capacity strengthening model – formal training, one-on-one TA, coaching and mentoring, online resources and support and peer exchange. ISOs also collaborated with each other, conducting regular meetings to discuss share lessons learned, discuss CSO capacity-building challenges, and develop strategies to mitigate those challenges. ISO effectiveness has increased as they provide need-based support to CSOs that are implementing advocacy and government engagement programs. CSOs have also started to

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recognize their specific technical support needs and have started to coordinate with ISOs. In addition, CSOs have started to explore opportunities to enter the local capacity-building market, for instance by replicating the OCA tool or widening their areas of expertise through regular capacity building. In this way, partner CSOs are positioning themselves as model organizations with strong self-governance in their respective districts. Anticipated challenges and CS:MAP mitigation measures As anticipated in the AWP, the ISO model has presented many challenges, especially when managing ISO and CSO schedules. ISO and CSO staff turnover have also presented a challenge. To address these concerns, CS:MAP engaged executive committee members in coaching sessions. However, delays continued to occur. Although local CSO board member engagement is notable, the members serve on a voluntary basis, with minimal connection to project implementation, and the transfer of knowledge from board to staff is limited. In response, CS:MAP has been working closely with ISOs to build staff mentoring and coaching capacity, and continued efforts to motivate CSO staff. CS:MAP is also connecting with board members via telephone and in-person visits to increase board engagement. CS:MAP has also encountered coordination challenges when working with government line agencies and local units on project implementation, and in strengthening CSOs’ role in their districts. Similarly, the project has faced challenges in managing ISO time for providing CSOs with direct support. To mitigate these challenges, CS:MAP and partner ISOs are ensuring that CSO board members are available to participate prior to ISO travel. ISOs are working closely with CSO coordinators who serve as the focal person for OCA-IIP and ARI plan activities. To address challenges in engaging CSO Executive Directors (EDs) in district-level activity implementation, and inter-district coordination, the CS:MAP team is involving EDs in capacity- building activities so that they can more effectively support programs. 4. Activity Progress 4.1 Development and submission of deliverables Narrative and Financial Reports: Annual Progress Report #2 (October 1, 2016-September 30, 2017): CS:MAP submitted its second annual progress report to the USAID Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) on October 30, 2017. The team received comments and suggestions for improvement on November 20, 2017. The team submitted the revised version of the report with the comments and suggestions incorporated on December 12, 2017 and received approval from the AOR on December 18, 2017. Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs) for Year 3: QPR #1 (October 1-December 31, 2017): CS:MAP submitted its first QPR to the USAID AOR on January 31, 2018. The team received comments and suggestions for improvement on February 26, 2018. The team submitted the revised version of the report with the comments and suggestions incorporated on March 16, 2018 and received approval from the AOR on March 19, 2018.

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QPR #2 (January 1, 2018–March 31, 2018): CS:MAP submitted its second QPR on April 30, 2018. The team received comments and suggestions for improvement on May 31, 2018. The team submitted the revised version of the report with the comments and suggestions incorporated on June 22, 2018 and received approval from the AOR on June 25, 2018. QPR #3 (April 1, 2018–June 30, 2018): CS:MAP submitted its third QPR on July 30, 2018. The team received comments and suggestions for improvement on August 14, 2018. The team submitted the revised version of the report with the comments and suggestions incorporated on August 29, 2018 and received approval from the AOR on August 30, 2018. Financial Reports for Year 3: CS:MAP submitted its first quarterly financial report (SF425) for Year 2 on January 26, 2018, the second SF425 on April 26, 2018, the third SF425 on July 30, 2018, and the fourth SF425 on October 26, 2018. (Annex 2). Foreign Tax Reports: CS:MAP submitted its Foreign Tax Reports to USAID on April 10, 2018 as per the CS:MAP Cooperative Agreement. Short-Term Consultant Reports, Technical Briefs/Reports, Special and External Reports: In consultation with the AOR, and to ensure direct communications regarding consultants’ focus and findings, CS:MAP has convened a debriefing meeting with its AOR for all consultants who travel and work under CS:MAP at the end of their visit. The suggestions and recommendations from the AOR have also been incorporated into the deliverables. Annual Work Plan for Year 4 (October 1, 2018-September 30, 2019): CS:MAP submitted the AWP for Year 4 to the AOR on August 31, 2018 and received comments and suggestions from USAID on September 18, 2018. The CS:MAP team held a separate meeting with the AOR on the AWP comments and suggestions on September 25, 2018, then revised the document and submitted again on September 26, 2018. The final AWP for Year 4 was approved by the AOR on September 28, 2018. Monthly calendar and updates: On the final day of each month CS:MAP has 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 20 documents, reports and knowledge products to the USAID DEC (https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/home/Default.aspx). 4.3 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.

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Building on Year 2 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: 1.1.1.1 Policy work Civil society and media coalitions updated their advocacy plan and implemented them accordingly to improve policies related to freedoms of association and expression. The coalitions played a vital role in mobilizing national advocacy partners and other CSOs for coordinated policy advocacy to strengthen the CSO enabling environment. Through dialogues with policy makers, analysis of different proposed laws and the development and sharing of alternative draft laws with citizen inputs, national advocacy partners were able to make improvement in the existing legal and policy framework for civil society and media. During the reporting period, CS:MAP provided inputs in four laws/polices at the provincial/local government, in province, CS:MAP worked on law/policy related to mass communication as well as NGO registration and operation whereas in the local government it worked on NGO coordination law/policy/directive as well as FM registration and management law/policy. Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) organized a dialogue to improve the 2017 Sample NGO Management Act; the GoGo Foundation organized a multi- stakeholder dialogue in Ramechhap and Sindhuli Districts to generate evidence from the field; Freedom Forum organized interactive workshops on “Freedom of Expression and Media Policy and Law” with diverse stakeholders, including the media fraternity; and the National Election Observation Committee (NEOC) drafted an advocacy plan to improve the legal and policy framework for electoral reforms based on findings from observations of the 2017 federal, provincial and local elections. Similarly, NFN coordinated with the CS:MAP civil society coalition to jointly review and implement a National Advocacy Plan for enabling civil society. NFN also organized strategic meetings with the National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal (NARMIN), the Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN), and the Association of District Development Committees in Nepal (ADDCN) to secure their buy-in for the document and to promote collaboration in endorsing the Sample NGO Management Act at the local level. NFN delegates also held discussions with officials from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and reported on CSO operational difficulties, including challenges in tax exemption certificate renewal processes, and highlighted issues that require IRD interventions to improve policy and practices. IRD officials agreed that forms and formats endorsed by the IRD need to be revised and suggested that NGOs appropriately record the incomes and expenditures from donor contracts to avoid unnecessary tax burdens. As a result of joint advocacy efforts by CS:MAP’s civil society coalition, led by NFN, the GoN has withdrawn its circular directing all DAOs to seek the property details of NGO personnel, and limit NGO interventions to only one specific sector. Similarly, the GoN also postponed implementation of the National Integrity Policy, which could have negatively impacted CSO operations, due to CS:MAP-led interventions. CS:MAP analyzed these policies and shared findings with partners, which resulted in ongoing domestic and international advocacy, including a series of national dialogues and stakeholder interactions aimed at improving the policies.

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In Quarter 4, the Karnali Provincial Committee of NFN worked with FNJ Surkhet to call a coalition network meeting. Thirty-nine representatives from CSOs, federations, alliances and networks, the GoN, the private sector, and media attended the August 1, 2018 meeting in Surkhet. NFN’s Karnali Province committee member and district chapter members also participated. The meeting was chaired by Khim Bhadur Shahi, Chairman of NFN's Karnali Province Committee and facilitated by Tekraj Pandey. Minister for Social Development Dal Rawal was the chief guest. In addition, NFN’s Sudurpaschim Provincial Committee organized a coalition network workshop on August 28, 2018 in Dhangadhi. Participants included provincial ministers, and representatives from CSOs, federations, alliances and networks. The discussion focused on the provincial law for civil society coordination and management. GoGo Foundation also organized a dialogue with parliamentarians to discuss the civil society CSOs’ Enabling Environment on September 21, 2018. The dialogue was intended to convene parliamentarians, CSOs representatives, media, academicians and senior government officials to discuss challenges that CSOs face in Nepal’s changing context, and how government regulations can make civil society operations more difficult. Parliamentarians acknowledged the role that CSOs have played in Nepal’s development, from raising awareness to advancing socioeconomic and political transformation in the country. 1.1.1.2 Training FNJ and NFN, with support from the CS:MAP team, conducted three trainings intended to strengthen civil society and media advocacy for an improved enabling environment. The trainings were delivered to FNJ and NFN executive committee members, representatives from federations and alliances, and other stakeholders. FNJ organized two trainings on media advocacy on May 5, 2018 and June 22, 2018 in Kathmandu for newly-elected FNJ chapter presidents. The trainings were attended by 24 and 16 participants, respectively. These trainings focused on provincial committees’ roles in ensuring media-friendly policies and laws at the provincial level; and on developing specific advocacy and engagement strategies with politicians, parliamentarians and government officials for improving media related laws and policies. Similarly, NFN organized a two-day training workshop, “CSOs' Enabling Environment,” on February 21-22, 2018 at Dhulikhel, Kavre. A total of 41 participants (11 female) attended, including NFN's central executive members, general members and the representatives of selected federations. At the end of this workshop, a nine-member task force group was formed to finalize a CSO Enabling Plan based on workshop findings and inputs from other key civil society actors and experts. This training has helped NFN executive members and provincial leaders undertake advocacy activities at the national and sub-national level. CS:MAP collaborated with NASC to design and integrate a civil society component within their regular training courses for government under-secretaries. Additionally, CS:MAP facilitated two separate sessions on May 9 and May 16, 2018 as part of the month-long “Advanced Course on Governance and State Management,” which is mandatory for promotion to the joint secretary level. The key contents of the civil society component were: the concept of civil society in democracy,

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the strength of civil society in Nepal, self-regulation as a means of fostering trust and confidence for civil society, the role and importance of civil society in Nepal’s changed socio-political context, and collaboration between civil society and government. As the premier national-level training institution for government employees, NASC will use the same resource material to facilitate a session on civil society for future course participants.

1.1.1.3 Dissemination of Findings CS:MAP worked with coalitions and national advocacy partners to disseminate project-developed resources for improved civil society and media enabling environments. Resources include the “Assessment of the Legal Environment for Civil Society and Media in Nepal,” review and analysis of the 2017 Sample NGO Management Act, review of the Mass Communication Act, and analysis of the 2017 Sample FM Radio (Management and Operation) Procedures. Resources were disseminated to CSO federations, politicians, members of the federal Parliament, senior government officials, and newly-elected local government representatives. GoGo Foundation shared findings from its “Legal Landscape Report on CSOs of Nepal” with senior officials and the board members of the Social Welfare Council (SWC), CSO groups and governments officials. Findings include barriers to CSO registration, renewal and project approval due to complex processes and policies, including seven direct and twelve indirect laws that govern CSOs. Freedom Forum shared its review and analysis of the Bill on Right to Privacy Act and Bill on Press Council Act, as well as draft media policy Bills prepared by Province 3, Karnali Province and Sudurpashchim Province. The analyses were shared with the journalist community, human rights defenders, CSO leaders, parliamentarians and government officials. South Asia Partnership Nepal (SAP Nepal) disseminated the key findings of its CSO contribution report with stakeholders, and INSEC shared its review of the Sample NGO Management Act with the MoFAGA and CSO community. In Quarter 4, NFN widely shared its “Joint Position Paper” on the CSO legal environment with government officials, parliamentarians, media and the CSO community. NFN also shared its review and analysis of the Bill on NGO Management and Operation Act at the provincial level. Similarly, FNJ shared its finding from a review of the draft Bill on Mass Communication Act with major stakeholders and concluded that there are major problems with the Act that can be mitigated by proposing a model law. FNJ later drafted a model Bill on Mass Communication Act and shared with GoN ministries, the CSO and media community, and parliamentarians. ICNL reviewed the National Mass Communication Act and compared the draft National Integrity Policy and Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA)’s Directive for Civil Society regulation with international standards; these reviews were shared with NFN, FNJ, AIN and other partners. Those partners incorporated the main findings in their advocacy documents. NFN also shared these analyses and recommendations with the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM), MoHA and Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizen (MoWCSW). Similarly,

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Media Advocacy Group (MAG) and Samjhauta shared GESI guidelines for policy formulation and implementation with ministries and local governments. Activity 1.1.2: Generate evidence on CSOs’ contributions to Nepal’s development in support of enabling environment advocacy efforts. CS:MAP partner SAP Nepal carried out a study on CSOs’ contributions to Nepal’s development in support of enabling environment advocacy efforts. The report documented and analyzed endeavors of CSOs in Nepal in the areas of social and human development, including 15 cases which demonstrate civil society’s most significant contributions in different sectors of development in Nepal. The study highlighted CSOs’ contributions in five areas: Democracy, Good Governance (including eight world-wide governance indicators), Empowerment, Livelihood and Service Delivery. Findings were generated based on the common themes that emerged from qualitative data analysis. The study primarily focused on present-day contributions made by CSOs, beginning with the people’s revolution after restoration of democracy in the 1990s. SAP Nepal shared the key findings of its CSOs’ contribution report (Annex 3) with wider stakeholders by organizing seven sharing events. Study findings were shared with civil society leaders, lawmakers, academicians and government officials from different ministry and agencies. The evidence generated by the report increased the confidence of civil society actors to champion civil society’s contributions. These sharing meetings and consultations fostered CSO and government collaboration in civil society related law and policy development process. For example, SAP Nepal and Nepal Law Commission jointly organized a meeting on October 30, 2018 with civil society leaders to discuss on the basic standards of association registration in the changed context. These sharing events also helped to improve the understanding of the role and importance of CSOs.

In Quarter 4, SAP Nepal also developed two infographics (Annex 4) to visualize the CSOs’ contributions. The first infographic depicts CSOs’ contribution to efforts to promote women's rights, and second shows CSOs’ contribution to community forest protection efforts. The infographics have been disseminated among major stakeholders, and have been used to underscore CSOs’ sectoral contributions.

Activity 1.1.3: Hold policy discussions and commission research studies to produce policy analysis and policy briefs. 1.1.3.1 Policy dialogues: CS:MAP facilitated policy dialogues with and among representatives from CSOs, government and media parliamentarians, focusing on policy issues related to freedoms of association and expression. CS:MAP also organized three policy dialogues with CSO leaders and parliamentarians to address policy issues that impact civil society and media. The dialogues helped to educate parliamentarians on civil society and media-related policy concerns and informed CSO leaders of the importance of prioritizing advocacy to impact policy.

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NFN, along with national advocacy partners, organized two coalition meetings on the proposed National Integrity Policy 2074 and the circular issued by the MoHA to all DAOs to collect property details for NGO founders and to limit NGOs’ work to one objective. As a result of these meetings, participants better understood the potential limitations to CSOs’ work and were incentivized to engage in constructive policy advocacy. Meeting participants decided to submit a “concern paper” to the GoN requesting changes to provisions restricting the civil society enabling environment and advocacy efforts. The GoN later halted implementation of the policy and circular. FNJ organized three policy dialogues for 51 senior journalists that focused on draft laws with the potential to affect journalists’ work, as well as the draft Law on Mass Communication Act developed by FNJ. One dialogue was organized in Quarter 3 and two were organized in Quarter 4. FNJ presented the draft law at the meeting and collected inputs from participants. FNJ incorporated inputs and participant concerns into the draft law and submitted the revised draft to MoCIT. Freedom Forum, INSEC, SAP Nepal, GoGo Foundation and MAG organized six policy dialogues on issues including CSOs’ work, CSO's participation in the law- and policy-making process, constitutional freedoms, and laws and policies that impact CSOs’ working environment. The dialogues were used to educate stakeholders and incorporate CSOs’ concerns into draft policies.

1.1.3.2 Research: The Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (CDJMC), Tribhuvan University (TU) developed a report media self-regulation: Self-regulation Mechanisms in the Media and its Interlinkages with Credibility (Annex 5). Findings were shared with media owners, editors, political leaders and journalists. The research was based on an analysis of content published in 10 major mainstream print dailies over a period of one week, prior to each phase of the national and provincial elections held on November 26 and December 7, 2017, respectively. The analysis explored the extent to which election reporting adhered to journalistic best practices, media self- regulation and ethics, and the election code of conduct. Some key recommendations put forth by this study include: the need to establish accurate, balanced and practical professional working guidelines for journalists, with a section dedicated to election reporting; the development and practice of self-regulatory mechanisms; and building compatible behavioral practices that are based on universally accepted principles and credible practices. TU will use this research as resource material for their teaching and learning activities. CS:MAP has shared this report with Media Coalition lead and other media partners for using this as an evidence for strengthening media self-regulation practices. Activity 1.1.4: Provide ongoing TA to civil society stakeholders on legislation processes. CS:MAP and partner ICNL provided legal and technical assistance to civil society stakeholders, including two coalitions leads, for drafting model laws and reviewing and commenting on draft legislations. ICNL organized two coaching sessions for FNJ, two coaching session for NFN and one coaching session each for Freedom Forum, GoGo Foundation and Samjhauta Nepal. During

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the visits ICNL shared regional and global best practices related to freedoms of association and expression to ensure local stakeholders are exposed to international standards. CS:MAP and ICNL also provided national advocacy partners with tools, techniques and processes to conduct reviews of draft laws and policies and to draft new laws and policies. CS:MAP provided the media coalition with a preliminary review of the draft National Mass Communication Act after interactions held with the Chairperson of the National Mass Communication Policy Implementation Advisory High-Level Committee. As a result, FNJ started developing an alternative draft. The CS:MAP team continued to support FNJ throughout the process, with a focus on understanding the key principles of freedom of expression and freedom of the press and incorporating these principles in the alternative draft. As described above, FNJ shared the model draft law with media coalition members and other stakeholders and submitted the model law to the MoCIT. Similarly, Freedom Forum received inputs and TA from CS:MAP in support of its review of the draft Mass Communication Act. CS:MAP and ICNL also provided inputs to INSEC and NFN to review and prepare policy briefs on the Sample NGO Management Act in Local Government Units to share with the MoFAGA and parliamentarians. Similarly, TA and inputs were provided to FNJ and Freedom Forum for their review of the Sample FM Radio (Management and Operation) Procedures, as well as subsequent discussion programs. Review findings were shared with the civil society and media coalitions, national advocacy partners and other stakeholders. Both policy briefs served as evidence for CS:MAP's policy advocacy. CS:MAP also provided TA for national advocacy partners related to the law-making process and continued engagement on policy work. And, in consultation with ICNL, CS:MAP provided a quick review of the MoHA circular, the contents of which were used in advocacy efforts by national advocacy partners. CS:MAP provided TA to NFN in support or its work with federations of local government units, MuAN and NARMIN to develop and implement the Sample NGO Coordination Act at the local level. With CS:MAP assistance, NFN reviewed the NGO Registration and Operation Act proposed by Province 3, Karnali Province and Sudurpaschim Province. The Bill reviews the respective Provincial Ministers and were discussed in subsequent programs. Similarly, Freedom Forum reviewed the Media Policy of Province 3, Karnali Province and Sudurpaschim Province with the help of CS:MAP. CS:MAP also provided technical and legal assistance to promote passage of the Sample Act by local government units. In addition, the CS:MAP team has been working closely with the Nepal Law Commission and sharing international resources on association registration and operations. Activity 1.1.5: Engaging GoN and Parliament stakeholders around legislative drafting. CS:MAP national advocacy partners and ICNL engaged with secretaries and joint-secretaries of ministries; officials and board members of SWC, Nepal Law Commission, National Information Commission and Press Council; and members of parliamentary committees beginning with the initial stages of the policy formulation process to influence policy makers and government

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officials. The engagement was targeted to effecting changes in draft policies, circulars and directives issued by ministries and government authorities. Government engagement efforts during this reporting period resulted in commitments to involve civil society and media in legislative drafting processes. An FNJ team led by Acting President Bipul Pokhrel met with Kashi Raj Dahal, the Chair of the National Mass Communication Policy Implementation Advisory High-level Committee. The team raised concerns, provided inputs and requested opportunities for substantive involvement in the drafting process of three draft laws: the Mass Communication Act, Advertisement Council Act and Public Service Broadcasting Act. Mr. Dahal indicated that he appreciated FNJ’s input and said that he would consult with FNJ and other media stakeholders. Similarly, FNJ engaged with the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and MoCIT to lobby for changes to provisions of the Civil and Criminal code affecting journalism work. In response to this engagement, the GoN formed a committee to review these Codes. Freedom Forum and FNJ engaged with provincial governments and parliamentarians to make changes on the proposed Media Policy, and with MoFAGA to make changes to the Sample FM Radio (Management and Operation) Procedures. SAP Nepal engaged with the MoHA and Nepal Law Commission during the drafting process for the NGO Management and Operation Act. The inputs and concerns from CSOs were shared with officials engaged in the drafting process, and SAP Nepal also shared the position paper developed by the civil society coalition on CSO legal issues. Similarly, SAP Nepal discussed their concerns regarding the Draft Social Welfare and Development Bill with the Joint Secretary of the MoWCSW and MoHA and Ministry of Finance officials. NFN and INSEC also met with the Secretary of the MoFAGA and lobbied to revoke the draft Act on NGO Operation at the Local Government Level. In response to this engagement the Secretary of the MoFAGA removed the draft Act on NGO Management and Operation from the Ministry's website. NFN also engaged with the MoHA in relation to the circular issued related to NGO operation and the proposed National Integrity Policy. GoGo Foundation organized three coordination meetings with the SWC, MoWCSW and Nepal Law Commission to assess the development status of all policies drafted or reviewed by the Nepal Law Commission and provided inputs for revisions. In a meeting with the Secretary of the MoWCSW Naindra Prasad Upadhaya, and Joint-Secretary for Nepal Law Commission Indira Dahal, GoGo Foundation focused on the importance of participatory law-drafting processes that incorporate inputs from concerned stakeholders. The Joint Secretary promised to invite CSO representatives to discussions of various Bills/acts, such as the SWDB, 2017 Sample NGO Management Act, and Associations Registration Act after the bills/acts come to the Commission for feedback and finalization. NFN held an interactive session with newly-appointed Social Development Ministers from provincial governments and key CSO leaders in Kathmandu on March 14, 2018. Civil society leaders and experts suggested that the discourse of prosperity should embrace and enshrine the principles of social justice, inclusiveness, human rights, political stability and respect for diversity; that there should be an independent Social Development Council at the federal and provincial

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level; and that governments should provide space for CSOs to play crucial and creative roles as government critics and supporters. Ministers acknowledged the contributions of CSOs to previous socioeconomic transformation and political reform. CS:MAP partners FNJ, NFN, INSEC and Freedom Forum engaged with government officials, ministers, parliamentarians and political leaders to advocate for CSO-friendly laws and policies. A total of 27 meetings were organized which focused mainly on improvements to the National Mass Communication Act, National Integrity Policy, and directive issued the MoHA. GoGo Foundation organized a “CSO Enabling Environment” workshop with parliamentarians to raise awareness about current challenges and the need for policy changes. CS:MAP facilitated meetings between AIN and NFN on April 20, 2018 to build a common advocacy agenda targeting provisions of the National Integrity Policy. On May 7, 2018, NFN and AIN submitted their concerns in a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office on the Draft Policy. NFN leadership met with the Prime Minister’s political advisor, Minister of Finance Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, and influential political leaders of ruling parties and shared their concerns about the proposed National Integrity Policy 2074, and to request that the Policy not go forward without key changes. NFN, INSEC and AIN attended the consultation meeting, along with other government officials, and presented their concerns about certain provisions of the Integrity Policy. MAG and Samjhauta Nepal engaged with parliamentarians and representatives of local government units and made recommendations for GESI-friendly laws and policy. A guideline was handed over during these meetings. In Quarter 4, national advocacy partners and two coalitions organized 35 one-on-one meetings with stakeholders who have a substantive role in policy formulation and opinion-making. These consultations were used to advocate for review and revision of existing laws and policies, and to lobby for the development of new laws or legal frameworks for media and civil society. The meetings, as well as an additional 20 small group meetings, were particularly effective in engaging senior ministry officials and parliamentarians who preferred not to speak at public forums. INSEC and Freedom Forum organized over 15 of these meetings, several of which focused on the NGO Management Act and draft bill on Privacy and Media Policy. GoGo Foundation organized one- on-one meeting with SWC officials, and MAG and Samjhauta Nepal led similar meetings focused on GESI-related policy issues.

Activity 1.1.6: Training of Public Information Officers. Freedom Forum trained 136 Public Information Officers (PIOs) on Right to Information over the course of 6 three-day training workshops between February and August 2018. The training, led by the Chief Information Commissioner and experts from Freedom Forum, covered the concept, rights and duties of Information Officers; the importance and utility of RTI; proactive disclosure as mandated by law; the process of handling information requests; and RTI as a tool for promoting good governance in local governments. Sixty percent of the participants represented local governments and the remaining represented District Administrative Offices, District Coordination

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Committees, District Health Offices, District Postal Services and District Election Commission Offices from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Dhading, Gorkha, Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. The trained officers committed to adopt information discloser guidelines in their respective offices and update their respective organizations’ information on a quarterly basis. After these trainings, the PIOs identified gaps in their offices; initiated proactive disclosures; and prepared RTI budgets in their offices. Freedom Forum has recorded more than 20 formal appointments of PIOs after training with detailed information of appointed PIOs by different government agencies. In addition, Freedom Forum followed up with the participants who competed the RTI trainings in the previous quarters and found that they made the following changes in the course of institutionalizing RTI: • More than 50 Information Officers from different government offices changed the procedure for RTI application requests and registration. General practices like stamping and seeking orders from senior officials before registering requests were discontinued. • More than 60 offices posted visible nameplates and contact details of PIOs and maintained a separate RTI register. Similarly, approximately 60 agencies followed the proactive disclosure guidelines of RTI and updated basic information in three-month intervals. • At least 30 public offices allocated separate budget for information management and capacity building on RTI.

Result 1.2. Improved public understanding and confidence in the role of CSOs and media. Activity 1.2.1: Launch outreach campaign to improve public understanding and confidence in CSOs and media. During this reporting period civil society and media-related messages and a Public Outreach Campaign (POC) were launched in an effort to improve the public’s perception of civil society and the media. The POC has been branded with the title #MaNagarikSamaj to link crosscutting activities and messages and to raise its public profile. In Year 3, CS:MAP worked with public relations company Interface, Nepal (Interface) to conduct the following activities, reaching more than 85,000 individuals: • To increase the understanding of the roles and contributions played by the CSOs and the media, Interface produced two video dramas on civil society and media, respectively. A series of reviews were held at different stages on multiple platforms before launching the videos. Both the scripts and the draft of the two video dramas were finalized in consultation with civil society leaders and CS:MAP partners. The final work was also pre-tested with an external group representing civil society, and the feedback was incorporated before the public launch of the dramas. Widely-known and -liked comedy artists, Suntali and Dhurmush (Kunjana Ghimire and Sitaram Kattel), participated. • Similarly, a civil society documentary has been drafted which details the civil society movement, contribution and the issues associated with it. The video also includes

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voices/interviews of civil society champions, youths and thematic CSO leaders who share their perspectives on the role of civil society and the challenges associated with it. • Interface facilitated a short video contest for civil society and media representatives that invited videos of no more than three minutes highlighting media and civil society contributions to public service delivery and other citizen’s issues. In Quarter 4, the 15 best videos were selected and four were chosen as the Winner, First Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up and Special Mention. These four video reports are also being screened in the “Get to know your CSOs” events at the district level. • To kick off the POC, Interface hosted a TV debate in an effort to reach a large general audience. The program was produced and disseminated in coordination with Kantipur TV, a national TV with one of the largest audiences in Nepal. The debate was featured on an existing program, “Sarokar” for a greater exposure, and included four well-known experts from the media, civil society and academia. The episode has been shared widely on social media, including Interface Facebook and Twitter. The program had 57,000 views by October 8, 2018 on YouTube. Similarly, the live program had 7,300 views and 34 shares. • Interface has used social media to promote POC activities. Interface Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts have been used to disseminate information/messages and to promote viewers engagement. The #MaNagarikSamaj hashtag has been used to tag posts and pictures of events and activities to increase campaign impact. Social media monitoring shows that, as of October 08, 2018, there are 7,215 Facebook page likes, with no negative reactions in any of the posts. The overall posts have reached 85,711 individuals. • During Quarter 4, local partner Indreni Rural Development Center (IRDC) hosted the first “Get to know your CSO” event in Gorusinge of Buddhbhumi municipality-2, Kapilvastu. The event was publicized over local FM radio, and formal invitations were issued to the Chief District Officer (CDO), District Police Officer (DPO), CSOs and district media. Approximately 1,000 representatives from civil society and the media attended the event, which included the screening of POC video dramas, winning videos and documentary clips. Attendees were given information about civil society and media roles and contributions, with local examples, and representatives from civil society and media were recognized and given the opportunity to discuss their work and achievements. Members of the public were also able to share their opinions on civil society, and the overall program. Four similar fairs are planned for October 2018 in Kailali, Nuwakot, Dolakha and Surkhet These events were postponed aligning with local fairs in order to reach more people. Activity 1.2.2: Building public understanding on the broad concept of CSOs. CS:MAP organized two roundtables with major stakeholders in Nepalgunj and Kathmandu to discuss the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The US Ambassador to Nepal, Alaina B. Teplitz, and Senior Anti-corruption Advisor for USAID and OGP Board Member Victoria Ayer attended. Other participants included representatives from CSOs, media, the business community, youth, the Muslim community, the LGBTI community, and lawyers and other stakeholders.

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Similar interactions were held in Badhaiyatal gaunpalika of , Kohalpur municipality of and in Kathmandu on May 15, 16 and 18, 2018, respectively. NFN has convened a Provincial Civil Society Conference in all seven Provinces. The conference was organized to educate provincial government about the role and importance of civil society. The Chief Ministers of Province 3 and 4 and Karnali Province (previously Province 6) inaugurated the conferences, and in other provinces (1, 2, 5 and 7) the respective Social Development Ministers inaugurated the conferences. All Ministers praised CSOs’ contribution to the establishment of democracy. NFN also has drafted a booklet on the civil society enabling environment and accompanying roadmap for reform. The booklet contains basic knowledge and frequently asked questions about civil society, along with recommendations for NGOs in Nepal. In addition, GoGo Foundation produced the second issue of its periodic Mutual Accountability Bulletin, focused on civil society’s contribution in governance and development, social accountability, women’s empowerment and gender-based violence. CS:MAP also held interactions in 34 districts focusing on CSOs’ roles in the changing context. These discussions began with presentations of papers by local civil society experts from the hosting districts. Elected representatives who participated acknowledged that CSOs can play a stronger role as development partners, and confirmed that the government would provide the support necessary for creating a supportive enabling environment for CSOs. The interactions concluded with a renewed commitment to work for increased representation of marginalized communities in policy and plan formation; to provide district-level policy recommendations for CSO oversight after wider consultations; to promote CSO partnership with municipalities in five- year plan formulation; to provide continuity in anti-corruption campaigns; to encourage elected officials to make their assets public; and to develop common indicators of internal good governance for CSOs and implement processes for measuring these indicators. Activity 1.2.3: Strengthen community and CSOs ties through community consultation and soliciting citizen inputs. SAP Nepal organized events to introduce CSOs to SA tools to increase citizen engagement in CSOs’ work and strengthen ties between CSOs and their communities by increasing transparency and accountability. Twenty-six CS:MAP local CSO partners/grantees worked with community members, especially women, Dalits and persons with disabilities, to solicit citizens inputs in the policy reform process. These consultation meetings were held in CS:MAP project districts and the findings on SA tools were shared with CSO champions, government officials, politicians and journalists. SAP Nepal further shared the findings with civil society coalition leads to institute this practice among CSOs and thereby improve CSOs’ ties with their communities. Activity 1.2.4: Foster media and CSO collaboration through dialogue and joint actions. GoGo Foundation organized a dialogue on media and CSO collaboration on June 4, 2018 with the objective of strengthening media and CSO relations and reducing the trust deficit between them so that they work together to strengthen the enabling environment. The participants agreed that

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CSOs and media are key components of a vibrant democratic society, and that both have played a crucial role in Nepal during times of adversity, often complementing each other’s work. Similarly, NFN organized two meetings of CSOs and media organizations on April 13, 2018 and August 14, 2018. The meetings included discussion of the draft National Integrity Policy and the Parliament-approved Civil Code and Criminal Code. The discussions resulted in increased civil society-media understanding of these laws and commitment to collaborate for their improvement, as well as for the establishment of a stronger enabling environment for civil society and media. Activity 1.2.5: Improve public perception of the media through public hearings and implementation of media mission and implementation of findings. During the reporting period FNJ organized eighteen public hearing events with 1,098 participants from the media sector, as well as media users and government officials in different CS:MAP districts. These events increased FNJ’s understanding of stakeholders’ concerns regarding media, and identified potential interventions by which to address those concerns. The event also led to improved understanding of public perception of media at the national and sub-national level. Participants expressed both positive and negative opinions of media content, journalist behaviour, fake/provocative news and media inclusiveness. In particular, participants expressed concern that fake news is creating social tension, and called for responsible, sensitive media that serves the public interest. FNJ compiled feedback from the events and distributed it in their official bulletin, Patrakarita, to inform FNJ members and journalists of public concerns about media and requests for more responsible media. Similarly, FNJ has organized four media missions in all seven provinces and held discussion about media content, journalists’ physical and professional security, and challenges that journalists faced when reporting, especially during elections. FNJ President Govinda Acharya, Vice Presidents Bipul Pokhrel and Dilip Thapa Magar, and General Secretary Ramesh Bista led these missions and met with various stakeholders, including Election Officers, Chief District Officers, civil society leaders and security personnel in these districts. Both the public hearings and media missions helped journalists better understand issues of public interest and raised stakeholder awareness of freedom of expression challenges. On July 6 and 7, 2018, FNJ organized two public hearing programs in Bardiya and Surkhet, respectively, entitled "People's Perception towards Media." FNJ Treasure Mr. Rajesh Mishra served as event resource person and led participant interactions. Thirty-four participants attended the program in Bardiya and 36 attended in Surkhet. Activity 1.2.6: Conduct community scorecards and social auditing to improve CSO and media transparency and accountability. CS:MAP encouraged its implementing partners across project objectives to use social audit tools to incorporate good governance principles to improve organizational transparency and accountability. SAP Nepal led the initiative, conducting social audits and implementing community scorecards with CSOs in Makwanpur to promote CSO responsibility and the rights of citizens to conduct oversight. SAP, in coordination with Rural Awareness and Development Organization-Nepal (RADO-Nepal) and , held two such programs in on

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October 25 and October 27, 2017, respectively, to introduce SA tools to the CSOs. Forty-one participants attended the programs, primarily board members, general members and staff. Likewise, CS:MAP local CSO partners HURADEC, IRDS, CDC, Sundar Nepal, Sanjeevani Nepal and RWDC conducted social audits of their respective organizations for improving the organizations’ performance and accountability to its beneficiaries. Activity 1.2.7: Provide support for people’s participation in elections. CS:MAP’s national partner, NEOC observed two phases of federal and provincial elections, held on November 26 and December 7, 2017. The election observers were trained on “Conflict- Sensitive Election Observation” in a series of capacity-building activities at the national and sub- national level. Initially, a training-of-trainers was organized at the central level and the graduates of that training later rolled out the conflict-sensitive election observation approach in the provinces and 34 districts. A total of 480 trained short-term observers (10 in each electoral constituency) were deployed on election days. NEOC also deployed 48 long-term observers, one in each electoral constituency in Provinces 2 and 7, in order to gain a fuller understanding of dynamics before, during and after the election. In addition to this NEOC mobilized 20 high-level society missions, each comprised of two members, to boost the morale of local observers and strengthen their work, including by enhancing their sense of security. Their presence supported conflict-free voting and a counting process that was efficient and agreeable to all parties. After successful election observation, NEOC launched the election report on March 25, 2018 by Prime Minister Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli and Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Ayodhi Prasad Yadav. The launch event was attended by 280 representatives from the government, international agencies, civil society and political parties. The report shows improvements are needed in voter registration, code of conduct enforcement, campaign finance regulation, preparation and distribution of voter IDs, curbing poll violence and rigging, standardizing and expediting counting, and installing effective and transparent election and dispute resolution mechanisms. The Prime Minister and the Chief Election Commissioner said that they would consider report suggestions while preparing for future elections. NEOC organized a Press Conference/discussion focused on its “Electoral Code of Conduct: Review and Recommendation” on August 31, 2018, including dissemination of a concise document containing civil society recommendations for improving the Election Code of Conduct for future that are in line with international best practices and benchmarks for democratic election. A total of 30 participants attended the event and discussed aspects of the Code of Conduct that promote electoral transparency and accountability. NEOC convened five interactive dialogue workshops during this reporting period to discuss electoral advocacy for external voting processes, inclusive and participatory representation, the current Nepali electoral model, electoral systems, election observation reviews and next steps. Two-hundred and sixty participants attended, including electoral experts, parliamentarians, civil society leaders, rights activists, academicians, researchers, resource partners, Electoral Observation Coordination Group members, journalists, and current and past commissioners of the Election Commission of Nepal. Stakeholders, including parliamentarians, committed to facilitate the process for electoral reform.

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Result 1.3: Improved self-regulation of the sector and internal governance of CSOs and media. Activity 1.3.1: Identify institutional governance and self-regulation best practices among CSOs and media in Nepal. During the reporting period NFN collected institutional governance and self-regulation best practices from its members and other civil society organizations. NFN and its 6,000-plus member organizations are obliged to follow its code of conduct as a means of self-regulation. Seven sample districts were selected for initial monitoring of the code of conduct and collection of best practices. During the review meeting, participants shared their experience in implementing the NFN code of conduct. They also suggested that NFN develop specific indicators for effective implementation. NFN’s survey of members and other CSOs revealed that members are generally committed to ethical, inclusive operations, and are often held to basic governance standards per their participation in, for instance, national human rights coalitions. However, CSOs may use different metrics to assess their operations. NFN’s review of code of conduct implementation likewise revealed that organizations are working to implement the regulations, but are not consistent in their application. Feedback on the code of conduct included recommendations to make it available to non-member NGOs, and that NFN should establish a task force group in each central, provincial committee and district chapter to monitor implementation and recognize organizations that have adopted the code. Activity 1.3.2: Capacity building of CSOs and media on developing and implementing self- regulation and internal governance. CS:MAP coalition leads, and other national advocacy partners organized five capacity-building events for civil society and media on developing and implementing self-regulation and internal governance standards. These events underscored for participants the importance of media and civil society self-regulation via the development and implementation of internal governance and self- regulation frameworks. They also increased the acceptance of the media self-assessment toolkit and internal governance and self-regulation standards developed by coalition leads. Three of the five events were organized by FNJ with editors and media houses to promote the implementation of the media self-assessment toolkit and to educate media participants on governance. Similarly, in collaboration with NFN, INSEC conducted a national-level event on CSO self-regulation and internal governance on December 21, 2017. The program brought 44 CSOs together in order to discuss good governance practices and policies and develop a strategy for ensuring CSO accountability. Participants were learned about self-regulation mechanisms used in international contexts and among CSOs in Nepal, as well as good governance practices and action items to be adopted by CSOs. In addition, NFN organized a capacity-building workshop with coalition members on the sectoral self-regulation mechanism; the coalition agreed to include development and implementation of self-regulation in the civil society sector in its terms of reference. ICNL provided initial comments to NFN on the structure of and compliance mechanisms for CSO self-regulation. ICNL and FHI 360 plan to continue to work with NFN on the development of these documents.

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To build CSO and media capacity for self-regulation and internal governance, ISOs NNSWA and MITRA Samaj supported 10 CSOs: IHRC, FMDC-Media for Social Development and Change, RWDC, Sanjeevani Nepal, HURADEC, Society for Humanism Nepal (SOCH), Sundar Nepal, Samudayik Sarathi and IHRICON. NNSWA and MITRA Samaj. The ISOs assisted the CSOs in developing internal systems, such as preparing salary matrices and conducting general assemblies. The following 10 CSOs prepared their five-year strategy plans in this quarter: IHRC, FMDC, Sanjeevani Nepal, IRDC, Integrated Rural Development Society IRDS, Development Exchange Center, HRPLSC, Sundar Nepal, HURADEC and Samudayik Sarathi. CDC Nuwakot reviewed its strategy paper with technical support from NNSWA and MITRA Samaj. Activity 1.3.3: Develop and implement minimum standards of internal governance and self- regulation for civil society in a participatory way. During the reporting period NFN produced a draft document on minimum standards for CSOs' internal governance and self-regulation. A civil society coalition meeting was organized by NFN to finalize the draft. Seventy-three coalition members agreed that the standard with 34 distinct indicators is useful for improving civil society governance. They further suggested the development of more measurable standards in the areas of operational management, leadership development, human resource management, financial management, strategic planning, GESI and cross-cutting agendas. NFN has also shared the draft document with its members through district and provincial chapters. This framework was also shared with AIN, with the request that they consider the standards when providing funds to CSOs. In Quarter 4, NFN organized consultation workshops in all seven provinces to collect feedback on its code of conduct and draft minimum standards of internal governance and self-regulation. NFN and its member organizations are obliged to adhere to the code of conduct. The code of conduct has been widely disseminated across its 6000-plus member organizations across the country. NFN will endorse these in the next annual general meeting and share with all members, international NGOs and donors to consider when providing fund to civil society organizations. Activity 1.3.4: Develop institutional governance self-assessment toolkit for media and implement in five media houses. In Quarter 3, FNJ developed the Self-Assessment Toolkit to enhance media houses’ internal governance and self-regulation. With support from CS:MAP, FNJ also provided continuous guidance throughout the year on how organizations can develop action plans to improve their internal governance mechanisms. To introduce the toolkit, FNJ organized two workshops with different stakeholders including FNJ representatives, government officials and media owners to collect feedback and to increase toolkit ownership to encourage implementation. On August 8-9, 2018, FNJ led a toolkit implementation workshop with FNJ Central Committee members to educate its leadership and prepare for district-level implementation. On September 25, 2018, FNJ organized a meeting with Ujjyalo Network to test the toolkit and consider possible amendments, including statements on media house strategies and clarifications for rankings. Participants at both workshops welcomed the toolkit and affirmed the necessity of self-assessment for all media houses. In addition, MAG organized a stakeholder consultation to collect GESI input for the draft

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toolkit and shared the findings with FNJ. FNJ also organized seven meetings with media owners about toolkit application. In Quarter 4, FNJ piloted implementation of the Media Self-Assessment Toolkit in five media houses: Ujjyalo Network, Annapurna Media House, Image Television, Pahilopost.com and Barakhari.com. In the next reporting period FNJ will roll out the toolkit among media organizations throughout the country. Activity 1.3.5: Interactions with major stakeholders, including government agencies, on self- regulation and internal good governance of CSOs. During the reporting period GoGo Foundation organized two interactions on internal governance and self-regulation. The first was held on May 3, 2018 while the second was held at on June 25, 2018 in Kathmandu. Participants at both events discussed CSO fundamentals, international CSO standards, and CSO internal governance and self-regulation. The interactions also included information on legal frameworks and existing legislation such as RTI, accountability and transparency. GoGo Foundation presented case studies and evidence collected during two multi- stakeholder dialogues organized by GOGO Foundation in Ramechhap on January 28, 2018 and Dolakha on February 27, 2018 to inform the discussions. Sixty-five participants from 29 organizations attended the interactions. They highlighted challenges faced by CSOs operating in Nepal, and expressed concern over excessive regulation by the GoN. Following the interactions, 23 of organizations represented have committed to revising their internal governance standards and reviewing the implementation of their own self-regulation mechanisms. As of this writing, 13 organizations reported that they have developed or revised their internal governance polices, including human resource policies, financial policies, procurement policies and GESI policies. On September 18, 2018, INSEC organized an interaction workshop in Kathmandu on civil society self-regulation and good governance. The national-level interaction included participants from 14 earthquake-affected districts and representatives from national CSOs and district-level NGO federations. Participants committed to championing CSO self-regulation and internal governance to raise public understanding of CSO governance. Activity 1.3.6: Workshops with media owners, editors and journalists on institutional governance and self-regulation within media outlets. In partnership with CDJMC, CS:MAP organized two workshops with media owners, editors and journalists on institutional governance and self-regulation within media outlets. The workshops were organized on March 25, 2018 in and June 22, 2018 in Kathmandu. CDJMC shared preliminary research findings related to media internal governance and self-regulation issues in Eastern Nepal. Journalists and media owners in the workshop asked CDJMC to develop internal governance guidelines for media outlets, and CDJMC agreed to do so. CS:MAP will conduct follow-up on workshop action items and provide technical support as needed. Workshop findings suggest that media outlets and newspapers should adopt a definite editorial policy that takes into account election reporting; ensure more balance in news and views reporting; design and adopt a communication policy and strategy for the dissemination of election results; and adopt measures

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for ongoing improvement; and ensure that election reporting consider social, economic and public interest angles well as political angles. 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. 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 CSOs and media organizations: During this reporting period CS:MAP continued its partnership with five ISOs to build the capacity of 14 local CSOs for more effective advocacy and engagement with the government to strengthen governance at the local level. ISOs have supported CSOs based on their expertise on a quarterly basis, and as-needed. To build CSO communications capacity, EA coordinated with CS:MAP ISOs Mitra Samaj, NEPAN and NNSWA to carry out a two-day training on Strategic Communications for CSO partners. Thirty-one (seven female) individuals participated in the training, which focused on the importance of strategic communications for accomplishing organizational goals and objectives, and equipped CSOs with the skills and tools required to design, adopt and implement a strategic communications plan. As a result of the training, CSO partners finalized their individual organizational strategic communications plans and began implementation, with support from ISOs. ISO partners NEPAN, NNSWA and MITRA Samaj conducted three rounds of coaching and mentoring visits (including one per CSO in Quarter 4) to CS:MAP’s 14 partner CSOs in 34 districts as part of the project’s comprehensive capacity-building support to CSOs. ISO support helped CSOs identify advocacy issues at the district level, validate advocacy issues with district- level HEAD coalitions, and carry out evidence-based research. Coaching support was also provided to educate CARs and District Officers on data collection, development of recording forms and formats, sample selections for focus group discussions and key information interviews, and the process for analyzing evidence. As a result, 14 CSOs in 34 districts completed data collection for 34 evidence-based research initiatives; another 20 evidence collection processes were initiated for new issues by RWDC, DEC, CDC and FMDC (Achham); HURADEC (Dolakha, Ramechhap and Sindhuli), and Sundar Nepal (Dailekh). ISOs also provided support for report preparation and dissemination of findings with HEAD coalitions and local government units. The following CSOs delivered memoranda in their respective districts: Sanjeevani (Kanchanpur), Development Exchange Center (DEC) (Dhading and Makwanpur), IHRC (Banke and Bardiya), RWDC (Dang), Sundar Nepal (Surkhet and Dailekh) and HURADEC (Dolakha and Ramechhap). In addition, CDC (Nuwakot and Rasuwa) received a commitment from local government to address advocacy issues at the local level.

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Activity 2.1.1.2: ISOs design and implement advocacy and government-engagement coaching and training based on CSO and media organizations’ needs: To build CAR capacity, ISO MITRA Samaj conducted a training on Community Action Research on February 1-5, 2018 in Kathmandu. EA provided MITRA Samaj with guidance in designing and conducting the training. A total of 33 CARs Number of issues representing 33 CS:MAP districts completed training on basic research concepts and 12 purposes, research planning and 26 implementation, research ethics, 12 conflict sensitivity, power dynamics, GESI sensitivity, and networking and collaboration. 12 Trainers discussed participatory 18 research techniques and their use 16 in generating evidence for public policy advocacy, and as a means of carrying out oversight of Heath (H) public resource use and public Education ( E) service delivery. Participants Agriculture (A) were educated on research tools DRR (D) Public transparency and accountability such as community mapping, Other service mapping, key actor analysis, timeline/event mapping, observation, road blocks, division of labor, interviews, and focus group discussions. Participants were briefed about their roles as CARs, especially in relation to data management, documentation and reporting research findings through the IVR system and the MeroReport platform. MITRA Samaj also conducted a two-day training on Public Services Oversight (PSO) for CS:MAP’s 34 district staff. The training focused on the concept, scope and effectiveness of PSO; differences between PSO and social accountability; the role of CSOs in conducting PSO; international and local PSO best practices; introduction to and application of PSO software; PSO software applications compared to Hello Sarkar; and conflict sensitivity. To strengthen CSO advocacy capacity, ISO partner NEPAN organized a two-day advocacy strategic planning workshop in Quarter 2 in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj to support 14 CSOs to identify advocacy issues and develop strategic plans based on the advocacy cycle framework. A refresher training on advocacy strategies was conducted in Quarter 4 in Kathmandu to review the status of CSO advocacy efforts that were initiated beginning in Quarter 2. During the refreshed training CSOs reviewed their advocacy plans and received support as they prepared detailed plans to advocate on an additional 68 issues (two in each district). The advocacy issues identified by CSO partners were shared with and discussed by district-level HEAD coalitions

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for validation, and to seek their support for advocacy initiatives. A total of 102 advocacy issues were identified and incorporated into detailed advocacy plans (see Annex 6). In 19 districts (Dolakha, Dailekh, Ramechhap, Sindhuli, Nuwakot, Doti, Dang, Dhading, Makwanpur, Surkhet, Kanchanpur, Achham, Banke, Bardiya, Dadeldhura, Salyan, Rukum, Sindhupalchowk and Gulmi), local government acknowledged and endorsed the advocacy issues raised by CSOs. In these districts, input from affected communities and the use of evidence to inform advocacy led to local government to respond quickly and take ownership of the issues. In Quarter 4, ISO partners NNSWA and MITRA Samaj jointly organized a program for 34 District Officers entitled “Orientation on HEAD-related Federal and Local-Level Policies, Acts, and Regulations.” The program was intended to build CSO capacity to identify and pursue issues that require constructive dialogue, and to equip them to lead policy advocacy and improve the enabling environment. Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration Purushottam Nepal, Senior Agricultural Economist of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Dal Prasad Pudasaini, Joint Secretary of the NRA Krishna Prasad Duwadi, Policy, Plan and International Cooperation Division (PPICD) Chief for the Ministry of Health Mahendra Shrestha, and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education Dr. Hari Lamsal discussed the devolution of power and responsibilities of the local, provincial and federal government in HEAD sectors. They also outlined federal and local-level policies, acts, regulations and strategies that impact these sectors. The workshop helped to clarify the policy provisions, implementation gaps and possible linkages that can inform advocacy efforts. ISO partners NNSWA, NEPAN and MITRA Samaj have designed a one-day orientation for CS:MAP local CSO partners to expand understanding among board members and staff. Activity 2.1.1.3: Development of handbook and guidelines on ICT for policy advocacy, good governance and oversight of public service delivery: During the reporting period Kathmandu Living Labs (KLL) prepared a handbook on ICT for advocacy and oversight of public service delivery. This handbook includes an introduction to ICT and governance, ICT penetration in Nepal, citizens' participation in governance, a comparative study of ICT tools in governance, ICT tools developed and their application. The handbook (Annex 7) is shared with CS:MAP partners during ICT trainings to support their use of technology for policy advocacy, good governance and oversight of public service delivery.

Activity 2.1.1.4: ToT on ICT for policy advocacy, good governance and public service delivery: CS:MAP has developed an ICT enabled Open Local Government Digital System (OLGDS). The OLGDS collectively refers to (i) an interactive Web Portal based on human-centered design principles, (ii) a Mobile Application, and (iii) a comprehensive Content Management System (CMS) that allows managing and updating contents of these tools. By transcending the traditional boundaries of time and space, the suite of tools enables local governments to be more open and transparent and engage citizens in municipal activities.

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The system is implemented in Neelakantha municipality Dhading and Nepalgunj Sub Metropolitan of Banke Districts. Both Neelakantha municipality and Nepalgunj Sub- metropolitan are currently using these systems. Following the OLGDS Neelakantha launch event, held on April 15, 2018, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) called CS:MAP for a meeting to discuss on how to scale up OLGDS and how to replicate it in other municipalities in Nepal. After the several round of meetings, MoFAGA has posted a notice about OLGDS mobile application and web portal on the website of the Ministry – (http://mofaga.gov.np) and circulated a letter to all Local Governments regarding its implementation. Further, MoFAGA has stated that the interactive OLGDS has been found effective to promote collaboration between citizens and local governments and to increase transparency and to maintain good governance through the piloting of the system. In Quarter 2, KLL delivered a ToT on the application of Sajha Sabha to 14 partner CSOs. These ToTs were conducted in three batches in Kavre, Butwal and Nepalgunj to account for the geographical dispersion of attendees, and the total number of participants. Sajha Sabha was developed and launched in Quarter 1 as an interactive digital platform to bring citizens, civil society and the government together. The ToT consisted of three parts: discussion and endorsement of the Sajha Sabha implementation strategy; training on how to use Sajha Sabha ICT tools; and discussion of how to take these tools to citizens and local governments. After the ToTs, CSOs facilitated community discussions related to the issues raised when applying tools, and then used those discussions to provide evidence for advocacy to improve governance. Currently, this tool is being used in 68 local units to upload citizen issues and track the resolution process. In Quarter 4, KLL again conducted ICT trainings for staff and board members of 14 CSOs to enhance their ICT skills and share IT developments for their offices. The trainings focused on developing CSO social media sites and improving their organizational digital practices. Activity 2.1.1.5: Conduct refresher training/orientation or review meeting with selected ISOs on usage of the Advocacy Readiness Index (ARI): The CS:MAP capacity building unit organized a two-day refresher training on the ARI for partner ISOs on March 8, 2018 in Nepalgunj. Project Managers and Capacity Building Specialists/Officers from three ISOs participated in the training. The training focused on a review of ARI tools and CSO facilitation processes. The training also covered new domains (e.g., “Monitoring of Government Policy Implementation”) in preparation for a second round of assessments in all 14 CSOs. In Quarter 3, CS:MAP ISOs NEPAN, NNSWA and MITRA Samaj mobilized to conduct the second round of ARI assessment of 14 CSOs and to prepare and adjust their ARI capacity building plans. Using the tool’s 0-5 scale, the ARI composite score of 14 CSOs has increased to 1.85 in FY18 from a 0.87 baseline established in FY17, with overall increases reported by all CSOs (see chart below). The increase is due to the institutionalization of advocacy issues and incorporation into strategic documents; the promotion of government engagement through SA

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mechanisms; training in evidence-based action research; and increased commitment from CSO board members and leadership. Cumulatiuve ARI Chart (overall score and three section wise score) is presented as below:

ARI Comparative Score Chart 2.5 2 2 2 1.85 1.56 1.5 1.5 1.1 0.98 1 0.87 0.9 0.9 0.6 0.44 0.5

0 Cumulative score Advocacy Goals.. Conducting Advocacy Organization Commitment for advocacy

ARI score 2017 (Baseline) ARI Score 2018 Increment

Increment in 13 sub section of the ARI are presented in below chart:

Comparative ARI score chart 3.0 2.4 2.5 2.3 2.2 2.1 2.2 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.8 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.9 1.0 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.0

ARI score 2017 (baseline) ARI Score 2018

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The ARI capacity-building plans developed in FY 2018 have included the following capacity- building priorities: • Carry out organizational advocacy plan as outlined in strategic documents; • Build relationships with constituencies with clear roles and responsibilities; • Prepare strategies to engage government agencies and decision makers/legislators; • Continue evidence-based research, ensuring GESI integration; • Develop advocacy messages (conduct message testing, review to ensure GESI sensitivity, disseminate, etc.); • Track and update plan based on the development and implementation of the latest policies and guidelines (including local government policies); • Increase leadership commitment to continue advocacy. Activity 2.1.2: Form Public-Private Working Groups (PPWGs) and Common Assemblies (CAs) and conduct PPWG and CA meetings. A total of 247 CA meetings (71 in Quarter 4) were held in this reporting period, with meetings focused on the availability of free medicine in health posts, student scholarships, school management committees and their roles, and local-level construction work, among other issues. Participants discussed indicators for improved health and education services, and meetings resulted in implementation plans developed with the indicators for improved services during consultations between service providers and citizens. Participants arrived at solutions for a number of problems. Some results from CA efforts are: • Ganga Madhyamik Vidhyalaya, a public school, displayed the list with the names of students receiving Dalit scholarship, and the ward office allocated funds for a GESI-friendly toilet in the school; • Health posts in Dang were equipped with adequate types and amounts of medicinal drugs; • Likhu Tamakoshi gaunpalika in Ramechhap allocated NPR 500,000 in funds for health and education, and distributed 30 goats and 750 chickens to poor and marginalized groups; • Sanfebagar municipality in Achham elected to apply agriculture insurance in the municipality; • Gauriganga municipality in Kailali hired an agricultural technician to support farmers and hired a health assistant for a sub-health post, and allocated budget funds for an RTI orientation in Kailali; • A community school in Baitadi, Dashrathchand municipality Ward 2 and 4 started an electronic attendance system to improve education quality, and formed a ward-level monitoring subcommittee to measure the attendance; • Krishnapur Domilla Ward 1 in Kanchanpur displayed its citizen charters, continued health unit services (including prenatal checkups), and initiated CA consultations for development efforts; • Bheriganga municipality-13 in Surkhet organized a public hearing; • Schools in Kapurkot gaunpalika Ward 3 of Salyan publicized the names of students eligible for Dalit scholarship funds;

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• The Ward 4 health post in Triveni gaunpalika, Rukum conducted a door-to-door campaign to educate citizens about health services; • Roshi gaunpalika Ward 5 of Kavre requested a justification from three community schools for their decision to close for two weeks without input from school management committees; • Chhatradev health post in Arghakhanchi set up a complaint box to collect citizens’ grievances; • Balithum Ward 1 of Gulmi Durbar gaunpalika in Gulmi established a citizen charter at ward office. During this reporting period, 53 PPWG meetings (22 in Quarter 4) were conducted in project districts. The meetings focused on issues related to public services delivery and public resources use, drawing on results from CA meetings, coalition inputs and policy analysis and findings. PPWG meetings also helped in validating CSO advocacy plans. For example, the PPWG in Baitadi decided to schedule its meeting on the same day when the DCC meeting convenes, which promoted exchanges between local units within the district. As a result, the PPWG in Baitadi used the DCC to circulate decisions related to education quality, along with a letter to Dasharathchand municipality requesting their assistance in addressing related concerns. PPWG meetings held in Quarter 4 achieved the following results: • The PPWG in Dhading decided to continue monitor the Agro and Agro-vets in Neelakhantha municipality and Siddhalekh gaunpalika in Dhading on a regular basis; • The PPWG delivered a memorandum to the Chief District Officer requesting that Gorkha reconstruction work move more quickly, and also submitted another memorandum detailing a delay in the reconstruction of a public school and its impact on education in Okhaldhunga and Gorkha; • The PPWG in decided to work with the education coordination unit to scale up school reconstruction; • The PPWG in Changunarayan municipality in Bhaktapur coordinated with district education units to improve teacher consistency in public schools, and lobbied for an additional 10 percent support for housing reconstruction in marginalized communities; • The PPGW requested funds for GESI-friendly toilets in schools in Dang Ward 4, which Ghorahi sub-metropolitan allocated during the reporting period; • The PPWG in Rukum decided to approach Triveni gaunpalika-7 to provide free health checkups for students; • The PPWG in Gulmi decided to call on gaunpalikas and municipalities to provide timely delivery of free medicines to health posts. Activity 2.1.3: Conduct Sajha Sabhas, or Public Forums. During the reporting period a total 36 (21 in Quarter 4) Sajha Sabhas were held in CS:MAP program districts. In addition to discussions and reporting on PPWG and CA deliberations and action plans, the following key commitments were made in Sajha Sabhas:

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District Issues raised, and commitments made Dolakha • The landless Thami Community was unable to receive support for housing reconstruction due to delays in obtaining land registration certificates. Bhimeswor municipality committed to resolve this as early as possible • The NRA committed to add personnel and scale up the reconstruction work Dadeldhura • The Mayor of Amargadhi municipality committed to providing a soil testing facility and distribute harvest products in a transparent manner. This will help farmers use

seeds for increased productivity Kanchanpur • Dasarathchand municipality of Kanchanpur will work on cattle management along the roadside Surkhet • All government offices in Lekbeshi municipality must display citizen charter boards • A help desk was installed in Lekbeshi municipality to support marginalized communities • A Good Governance Committee will be formed according to the Local Government Operation Act, 2017 • Services and programs for girls, people with disabilities and senior citizens will be provided through the help of the Sajha Sabha tool • The government will facilitate access to all agricultural seeds and equipment, with a special focus on marginalized communities Rasuwa • Kalika and Uttargaya gaunpalikas committed to provide free medicine in a timely manner

• Kalika and Uttargaya gaunpalikas committed to regular monitoring of community schools to observe irregularity in teacher and students • Kalika and Uttargaya gaunpalikas will coordinate with NRA for early release of installments for earthquake victims Nuwakot • Concerned officials from Likhu and Myagang gaunpalikas of Nuwakot committed to implement a complaint handling mechanism, perform social audits, ensure quality education, perform pure drinking water management, display the names of students who receive scholarships in community schools, and provide sufficient free medicine and adequate staff for the primary health center Pyuthan • The Federation of Chamber of Commerce in Pyuthan will post a price list of commodities in all shops Rolpa • The DCC in Rolpa will monitor the quality of development works/projects implemented by local governments on a regular basis Sindhupalchowk • The DCC in Sindhupalchowk will invite CSO representatives to monitor public service delivery by local governments

CS:MAP local CSO partners also followed up on the implementation status of previous Sajha Sabhas commitments and noted that: • Lekbeshi municipality in Surkhet has been conducting regular public hearings; • The Kamlaharies scholarship and education provisions have been incorporated into the sub-metropolitan education policy in Dang; • Public hearings and social audits have been regularized in Wards 1 and 4 of Ghorahi sub- metropolitan; • A list of scholarship recipients is displayed in schools in Dang; • Ghorahi sub-metropolitan in Dang developed an agriculture subsidy policy;

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• Alternate teacher provisions were replaced by permanent teachers in Bhaktapur; • The regularity and number of students has increased, and the school management committee is increasing its activity in Bhaktapur; • Local citizens affected by stone crusher factories are united, which was not previously the case; • House reconstruction installments are being released by NRA in Konjosom gaunpalika in Lalitpur; • Molung gaunpalika of established a Digital Citizen Charter in gaunpalika office and in Ward no 5; • Chisankhugadi gaunpalika allocated funds for a study to identify the numbers of women suffering from uterine prolapse; • Gorkha municipality entered into an agreement with an NGO to construct public toilets; • Gorkha municipality conducted a re-survey of beneficiaries of earthquake victims and started to conduct regular monitoring at the ward level to speed up reconstruction work; • Recognizing the seriousness of Daraudi River encroachment, Gorkha municipality levied fines and took action against 103 tractors and tippers that removed stone and sand from the river; • Dipayal Silgadhi municipality in Doti has planned a screening camp in December 2018 to identify uterine prolapse cases in the municipality; • Krishnapur municipality in Kanchanpur allocated funds for and started construction of a primary health care center and took steps to ensure an adequate supply of medicine and number of staff in health facilities in Krishnapur. Activity 2.1.4: Provide training and mentoring to CA, PPWG and Sajha Sabha facilitators. To enhance CSO facilitators’ skills, CS:MAP trained a total of 28 participants (eight female) from 14 districts on December 30-31, 2017 in Kathmandu. Additional facilitators from 19 districts were trained in January 2018 in Nepalgunj. The training included sessions on introductory facilitation skills and processes; content versus process facilitation; and the attitude, behavior and qualities of an effective facilitator. Facilitators were trained in the theory of appreciative inquiry, with coaching on managing group dynamics, and they participated in simulations involving meeting facilitation and conflict management. Participants engaged in short practical sessions using brainstorming and role play to practice their facilitation skills, including mock public consultations and group discussions. Participants later indicated that the training increased their facilitation knowledge, and they have put their training into practice by facilitating CA meetings and other events such as Sajha Sabhas. CS:MAP has continued to support CA participants and CSO board members in their facilitation efforts. 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. Activity 2.2.1: Strengthen coalitions and networks to undertake joint advocacy actions on policy priorities across sectors.

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Four coalitions (Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Makwanpur and Dhading) were formed during this reporting period, resulting in a total of 34 CS:MAP coalitions (one per program district). A total of 111 district level coalition meetings were held (32 in Quarter 4), resulting in actions to strengthen public services delivery and resource uses in coordination with local government. Coalitions have achieved notable successes during this reporting period; in Quarter 4, the DRR network in Dolakha held discussions with local government on its decision to collect one-point five percent of its total budget from local CSOs which made the local government hold its decision. The DRR coalition has also assessed and documented the capacity of local CSOs (working areas and available human resources) and decided to support NRA in this capacity in the district. The HEAD coalition of Ramechhap has carried out oversight functions, and due to its lobbying efforts NRA initiated school reconstruction in the district. Similarly, the coalition has succeeded in efforts to ensure consistent medical supplies in Manthali municipality. Efforts by the health coalition in Sindhuli have likewise resulted in increases in health insurance coverage. And, the HEAD coalition in Surkhet worked with media and civil society groups to strengthen services focused on education, agriculture and health through joint government engagement. The HEAD coalition in Kanchanpur decided to coordinate with local government to impact local policy development and implementation and ensure civic space. Following efforts from the district health coalition to support flood victims, Manahari gaunpalika has allocated NRs two million for a Disaster Management Fund to promote disaster risk reduction at the local level. And, the education coalition in Dhading supported local government in its outreach campaign for school children. CS:MAP local CSO partners also worked with the coalitions to discuss and validate the advocacy issues identified and supported through evidence generation, and to work with them on resulting advocacy initiatives. IHRICON organized two meetings with public service providers and media in Kathmandu in December 2017 and May 2018. As a result, municipal challenges related to education and reconstruction, i.e., challenges with design approval and drainage problems, were featured in the Gorkhapatra daily. CDC Nepal organized coordination meetings with government and other stakeholders on December 27, 2017 in Bidur, Nuwakot in coordination with CS:MAP ISO partner KLL. The meeting focused on the role of CSOs in providing effective oversight of public services use, and public service delivery in Nepal’s changed context. KLL provided an overview of the Sajha Sabha application, which can help service providers identify necessary improvements in services and support civil society in carrying out monitoring and oversight activities more efficiently. CA:MAP ISO NNSWA organized a three-day workshop to identify issues of particular concern for Dalits and members of marginalized communities, and to plan next steps to address the issues. NNSWA conducted a second workshop with Dalit networks in Provinces 5, 6 and 7 in Quarter 4 (August 27-28, 2018). Workshop participants agreed on the following recommendations:

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• Of the 33 percent of female representatives required at all levels of government, 25 percent should come from the Dalit community; • Ensure effective implementation of the Caste Discrimination Act 2068; • 20 percent of budgets at the province and local levels should be allocated for the Dalit community, as per the Constitution, and government should ensure fixed quotas for Dalits inclusion in province-level policies; • Increase the access and control of the Dalit community in forest, environment and climate change protection efforts; • Focus on the facilities for Dalits and members of marginalized communities in local, federal and national level policies which are in under developing phase; • Increase the budget for Haliya rehabilitation; • Ensure Dalit participation in school management committees; • Ensure the presence of Dalit community teachers in all government schools of Sudurpashchim Province. As outlined in advocacy plans developed during the workshop, Province 5 and Karnali Province have submitted recommendations to the federal government through each province’s CDO, and also called on them to effectively implement the Caste Discrimination Act 2068. NNSWA also organized quarterly meetings of the Dalit network in Sudurpashchim Province, which reaffirmed its commitment to advocate on their issues at the local level. In addition, the coalition decided to form district-level networks in each district of Sudurpashchim Province to widen their efforts on Dalit issues. Activity 2.2.2: Identify Shreejanshil Shakhas (innovation hubs) to serve as CSO-media collaboration hubs. During the reporting period, 15 Shreejanshil Shakhas were established in CS:MAP program districts. A total of 32 Shreejanshil Shakhas are now functioning (one per program district). Shreejanshil Shakhas are being used to increase marginalized communities’ access to information focused on public service delivery and resources, improve access to government services (citizen charter), and serve as a discussion site for local issues relevant to CSOs, including CAs and LDAGs. People are using the internet to download and read government policies and provisions, rules and regulations, and processes for obtaining services from local government. In some cases, youth and LDAG members are using to the internet access news. All the Shreejanshil Sakhas will be handed over to host institutions by December 2018. Additional activities to improve coordination and collaboration between local and national CSOs as well as media and CSOs are described under Activity 3.2.2 and Activity 3.4.3. Result 2.3: Improved CSO and media capacity to conduct participatory and evidence-based action research on issues, policy, and enforcement in order to benefit marginalized groups. Activity 2.3.1: Build research capacity for CSOs and media organizations. EA collaborated with CS:MAP ISO partner MITRA Samaj to implement a PEAR training in Quarter 2. EA directly led sessions needed to prepare participants to function as CARs, including

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sessions on the use of basic research skills to uncover data, and information and knowledge for supporting evidence-based advocacy work. Participants also learned about IVR as a platform to report or record issues related to their communities that emerge from their research. The training also introduced participants to MeroReport as a digital platform for sharing and learning about public resource use and public service delivery oversight. Outcome Harvesting was introduced as a tool for CARs to identify, formulate, verify and make sense of outcomes they observe when relationships of cause and effect are unknown. EA developed the PEAR training manual for the ISOs, as well as the PEAR toolkit for the CARs and CSOs who participated in the training. Whereas the manual supported ISO capacity for PEAR training delivery, the toolkit served as a readily-available reference for CARs when undertaking actual research. EA continued to support CAR performance by overseeing mentoring support by ISOs and establishing their role with CSOs. In collaboration with host CSOs, the CARs have identified 72 community issues using PEAR tools, which the CSOs have integrated into advocacy agendas and action plans. Activity 2.3.2: Organize study visit for media partners in Kathmandu for investigative journalism In Quarter 4, 12 journalists (six female, two Dalit) from various CS:MAP districts participated in a six-day investigative journalism study visit organized by EA. The journalists were selected from among 41 journalists who had participated in the investigative journalism trainings conducted in Quarter 3. The journalists were selected based on their stories, thematic areas of reporting, location (earthquake-affected, CDCS priority districts), and quality of blogs posted in MeroReport. The journalists visited CIJ Nepal, Annapurna Post, The Himalayan Times, Himal Khabarpatrika and Nagarik daily 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. The journalists also had an opportunity to establish connections with newsroom journalists and editors from different media houses. The journalists acquired skills to conduct in-depth studies on matters of public interest, especially those related to public accountability, the rightful and just use of public budgets, and equitable distribution of public resources. These journalists have since reported stories on disaster risk reduction, limitations in health services and lack of health facilities, lack of disabled- friendly government office structures, poor rehabilitation for flood victims, gaps in government policy implementation in the health sector (e.g., lack of free medicines in government hospitals), and crops and livestock insurance, among others. Of the 31 stories that have been drafted by the trainees, 15 have been published in different media outlets. They continually contribute blog posts to MeroReport and interact periodically as a group. EA provides mentoring and coaching follow-up via e-mail, phone and Facebook chat. Activity 2.3.3: Provide research fellowship for CSO partners As described in CS:MAP Year 3 work plan, the original proposal for this activity has been modified and the revised plan has been implemented accordingly. Under this new plan, 34 CARs served as research fellows and were trained in Quarter 2 on PEAR techniques to develop their skills to generate evidence on HEAD issues to support evidence-based policy advocacy by CSOs.

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This training was led by ISO partners MITRA Samaj and NEPAN, who were trained as trainers by Equal Access in the previous quarter to support evidence-based policy advocacy by CSOs. See Activity 2.3.1, for more details. Activity 2.3.4: Conduct Advocacy and Monitoring/Oversight Training for media organizations. EA organized two five-day trainings on advocacy, monitoring and oversight (AMO) for media professionals during Quarter 3. The training was organized to strengthen media coordination with local government in CS:MAP districts so that media can better plan and implement constructive advocacy strategies that support and improve government policy, planning and performance, particularly focusing on HEAD areas. The training built participant capacity for conducting evidence-based advocacy to bring about reforms to address identified gaps and challenges by engaging constructively with public service providers.

A total of 43 media professionals (35 percent female, 95 percent youth and one person with a disability) participated in the training, representing various media platforms including online platforms (10), print media (16), local radio stations (11), local television (three) and youth bloggers (three). The training was planned in an interactive manner with sessions on a range of topics such as the new state structure, the policy jurisdictions of the three levels of government, the local government policy development process and cycle, local government’s public service delivery mandate, and state accountability. A panel discussion was also organized with policy experts in the HEAD sectors, highlighting the status of HEAD-sector policies, current practices and gaps. In addition, the participants were introduced to various tools for media advocacy and oversight, including social accountability tools such as public hearings, social audits and citizen charters. Participants reported that the training sessions were helpful in learning about tools and techniques that support advocacy and oversight, and in introducing them to RTI. As part of the training participants prepared individual action plans to develop news reports on public service delivery and civic oversight. Afterwards, most of the trained journalists began reviewing policy gaps, budgets and target groups within their individual reporting beats. One trainee from Kavre produced two research-based stories that were published by national media. Other AMO trainees from Rasuwa, Rukum, Arghakhanchi, Dadeldhura, Baitadi and Kailali published news stories on various themes including post-earthquake reconstruction, construction of women-friendly toilets in schools, misuse of power by local governments, and challenges in the education sector, among others. These and other news items have contributed to advocacy efforts at the local level, and the trained journalists have started coordinating with CSOs and CRs in the districts as well. AMO trainees have posted 159 blog posts in MeroReport this year. Their news items were also published in national newspapers including Nagarik daily, Annapurna Post, My Republica, online portals and local papers. Activity 2.3.5: Conduct Investigative Journalism Training for media organizations. Two four-day training events on Investigative Journalism (IJ) were held during Quarter 3, with participation by 41 media professionals (37 percent female), 24 from CDCS districts and 17 from earthquake-affected districts. An open announcement was made encouraging interested journalists to apply and the participants were selected based on their commitment to the training program.

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The training focused on the scope of investigative journalism and how it can be used to provide oversight of public resource use and service delivery mechanisms. The trained journalists have posted a total of 549 stories in MeroReport this year. Their news items have been published in national

"This is the most important training in my ten years long journalism career. I realize now that I have been writing news just for the sake of writing and that I need to study more and be more open to learning. I used to report what I saw only, but now I will do my research to understand all perspectives and will be reporting based on evidence only" Kapil Koirala, Kavrepalanchowk District Reporter/ The Karobar National Daily. newspapers including Nagarik daily, Annapurna Post, My Republica, online portals and local papers. Their news reports focus on different themes including women's health, the problems that flood victims face, the problems faced by women in Chhaupadi sheds, and misuse of power in local government. Activity 2.3.6: Conduct Journalist Safety and Security Training for media organizations. CS:MAP initially planned to conduct two Journalist Safety and Security trainings during this reporting period. However, the team concluded that, rather than organizing separate training activities on journalist safety and security, it would be more effective to integrate journalist safety and security within the AMO and IJ trainings described above in Activity 2.3.4 and Activity 2.3.5, respectively. As a result, 84 participants benefited from theoretical and practical sessions on topics related to risk awareness and adherence to the journalistic code of ethics. Activity 2.3.7: Public Interest Reporting training and fellowship. Freedom Forum organized two public interest reporting trainings in earthquake-affected districts during Quarter 1 in which 33 journalists were trained on public interest reporting methodology, skills and approaches. As a result of the trainings the journalists now understand the concept and importance of public interest reporting and how such reporting can enhance media credibility and improve the media enabling environment. In addition, Freedom Forum has awarded fellowships to 12 trained journalists who have been collecting information and evidence for public interest reports. Each fellow will prepare at least four reports on health, education, agriculture and DRR to educate citizens about the respective policies and inform decision makers about the status of implementation and potential improvement areas in their sectoral programs. Freedom Forum has been providing mentoring support to the fellows to prepare these reports, which will be published in subsequent quarters. Activity 2.3.8: Strategic Communications Training for CS:MAP CSO partners. Although not planned in the AWP, CS:MAP conducted a two-day training on “Strategic Communications for Civil Society Organizations” on December 11-12, 2017 in Kathmandu. A total of 31 (seven female) participants attended the training, which included 25 participants from 14 CSOs and six participants from three ISOs (MITRA Samaj, NEPAN and NNSWA). The training educated CSOs on the importance of strategic communications for accomplishing organizational goals/objectives and equipped them with the skills and tools required to design, adopt and implement a strategic communications plan. At the end of the training CSO participants

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developed their strategic communications plan or enhanced their existing strategic communications plans. 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 Good Governance Barometer (GGB). Activity 3.1.1.1: Identify potential gaunpalikas/local communities in the Tarai region to pilot the GGB: CS:MAP has added a district for GGB implementation as per the Year 3 AWP. Following approval from Suddodhan gaunpalika in Kapilvastu, CS:MAP partner IRDC initiated implementation of GGB in Patariya, Ward 1. Activity 3.1.1.2: Hold preliminary meetings with pilot local line agencies to introduce the GGB: Preparatory meetings were held with local government officials in Suddodhan gaunpalika to introduce elected representatives to the GGB process and outline their roles in different levels of GGB implementation. A small, multi-stakeholder group was identified in a participatory manner, which also assisted in identifying additional stakeholders and issues for the GGB. Following the process, GGP modeling in Suddodhan gaunpalika will be done in October 2018. Activity 3.1.1.3: Build capacity of CSO partner to facilitate the GGB: The CS:MAP Governance Advisor and GGB Expert provided inputs to finalize the maximum and minimum reference values for the GGB process in Gulmi, Rukum and Sindhupalchowk Districts. CS:MAP provided orientation and other technical support to IRDC on GGB facilitation in Suddodhan gaunpalika. Activity 3.1.1.4: GGB Implementation CS:MAP partners HRPLSC, IRDS and Samudayik Sarathi undertook the following activities to pilot the GGB in their communities (Triveni and Bafikot gaunpalikas in Rukum District, Gulmi Durbar and Chhatrakot gaunpalikas in Gulmi District and Tripurasundari and Sunkoshi gaunpalikas in ): a. Issue and stakeholder mapping: CS:MAP GGB implementing partners conducted their GGB workshops and completed mapping of their respective issues and stakeholders. Suddodhan gaunpalika conducted a small-multi stakeholder workshop and identified its issue. b. GGB Modeling: CS:MAP completed GGB workshops in three previously-identified districts (six gaunpalikas). Gulmi identified a need to improve community school physical infrastructure to promote quality education, and also to increase agricultural

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productivity and marketing of products. Rukum decided to focus on the availability of free medicine and quality services through the health center, as well as improvements in the community school’s physical infrastructure to promote quality education. Sindhupalchowk elected to measure improvements to the community school’s physical infrastructure to promote quality education. The groups also developed sub-sub criteria and indicators for measuring change in each of the identified issue areas. The CS:MAP GGB Expert and Governance Advisor worked together with GGB implementing partners in developing detailed sub-sub criteria and indicators. The additional GGB implementation unit in Suddodhan gaunpalika will conduct its modeling workshop in October 2018. c. Setting values of reference: During the reporting period, CS:MAP local CSO partners conducted a second round of modeling and scoring workshops, followed by a workshop to set up the values of reference: 0 - no vision; 50 - existence of a vision but not shared; 75 - very good; and 100 - excellent. This process will be duly followed by Suddodhan gaunpalika. d. Data collection and validation: To validate the values scored by community members, partner CSOs conducted a data collection and analysis workshop. e. Analyze data, set targets for cross-sector service delivery improvement, develop action plans and form GGB Technical Monitoring Groups: After the data collection and validation, GGB implementers conducted the next round of workshops to review scores, analyze the indicators, and identify the main reasons for the minimum values. GGB Technical Monitoring Groups were previously formed and working as per the plan. f. Implement action plans: The final GGB workshops were held in March 2018 in all GGB districts to develop improvement plans. The plans were shared with all stakeholders. Upon completion of the entire GGB process in these three districts, a consolidated report has been prepared from each district. Measuring end lines: GGB Technical Monitoring Committees are monitoring the implementation of action plans in Gulmi, Rukum and Sindhupalchowk Districts. Action plan items include: o Gulmi Durbar gaunpalika: Preparation and distribution of annual education calendars to gaunpalika schools and inclusion of a provision for head teacher and other teachers’ annual performance assessment in the gaunpalika education policy; o Tripurasundari gaunpalika: Formation of grievance redressal committee at Mahendra Pratap Secondary School, and development of code of conduct to regulate teaching and learning activities in gaunpalika schools; o Sunkoshi gaunpalika: Notification of posted complaint/grievance boxes at Community schools located in Ward 6, and revision of school improvement plans and activation of child clubs in gaunpalika;

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o Triveni gaunpalika: Maintenance of citizen charter and notice board, formation of monitoring committee, and installation of a complaint box at gaunpalika health post. The health post also conducted a free health camp, deployed full-time staff, designated a Public Information Officer to provide information to citizens, and initiated budget proceedings to obtain funds for accessibility structures. In addition, Triveni gaunpalika has increased its health post budget by 25 percent for the coming year.

Activity 3.1.1.5: Utilize online collaboration platform (MeroReport) to monitor and report on cross-cutting issues: During the reporting period MeroReport served as a platform for resource sharing, learning, monitoring, and reporting on cross-sectoral issues; and as a forum for discussion and networking, especially for HEAD sectors. EA re-designed MeroReport in October 2017 to make it more user- friendly. Although the uptake of MeroReport in Year 2 was not as expected, there has been a significant rise in the interactivity and participation resulting from aggressive promotion strategies employed in Year 3. This has further led to a significant increase in the number of blogs/articles posted during this reporting period. There are now dedicated sessions for MeroReport within all trainings organized by EA. In addition, EA used all-partner review meetings, one-on-one meetings with CSOs and interactions during field trips to promote MeroReport with all project partners (including national advocacy partners, ISO partners and CSO partners) and with journalists and citizens.

As MeroReport delinked Google analytics during the transfer of site content from one platform to another, EA was unable to track page views during this transition period. Despite this, the site page views have increased by around 81 percent. According to Google analytics, there were 50,045 page views this year compared to 27,637 page views in the previous year.

During the reporting period, approximately 60 percent of users accessed MeroReport through social networking sites while 30 percent did so by directly typing the site address in the browser. The social media pages of the platform have been utilized for sharing the selected contents of the site as well as for cross- promoting CS:MAP activities. As of this year, there are 1,774 fans (19 percent female) of the MeroReport Facebook page and 3,660 followers (seven percent female) of the Twitter page. The majority of fans and the followers of the social media pages are youth between 25-34 years of age.

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By the end of September 2018, MeroReport had 2,156 members, with 281 new members joining during this reporting period. This is a significant increase over the 38 No. of MeroReport Members by Group new members who joined in Year 2. Likewise, 1,383 new articles/ Advocacy Journalism 31 blogs were posted during this Investgative Journalism 60 reporting period compared to only Gender Equality and Social Inclusion 22 61 new blog posts in the previous Mutual Accountability 28 year. About 1,000 of these blogs Journalism and Mass Media 22 have been posted by youth, Civil Society Organization 22 demonstrating an interest among Disaster Management 18 youth on issues of governance. The Agriculture 19 extensive increase in the number Education 37 of members and blog posts Health 9 signifies the extent to which Youth 27 MeroReport grew its audience and reach this year. Members The articles posted on MeroReport during this reporting period covered a wide range of subjects including to No. of Articles by Theme health, education, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, good Disaster Risk Reduction 120 governance, local development, media policy, right to information, Agriculture 50 women’s empowerment, gender- based violence, local-level planning Education 110 process, and the use of social accountability tools. Most articles Health 140 focused on current government restructuring, associated challenges, 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 and necessary reforms. More than 30 blog posts have been shared that discuss CS:MAP project activities to promote social accountability and good governance. Approximately 420 articles dealt with topics related to cross- sectoral monitoring in the health, education, agriculture and DRR sectors.

In order to encourage increased interactivity on MeroReport, EA introduced a monthly competition with a specific theme for each month. The August 2018 theme was DRR, and the September 2018 theme was health. A total of 50 blogs were posted on the DRR theme, and three received awards. In addition, the resources section on MeroReport now 86 documents available for users. The documents primarily deal with the local-level planning process, and model and existing policies, laws and guidelines.

Activity 3.1.2 Commission research studies to produce policy analysis and policy briefs.

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CS:MAP local CSO partner SOCH Nepal conducted research to analyze corruption patterns in government and preventive actions taken by Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). The study also analyzed the cost of corruption for society and patterns of accountability gaps in public services delivery. SOCH Nepal included expert perceptions on the performance of the CIAA in the research. SOCH Nepal also worked with other anti-corruption national agencies in order to analyze the patterns of citizen complaints; handling of anti-corruption lawsuits and results; the Department of Money Laundering (DMLI) and its effectiveness in tackling money laundering; and the National Vigilance Centre and its work promoting government transparency and accountability. The final draft of the report is complete and is being reviewed for publication in booklet form. SOCH Nepal also completed research on the NRA in Kathmandu and Okhaldhunga, comparing their strategic plans and activities, budgets and expenditures, efficiency of service delivery, and public/client satisfaction levels. The draft reports are being reviewed by the CS:MAP team and will be disseminated in Quarter 1 FY 2019. 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 coalition and networks for public service oversight. A total of 34 HEAD/CSO coalitions are now operating in CS:MAP working districts. The coalitions are: Health, Education, Agriculture and Disaster Risk Reduction (HEAD) – 11; Agriculture – four; Health – six; Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) – two; Education – nine; Health and Education (HE) – one; and Health, Education and Agriculture (HEA) – one. HEAD coalitions conducted 111 meetings during which participants discussed public service delivery issues, formulated potential joint actions, developed advocacy plans and strategies, identified opportunities to mobilize CARs to gather evidence, and examined findings from SA tools to strengthen advocacy and oversight activities. For example, the DRR network in Dolakha submitted a memorandum to the local authority calling for the reconstruction of houses for the Thami community in Bhimeshwor municipality-2 Fulapa; and the HEAD coalition in Kathmandu used RTI to request the Kageshwori Manahara municipality budget for luxury items. The HEAD coalition in Salyan discussed CSO self-governance and joint plans for monitoring public services, and agreed to develop common minimum standards and abide by them to promote internal government. Similarly, the HEAD coalition in Sindhupalchowk advocated for providing a tax exemption to people living in and around agriculture roads. Activity 3.2.2: Hold Bi-annual Summits CS:MAP promoted collaboration between civil society and media, and coordination between district and national networks on public service oversight, through all-partner bi-annual summits in March and September 2018. Representatives from 27 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. The summits also served to clarify partner roles and activities at all levels. Experts and national-level HEAD coalition/federation representatives were invited to serve as resources in order to strengthen vertical and horizontal linkages between CS:MAP partners and

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national-level actors. In order to accomplish this, the summit participants identified steps needed to link policy advocacy at the local level with relevant national coalitions and networks. During the March 2018 summit participants committed to scaling up best practices and incorporating lessons learned. At the September 2018 summit, federal-level coalitions were briefed on district-level advocacy issues to promote linkages. CS:MAP partners also issued civic declarations during the second bi-annual summit. Summit discussions were based on the learning questions framed in the CS:MAP monitoring, evaluation and learning plan. During the summits participants recognized that national advocacy partners and local CSOs need to work together to develop participatory approaches for improving sub-national policies, with the aim of strengthening the civil society and media enabling environment. Joint declarations that were issued following the summits outlined considerations for advocacy related to effective public service delivery and resource use. Result 3.3: Improved citizen awareness and use of available GoN social accountability mechanisms. Activity 3.3.1: Conduct Refresher Training on Social Accountability Tools. With support from CS:MAP ISOs, IHRICON, CDC, IRDS, HURADEC, Sundar Nepal, Development Exchange Center (DEC) Nepal, SOCH Nepal, HRPLSC, IRDS, Samudayik Sarathi, IHRC, RWDC, FMDC and Sanjeevani Nepal organized a total of 18 orientations on SA tools for elected representatives and government officials, including the DCC Chairperson, representatives from HEAD coalitions/networks, representatives from district chapters of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), FNJ, NGO Federation, CA members, CSO representatives and chairpersons. These orientations educated elected representatives about the legal provisions for and uses of social accountability tools, including social audits, public hearings, community scorecards, citizen report cards, exit polls and PET. The sessions also linked social accountability processes with the 2017 Local Government Operation Act.

As a result of these orientations, gaunpalikas and municipalities have started conducting public hearings. (Please refer to Activity 3.3.4 for details on public hearing). In addition, CSOs began implementing SA tools – for instance, a CSO is using a community scorecard in Dang at Ramput health post, and a social audit of Ramghat health post in Surkhet with CS:MAP support. Likewise, HRPLSC conducted a three-day workshop for mayors/chairs, deputy mayors/vice chairs and secretaries from all 10 local units in Salyan District. The workshop, which took place on February 19-21, 2018, aimed at promoting quality public service delivery by providing citizen feedback through social accountability tools. The workshop focused on the concept of development, governance, legal provisions for governance promotion at the local level and social accountability tools, among others. On behalf of HRPLSC, CS:MAP ISO partners NEPAN and MITRA Samaj jointly facilitated the orientation and Rural Reconstruction Nepal covered the workshop cost.

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On June 21-24, 2018, CS:MAP ISO partner NEPAN organized a refresher on SA tools for CSOs from 34 districts in Kathmandu. District coordinators and officers of 34 districts were trained on the use of public hearings, public audits, social audits, community score cards, public expenditure tracking survey, exist polls and citizen report card surveys. At the end of the training, 14 CSOs developed action plans to implement social accountability tools in coordination with their local government units. The CSOs have agreed in the action plan to conduct a community score card and a public expenditure survey in each district; they will also provide technical support to local governments in conducting public audits, public hearings and social audits. CSOs also introduced their CARs to social accountability tools. In addition, to promote application of social accountability tools, three ISOs (NEPAN, MITRA Samaj and NNSWA) have extended their support to CSOs during coaching and mentoring visits and provided technical assistance on conducting RTI campaigns, PETs, community score cards and gaunpalika/municipality public hearings. Activity 3.3.2: Conduct Right to Information (RTI) Campaign CS:MAP partner IHRC conducted six RTI campaigns in Kohalpur municipality, Janaki and Duduwa gaunpalikas and in Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city-10. The campaigns were conducted during the local “weekly mela,” during which 700 local people visited and interacted with volunteers who discussed the importance of RTI. Volunteers displayed booklets describing the functions and powers of local government; roles and responsibilities of gaunpalika chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, ward chairs and members; human rights considerations and other relevant information. IHRC also conducted an RTI orientation for 50 officials and elected representatives of Duduwa gaunpalika in Banke district. IHRC filed RTI requests in the following areas and received responses to most requests. A total of 49 RTI requests were filed on the following issues in Banke and Bardiya districts, including requests for information related to: • Soliciting a citizenship certificate in an individual’s mother’s name; • An irregular electrical supply in Nepalgunj; • Transparency in budget allocations and expenditures in gaunpalikas (in both Banke and Bardiya); • Quality check provisions in road construction agreements; • Reasons for different standards in road widening in different places of the same road; • A compensation distribution mechanism to households affected by road expansion on the postal highway; • NTC communication problems; • Progress on the Sikta irrigation project; • Hospitals and health-post services and reasons for the unavailability of health personnel and medical supplies at local health facilities; • Provisions and mechanisms for agricultural services and subsidies distributed to marginalized groups; and • Poor management of a local vegetable market.

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Besides these RTI requests, five Public Interest Litigation (PIL) cases were filed in Nepalgunj Bench of Tulsipur High Court. Four of these PIL cases verdicts required further action; (a) unavailability of Doctor in Narainapur Public Health Centre, (b) Distribution of relief materials to flood victims, (c) Dust free road construction (considering human health), and (d) to issue the citizenship from mother’s name. The court have provided their verdict to three issues except ‘Dust free road construction (considering human health). A previous PIL case focused on the provision of health personnel (doctors) at Narainapur Public Health Center in Banke has been decided in favor of hiring additional staff. A new medical doctor was deputed at Narainapur Public Health Center following last quarter’s court order. IHRC has continued to conduct RTI awareness programs, including five RTI events at the local and district levels with extra funding besides CS:MAP. CS:MAP partner FMDC conducted four RTI clinics (one in Quarter 4) in Kailali, Doti and Achham Districts for a total of 518 (85 female) participants. Fifteen people were assisted in preparing RTI requests. Building on these clinics, FMDC conducted an RTI caravan on May 11-14, 2018. The caravan moved through Kailali, Doti and Achham Districts, disseminating information on the RTI concept, process and legal provisions. FMDC also distributed RTI-related Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials which were developed and provided by the National Information Commission. In addition, FMDC conducted meetings with journalists, CSOs and citizens to discuss the status of RTI and governance issues in the districts. IHRICON conducted an RTI-themed video van campaign, with a focus on HEAD issues, on June 29- 30, 2018 in Godawari municipality and Konjosom gaunpalika in Lalitpur, and Suryabinayak, Nagarkot and Changunarayan municipalities in Bhaktapur. The video van was decorated with RTI slogans, and it played various audio messages as it traveled through the municipalities and gaunpalika. The campaign also included street drama performances that conveyed information about RTI. To promote people’s access to information on public services, CDC supported Meghang gaunpalika in Nuwakot and Uttargaya gaunpalika in Rasuwa to install citizen charters at ward offices. The charters included service information, processes for accessing services, expected times for services, the cost required and designated officials for delivering those services. Similarly, HURADEC collaborated with the District Administration Office in Ramechhap to establish an audio-visual citizen charter to improve ease of access to services. Residents report that they can better access information and required documents to obtain services. Likewise, CS:MAP’s 14 CSO partners celebrated RTI day on August 18, 2018 by disclosing information in 20 categories through their notice boards and websites. CSOs are also coordinating with local governments to initiate proactive disclosure of those 20 kinds of information on a quarterly basis. Activity 3.3.3: Select volunteers (selected as per the technical assistance provided under 4.2.3) and orient them on GoN SA mechanisms and tools. In Quarter 1, CS:MAP surveyed CSOs to gather information about their volunteer engagement practices in order to provide tailored, relevant technical assistance. CS:MAP and ISO partner NNSWA worked to develop strategies, organizational policies and guidelines and action plans for engaging volunteers. With technical and financial support from CS:MAP, and in coordination with

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CSOs, NNSWA provided support to CS:MAP local CSO partners to select volunteers to participate in the orientation on SA tools. NNSWA organized a two-day orientation for 34 volunteers (24 female) representing 34 districts. These volunteers participated in an orientation on CS:MAP and its objectives, working approaches, project terminologies, activities in the districts, volunteers’ roles and responsibilities and SA tools. The volunteers, many of whom were young, demonstrated enthusiastic interest in supporting program activities and commitment to fulfilling their district-level responsibilities. In addition, the trained volunteers were trained on PEAR to prepare them to serve as CARs (see Activity 2.3.1). The CARs are now working with partner CSOs to generate evidence on issues of public service delivery and resource use. CS:MAP ISOs provided one-on-one support to these CARs during their field visits on the methods and process of research, preparing questionnaires and templates for research. To better equip CARs with knowledge and understanding on SA tools, a brief orientation on SA tools was provided by the Governance Advisor in Quarter 1 in Nepalgunj. ISO partners also trained CARs on SA tools during coaching and mentoring visits. CSOs provided a learning platform for CARs through their participation in SA tools orientation for CA members and elected representatives in their working districts. Activity 3.3.4: Institutionalize regular social audits and public hearings at a fixed venue in selected gaunpalikas. After being trained in the use of SA tools, the following 11 local CSOs provided technical support to gaunpalikas/municipalities to organize public hearings: S. No. CSO Gaunpalika/municipality that conducted public hearing 1 CDC Meghang gaunpalika, Nuwakot 2 RWDC Ghorahi Sub-metropolitan City 3 HURADEC Manthali municipality, Ramechhap Shailung gaunpalika, Dolakha Fikkal gaunpalika, Sindhuli 4 Sundar Nepal Bheriganga municipality, Surkhet Lekhabesi municipality, Surkhet Narayan municipality and Gurans gaunpalika, Dailekh 5 HRPLSC Triveni gaunpalika, Rukum 6 IRDC Tinau gaunpalika, Palpa 7 Sanjeevani Nepal Krishnapur municipality, Kanchanpur Dasarathchand municipality, Baitadi 8 Development Exchange Nilkantha municipality and Siddhalekh gaunpalika, Dhading Center (DEC) Nepal 9 FMDC KI Singh gaunpalika Dipayal -Silgadhi municipality, Doti

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S. No. CSO Gaunpalika/municipality that conducted public hearing 10 Samudayik Sarathi Panauti municipality, Kavre Barhabise municipality, Sindhupalchowk 11 IRDS Chhatradev gaunpalika, Arghakhanchi Bhumikasthan gaunpalika, Arghakhanchi

The CSO-supported public hearings focused on different issues of public service delivery and resource use. They were conducted per the procedures outlined in the Public Hearing Implementation Guideline-2067. To support the hearings, CSO partners conducted citizen report cards and exit poll and shared the findings. Similarly, 10 CS:MAP partners conducted PET to assess how public resources were being allocated and managed at local level. After completing PET, findings were shared with stakeholders to address identified gaps in the system. ISO partners NEPAN, NNSWA and MITRA Samaj provided technical support to CSOs to conduct PET. List of issues/areas PET were conducted S.No. CSO PET Focus Impact after PET List of scholarship holders updated and 1 CDC Scholarship program in Siladevi recorded properly, and school Secondary School, Belkot, management committee meetings taking Nuwakot place regularly. Note: Findings shared with health post 2 Development Institutional delivery care of and elected representatives. Exchange Center women from Chepang (DEC) Nepal community in Manahari Health Post Note: Initiated the discussion but N/A 3 FMDC could not complete PET during the reporting period. Note: Initiated the discussion but N/A 4 HRPLSC could not complete PET during the reporting period. Maintenance funds allocated for RCC 5 HURADEC Sundrawati Ghattekhola bridge, bridge. Kalinchowk gaunpalika-9, Dolakha The community learning center has Location and operations of the recruited a new facilitator and is now Durganidhi community learning functioning regularly. In addition, the center, Ramechhap center has been moved from a personal residence to Buddha Bhavani secondary school. Local government committed to procure Shortage of free medicines and medicines and distribute them to all poor facilities at health post in health posts on time. Fikkal gaunpalika, Sindhuli

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S.No. CSO PET Focus Impact after PET Note: Report has been prepared and will 6 IHRICON Shree Padhma Secondary School be distributed in October 2018. of Bhaktapur- Fund allocation for educational scholarship Targeted farmers did not receive 7 IRDC Agricultural subsidies to farmers subsidies as agreed. Findings were shared under cooperative-based small with project authorities. irrigation program, Kapilvastu Subsidies were inadequate, and farmers Tracking of subsidies to farmers were not able to access it without the for building fisheries in Palpa support of local elites. Findings were shared with the District Agriculture Office. List of scholarship recipients not posted 8 IRDS Distribution of scholarships to on notice board and funds were not students in Janakalyan distributed on time. Findings shared with Secondary School, Chhatradev the health teacher at the school. gaunpalika, Arghakhanchi school management committee 9 RWDC Scholarship for Kamlahari coordinated with ward office to solve the students at Shree Ganga Higher Kamlahari scholarship problems and Secondary Dadangaun Google requested budget for extra coaching School classes. The school also displayed a list of Kamlahari students. School did not publish details of 10 Samudayik Sarathi Distribution of scholarship to scholarships and not documented students at Gochhi Lower properly. Findings shared with head Secondary School, teacher. Sindhupalchowk Not all senior citizens received social Distribution of social security security allowances, and some are not allowances to senior citizens of receiving their full allowances. Findings Barhabise municipality, were shared with the mayor and deputy Sindhupalchowk mayor of the municipality. Note: Report has been prepared and will 11 SOCH Chalantar Adarsha Primary be shared in October 2018 School Kageswori- Manahara, Kathmandu - fund allocated for educational scholarship Note: Report has been prepared and will Sarashwoti Secondary school, be shared in October 2018 Monumg, Okhaldhunga - fund allocated for educational scholarship Note: findings were shared with the 12 Sundar Nepal Birthing center operations in two health post and the final report will be health posts of Lekbeshi shared in October 2018. municipality (5 and 6)

CS:MAP partners (CDC, RWDC, HURADEC, Sundar Nepal, Sanjeevani Nepal, HRPLSC and IRDS) also conducted institutional social audits in September 2018 to promote mutual accountability. ISO partners NEPAN, MITRA Samaj and NNSWA provided technical support to

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facilitate the social audits. A third-party facilitator was also hired by the CSOs to ensure credibility and trust. The social audits were conducted as per the GoN Social Audit Guideline-2067. Representatives from district-level government and other stakeholders praised the initiatives and requested that all CSOs in the districts conduct annual social audits. Activity 3.3.5: Radio programming to raise citizen awareness of SA mechanisms. Activity 3.3.5.1: Hold Content Advisory Group (CAG) meetings: CAG meetings were held to generate content for CS:MAP-supported radio programs through discussion among the participants from diverse professional backgrounds. In addition, these meetings allowed the production team to engage in fruitful discussions and to gather feedback on the radio program. The central production team conducted four CAG meetings, and local production partners conducted 78 CAG meetings during the reporting period. Central CAG meetings included participants from USAID, FHI 360, the Ministry of Finance, the MoFAGA and Nepal Rastra Bank; the deputy mayors of Kageshwori and Godawari municipalities; and CSO representatives. Among the 77 participants (47 percent female). Based on discussions at the central CAG meeting, the production team selected 28 topics for inclusion within Sajha Boli during this reporting period. These included women in leadership – opportunities and challenges; local-level resources and their mobilization; revenue leakage and civic oversight to stop such leakage; the scope and utilization of local-level budgets; jurisdiction, roles, responsibilities and rights of three tiers of government; legal and practical aspect of local-level plan implementation; local-level budget and transparency – quarterly budget and programs; the importance of public private partnerships; self-governance and self- regulation to improve perceptions of CSOs and media; use of social accountability tools at the local level; and public participation in planning and budget allocation. The local-level CAG meetings also covered similar themes and topics discussed from a local perspective. GESI content integration were discussed at both the central and local CAG meetings. Activity 3.3.5.2: Conduct refresher training on local content production for Sajha Boli local production partners: Nineteen producers and co-producers from 10 local production partners were trained on content production for Sajha Boli radio program. The training focused on building capacity for producing quality and technically-sound programs covering CS:MAP themes and topics. During the training, participants shared skills and ideas around script writing, voice collection, interview technique, desk research, audio editing and packaging for quality radio magazine programs, and engaged in related practical exercises. The training also focused on the need, importance and means of coordination between the producers and other stakeholders in the districts. As a result of the trainings, content quality and production leadership and coordination has improved. For instance, producers and co-producers now develop monthly reports, maintain GESI tracking data related to their productions, and engage with LDAG and CSO members. In Quarter 1, EA organized a meeting with 36 senior managers from partner radio stations to enhance ownership of the Sajha Boli radio program and further its objective of improving local governance. This two-day event aimed to improve participants’ understanding of CS:MAP

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goals and objectives; improve partnerships between CS:MAP and the radio stations; and promote improved coordination between media and CSOs in advancing public interest. The meeting identified marketing, accounting, FM signal mapping, ICT support and sustainability as primary areas for FM radio station capacity development. Activity 3.3.5.3: Carry out Sajha Boli Program production, broadcast and audience interactivity: A total of 266 Sajha Boli episodes were produced and broadcast during this reporting period. Of these, 26 were produced centrally in Kathmandu and the remaining 240 were produced at the sub-national level by CS:MAP’s 10 local production partners. The central-version Sajha Boli episodes were broadcast a total of 1,040 times, and the local versions were broadcast 936 times. In addition to imparting information and promoting audience interactivity on the 28 themes and topics listed in the table below, the radio episodes also included information related to CS:MAP campaigns addressing corruption and violence against women, and encouraged community action to improve oversight of public resources and service delivery. The Sajha Boli central version format includes voxpop, interviews, radio report, CSO opinion segments, slogan contests, SMV promos and question and answer segments.

Sajha Boli central version Episode Broadcast date Theme 22 October 15 Women’s leadership in local government: opportunities and challenges 23 October 29 The current status of public service delivery in local government; complaint mechanism and means of redressal 24 November 12 Social accountability tools in local governance and roles of CSOs and media 25 November 26 Importance of election: why are federal and provincial elections required? 26 December 10 Electoral expenditures in elections 27 December 24 Public access to local government budgets and expenditures 28 January 07 The local-level law making process and importance of people’s participation 29 January 21 Executive, legislative and judicial jurisdiction of local governments 30 February 04 Social accountability at the local level and CSOs’ role 31 February 18 Public image of CSOs and media 32 March 04 Local-level resources and their mobilization 33 March 18 Revenue leakage: civic oversight to prevent such leakage 34 April 01 Legal and practical aspects of local plan implementation 35 April 15 Local-level planning process 36 April 29 Local-level budget: use and frugality 37 May 13 Health services delivery: role of federal, provincial and local governments 38 May 27 Concurrent jurisdiction of federal, provincial and local governments 39 June 10 Public-private partnership for sustainable development 40 June 24 Social accountability in local government and third party oversight 41 July 08 Local government budget: federal grants and other revenue sources 42 July 22 Public participation in local plan implementation and social accountability 43 August 05 Role of user's committee, local level representatives and chief administrative officer in local plan implementation 44 August 19 Concept of open government and its importance 45 Sept 02 Federal government’s role in facilitating local-level service delivery 46 September 16 Local-level law making and civic participation 47 September 30 Role of user's committee in implementing local plans and programs

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Sajha Boli local version Episode Theme 1 Women’s leadership: opportunities and challenges 2 Status of public service delivery in the health, education, agriculture and DRR sectors 3 The role of civil society for effective public service delivery oversight at the local level 4 Role of the judicial committee and its effectiveness 5 Challenges for quality education at the local level 6 Target groups’ budgets and implementation 7 Status of public employees at the local level and impact on public service delivery 8 Rights and duties of the judicial committee 9 Local level plan, its implementation and public oversight 10 Civic oversight of commitments made by candidates during local-level elections 11 Grievance handling mechanism at the local level 12 Preparation required for making laws and regulations in the education sector 13 Local-level planning for disaster management 14 Free education policy: status of implementation and CSO and media advocacy role 15 Quality health services at the local level 16 Social accountability tools and their importance 17 Local-level resources and their distribution 18 Changes seen at the local level after arrival of elected representatives 19 Implementation of local plans and inclusive participation 20 Coordination between the local level and provincial level 21 Local level planning process 22 Local level budget and citizen expectations 23 Health budget: implementation and civic oversight 24 Education: effectiveness of enrolment campaigns and challenges 25 Funds allocated for women and their implementation 26 Local-level agricultural planning 27 Transparency: publicizing elected local representatives’ property information 28 Role of CSOs and media in local-level lawmaking process 29 Rights and duties of ward education committees 30 Tax and its importance

Community Reporter refresher training In Quarter 1, EA conducted a four-day refresher training for 31 Community Reporters (CRs) to build their capacity to collect local voices and opinions from their respective communities. The training also enhanced their photography skills to carry out oversight of public services delivery and associated advocacy. The training built their knowledge of social accountability; mutual accountability between CSOs, media and government stakeholders; public service delivery and civic oversight; and their role in presenting such issues from a community perspective. Following the training, the CRs have posted blog articles in MeroReport, and interacted and coordinated more frequently with local CSOs, FM partners, trained journalists, and LDAG and CA members. They organized community-based discussions among local people and concerned stakeholders and provided the voice/audio for radio station partners. They participated in or sent local issues for discussion to CAG meetings conducted by radio production partners.

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Audience interactivity3 Caller interaction with the Sajha Boli Chautari (SBC) IVR platform suggests a slight increase in listenership in Quarter 4 after a decline in Quarters 2 and 3. The highest number of callers to SBC was recorded in Quarter 1, when almost 6,000 listeners called in. Overall, more than 12,000 individuals interacted via SBC with the radio program during this reporting period. Moreover, there were 1,074 new callers this year compared to 701 new callers in the previous year. However, LDAG participation in SBC is low, with an average of 27 LDAG members calling in per month out of approximately 500 callers overall. The failure to encourage LDAG member participation in SBC has remained a constant challenge. Comparisons across quarters reveal a decline over the course of the reporting period, from 227 LDAG member interactions in Quarter 1 to 60 in Quarter 4. EA has updated its outreach strategy to improve LDAG participation in SBC in the coming year. Production and Broadcast of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) During the reporting period, 104 PSAs were produced on gender-based violence, anti-corruption, social justice, the local-level planning process, accountable journalism, local governance, civic oversight of public service delivery and RTI. To ensure broader impact, these PSAs were produced in Nepali as well as in seven local languages/dialects: Magar, Newari, Awadhi, Tamang, Sherpa, Tharu and Doteli, and were broadcast repeatedly. PSA effectiveness was evaluated via two rounds of assessments, one each in March and September 2018. These assessments targeted a respondent sample of IVR callers from each of the 34 project districts, distributing questionnaires that requested feedback on the clarity, usefulness and relevance of PSA messages.

Activity 3.3.6: Listening, Discussion and Action Groups (LDAGs) to engage citizens in social accountability. During this reporting period LDAGs were formed and managed by partner CSOs, and most of their activities were reported via their respective CSOs. EA trained 62 LDAG facilitators during this reporting period and engaged LDAGs through the IVR system as well as through outreach activities. The trained LDAG facilitators conducted group discussions and led activities in their communities. The 34 CRs visited at least two LDAGs every month and shared findings through monthly reports. LDAG members sent their feedback on radio episodes and LDAG facilitators sent information related to their planned activities and their observations of such activities via IVR. In addition to participating in CA meetings, LDAG members visited local government offices, health posts, and agriculture and education units in an effort to make public service delivery more effective and accessible. EA project team members visited LDAGs in Dang, Rukum, Salyan, Surkhet, Pyuthan, Kavre, Sindhupalchowk, Dhading, Dolakha, and Makawanpur districts during

3 Details about audience interactivity are discussed in chapter 9 of the monitoring, evaluation and learning plan

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this reporting period. Please refer to Section 5 on Cross Cutting Interventions, Youth Engagement, for examples of LDAGs initiating action aimed at improving local governance. Activity 3.3.7: Engage youth in social accountability: Twelve episodes of youth-targeted SSMK radio programs on CS:MAP thematic areas were produced and broadcast during this reporting period. SMMK is targeted to youth audiences and has a wide reach among the youth population. According to the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016, SSMK radio programs are listened to by 24 percent of the population (22 percent female and 25 percent male) in the15-49 years age-group. In addition to promoting audience interactivity through IVR and the Voice of Youth system, during field visits the SSMK team interacted with local youth to discuss the importance of youth’s role in public service oversight and good governance. SSMK radio episodes that were produced and broadcast during this reporting period focused on women’s empowerment; agriculture and entrepreneurship; the role of youth as civil society members in providing oversight for local budget utilization in advocating for youth-friendly plans and programs. A total of 1,644 responses were received from audiences for 11 of the 12 episodes broadcast during this reporting period. Out of the 766 callers who provided information about their gender, 56.1 percent were male and 43.9 percent were female; most were 18 – 24 years of age. “We were not aware of agricultural grants available from our rural municipality. Likewise, we got inspired to discuss about how to utilize budgets for the development of agricultural activities in our community” - (A female caller from Bhojpur district) “We did not know of agricultural grants as well as agriculture-related trainings provided by our rural municipality” - (A female caller from Dhankuta district) “I agree that women should be given opportunities for participation in the local level planning process, including in the budget allocation process” - (A male caller from Bardiya district)

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 campaigns. Two rounds of the SMS My Voice (SMV) campaign were conducted during this reporting period. The first round, conducted from November 2017 to March 2018, focused on engaging youth in anti-corruption initiatives. The campaign was divided into pre-election and post-election phases. In the pre-election campaign, the callers were asked whether they had inquired with candidates about their commitment to curb corruption. In the post-election campaign, the callers were asked to propose initiatives that they planned to undertake to make elected representatives accountable for their commitment to curb corruption. A total of 2,000 youth participated in the campaigns. Including the campaigns conducted in Year 2, four campaigns have been conducted to encourage youth engagement in oversight of public resources use and public service delivery, with over 5,000 youth participants. A total of 1,108 entries were received in the first round of the campaign, 726

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via IVR (66 percent) and 382 via SMS (34 percent), exceeding the campaign target of 600 entries by 85 percent. Activity 3.4.2: Organize Public Service Delivery Photo Exhibit. To raise awareness about citizens’ role in the oversight of public service delivery at the local level, and to urge local authorities to take action, a one-day photo exhibit was organized by FHI 360, Equal Access, HRPLSC and IHRC at Nepalgunj, Banke on September 25, 2018. Forty-nine photographs taken by trained CS:MAP Community Reporters were put up for display, depicting the situation of HEAD-sector public service delivery in different districts. The photographs showed how gaps and challenges in public service delivery can affect the daily life of women, children, persons with disabilities and other traditionally marginalized groups. Around 250 visitors including government officials, civil society and media representatives, students and the general public observed the photo exhibition with keen interest. Inaugurated by the Chief Administrative Officer of Nepalgunj Sub-metropolis, the event was covered by various local newspapers and national dailies like Annapurna Post and Nagarik, FM radio stations and online news portals. Activity 3.4.3: Update online collaboration platform (MeroReport). This activity is described above under Activity 3.1.1.5. Activity 3.4.4: Opening local-level units’ (municipality/gaunpalika) annual budget and plans to the public. CS:MAP completed the development of an Open Local Government Digital System for Neelakantha municipality in Dhading and Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city in Banke. These ‘Mero Neelakantha’, ‘Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan’ mobile applications of can be downloaded from the Android Play Store. Using the ‘Talk to the Mayor’ feature in the digital platform, citizens can directly contact the Mayor’s office using their social media accounts. Furthermore, the website and the mobile app enable citizens to access information on municipal services, their procedures, required documents, estimated time of completion and tariffs by simply browsing through the web portal or mobile application. This information can also be accessed offline using the mobile app. To maintain transparency, the Municipality has opened its entire budget under the new account headings prescribed by the Office of the Auditor General. The system is user friendly, enabling citizens to view important information related to government offices as well as schools and hospitals on an interactive map. The citizens of both municipalities can now see the projects being undertaken by wards and the municipality in their areas and keep track of their progress from project proposal to procurement to construction to completion. These projects can also be viewed on an interactive map. The platform also allows users to interact directly with municipality officials on their cell phones and through email, and to access vital municipal statistics including demography, income distribution and literacy levels. These portals and applications are now owned by the MoFAGA and will be rolled out in other local government units.

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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 CS:MAP ISOs NEPAN, MITRA Samaj and NNSWA provided support through coaching and mentoring to 14 CSOs as they implemented their OCA IIPs, ARI capacity building plans, GESI action plans and financial sustainability plans. The ISOs also supported finalization of CSOs’ resource mobilization guidelines, strategy plans, and personnel and financial policies. ISOs provided support in these areas through on-site visits, distance support and coaching. The CS:MAP capacity-building team developed references for support and shared these with the CSOs. A total of three sets of coaching, mentoring and follow-up visits were conducted by the ISOs during the reporting period. ISOs have been reporting on their visits and CSO action plan progress on action plans to the CS:MAP capacity-building unit on a regular basis. Frequent coaching and mentoring support to CSOs in implementing IIPs/action plans showed major improvement in the following areas: • Development and review of five-year strategic plans and board endorsement of plans; • Revision, updating and endorsement of organizational policies (Admin and HR, Finance, and Communication) revised, updated and endorsed; • Ensuring a well-designed organization structure (restructured organogram) that is relevant to a CSO’s mission, goals, and programs, with clear lines of responsibility and communication among departments; • Ensuring that executive committee members have clear Terms of Reference that separates their roles from management and other staff functions, and that the members have a good understanding of the executive committee function; • Development or revision of proper and appropriate procurement policies and procedures that are generally known to the board members and staff (especially the procurement committee) due to their increased knowledge on the policies, with the roles and responsibilities of board members (especially members of procurement committee) well- explained in the Terms of Reference; • Reform and restructuring of procurement committee; • Documentation of fixed assets policies and procedures, and ensuring that the policies related to fixed assets are well known among the board members and staff and are consistently adhered to; • Initiation of physical verification of the assets of the organization; • Development of clear and transparent guidelines related to recruitment that align with the labor act; • Adoption of HR best practices, including regularly reviewing and updating JDs; • Maintenance and regular updating of staff files;

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• Ensuring a process for documenting salary history, with salaries reviewed and updated regularly, and through which staff are aware of salary provisions; • Development or updating of strategic communication guidelines that direct communication within and outside of the organization; • Establishment of a functioning Resource Mobilization Committee for raising funds; • Formulation of GESI guidelines for culturally-relevant and gender-based approaches and programming with associated tools for assessing cultural and gender issues. In addition, in January 2018 MITRA Samaj conducted a three-day workshop to build CSO capacity to review and update personnel and financial policies. The purpose of the workshop was to address the gaps in CSO policies identified during the OCA assessment and a policy review conducted by FHI 360. ISOs MITRA Samaj, NEPAN and NNSWA provided support to finalize all 14 CSOs’ personnel and financial policies. All CSOs are now implementing the revised policies in their organizations. To build CSO capacity, CS:MAP ISO NNSWA organized a two-day training on facilitation skills for 34 district staff members in Quarter 1. Similarly, ISO NEPAN conducted a project cycle management training in March 2018. The training focused on the concept of project management; the effectiveness, efficiencies and stages of the project cycle management; the benefits of using “Theory of Change” (including the use of a logical framework approach); and results-based management. The training equipped CSOs to develop organizational monitoring and evaluation guidelines. As of this writing all 14 CSOs have drafted M&E organizational guidelines.

With support from the CS:MAP team, the ISO partners jointly developed a minimum standard of internal governance for CS:MAP partners in-line with the standards developed by NFN. The standards include areas such as participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, effectiveness and efficiency, accountability and strategic direction, with indicators to guide and assess implementation. The standards will be rolled out in Quarter 1 FY 2019 in all 14 CSOs.

A training on “Leadership and Governance” planned for Quarter 4 was postponed to Quarter 1 FY 2019 in order to link this session with other capacity-building and project activities. Activity 4.1.2: Conduct annual organizational capacity assessments with partner organizations, and adjust IIPs. As per the AWP, CS:MAP held an OCA refresher training for three ISOs: NNSWA, NEPAN and MITRA Samaj, revisited the OCA process and steps, and conducted training on the new added sub-domain (‘Conflict Sensitivity’). The translation of the added sub-domain was completed during the training. After receiving the training, CS:MAP ISO partners MITRA Samaj, NEPAN and NNSWA completed a second round of OCA assessments of 14 CSOs in Quarter 2. The assessments covered seven domains (Governance, Administration, Human Resources Management, Financial Management, Organization Management, Program Management and External Relations) and 39 sub-domains including a new sub-domain on Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm. This round of

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assessments aimed to compare findings that emerged from the first round OCA conducted from April to June 2017.

OCA Comparative Chart (2017 & 2018) Governance 2.63 3 2.31 2.9 2.5 2.75

External Relations 2 Administration 1.5 2.21 2.4 1 0.5 0 2.5 2.6 2.29 2.1 Human Resource Program Management Management

2.25 2.22

Organizational Financial Management Management 2.8 2.7 Score 2018 Score 2017 (Baseline)

CSOs prepared OCA-IIPs and ISO partners supported the implementation of the plans through regular coaching and mentoring visits. ISO support and commitment from CSOs’ management and board members helped CSOs achieve plan goals in one year. After the second round of assessments, all CSOs adjusted their IIPs and continued their efforts to improve institutional governance. As a result of this joint effort and CS:MAP’s support, CSOs improved by 20 percent in FY18 compare to the OCA baseline established in FY17. Significant improvements were noted in administration, human resource management, financial management, organizational management and external relations. IIPs were adjusted to address the new gaps and ISOs plan to support IIPs accordingly. Major gaps and areas in need of improvement after second-round OCA are as follows: Domain Major gaps/improvement areas Governance • Documentation of annual general meeting and membership renewal • Amendment of constitution • Increase in the number of members, ensuring GESI Administration • Physical verification on an annual basis/periodic basis • Annual/periodic procurement plan • Maintain assets register and update on a regular basis

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Human Resource • Implementation of revised personnel policies (staff selection, performance Management review, personnel filing, staff development needs, etc.) Financial management • Create chart of accounts for organization • Use of accounting software • Apply internal control system • Prepare organization’s annual budget • Conduct internal audit and external audit on time • Fund diversification plan for financial sustainability Organization management • Annual review of strategic plan • Conduct social audit on an annual basis • Joint meeting of board and staff Program Management • Meeting donor requirements on time • Implementation of GESI policy/guideline • Institutional M&E plan • Applying conflict sensitivity in organization External relations • Functioning of resources mobilization committee • Civil society engagement

Immediately after the second round of assessments, NEPAN, with support from the CS:MAP team, facilitated a four-day organizational assessment of NEOC and assisted in preparing its Year 1 IIP. NEPAN is providing technical support to NEOC to implement its IIP. 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. Following the development of CSO financial sustainability action plans in FY17, all 14 CSOs finalized their resource mobilization guidelines and plans, which were endorsed by CSO boards in Quarter 1 FY18. Each of the 14 CS:MAP partner CSOs also completed the project financial revenue form in Quarter 3. CS:MAP ISO partner NEPAN analyzed the forms and shared the analysis report with CS:MAP. The report indicates that 12 CSOs received a total of 48 news grants/funds (16 from government and 32 from other donors) during the reporting period. The report also underscores the need to continue with fund diversification efforts to ensure long-term sustainability, and the need to develop CSO proposal-writing skills. Activity 4.2.2: Conduct bi-annual group trainings in financial sustainability Based on findings from the financial revenue form analysis, NEPAN organized a four-day training for partner CSOs in Quarter 4. Although the AWP included plans for two two-day trainings, CS:MAP decided that a more comprehensive approach was needed. Instead, the project worked with NEPAN to develop a training entitled “Resource mobilization and financial sustainability,” drawing on FHI 360’s Going the Distance: Fostering Step by Step Strategies to Support NGO Sustainability Training Guide. The training was focused on proposal writing and included practice

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sessions. CSOs prepared action plans, including commitments to prepare and submit at least two proposals in each year to improve financial sustainability. Activity 4.2.3: Provide technical assistance on volunteer engagement. CS:MAP ISO NNSWA provided support to 14 CSOs in their volunteer selection processes (e.g., drafting vacancy notices, short-listing volunteers, providing reference questions for interviews) in 34 program districts. NNSWA guided CSOs to ensure volunteer selection from marginalized and disadvantaged community groups, incorporating GESI considerations. A total of 34 volunteers (24 female) were selected in Quarter 1. A two-day volunteer orientation was conducted in Nepalgunj on December 21 and 22, 2017, focusing on an introduction to CS:MAP, as well as volunteer roles and responsibilities and possible contribution to CS:MAP. Volunteer appointments were effective as of December 15, 2017, and volunteers were trained on participatory evidence-based research (see Activity 2.1.1.2). Currently, 30 volunteers are conducting research to support advocacy. Four districts (Kavre, Sindhupalchowk, Gulmi and Arghakhanchi) are recruiting youth to fill vacancies after volunteers resigned. CS:MAP ISO partners are providing necessary guidance to CSOs on CAR engagement and training CARs on evidence-based research. Activity 4.2.4: Conduct open houses to expose CS:MAP partners to new donors. In Quarter 3, CSO partners IHRC, RWDC, CDC Nepal and HURADEC conducted CSO fairs in Banke, Dang, Nuwakot, and Dolakha, respectively. The CSO fair in Banke focused on information dissemination for RTI; RWDC and CDC focused on dissemination of information related to the roles and responsibilities of local government; and HURADEC shared information on CSOs’ efforts to strengthen district governance and HURADEC’s efforts to improve its own governance. Organizers provided information, education and communication materials related to public service delivery and resources use, and the roles and responsibilities of gaunpalikas/municipalities and ward offices. An estimated 2,000-plus people attended the CSO fairs. 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 CSO and media partners to improve technical and organizational development capacities These activities are discussed under Activities 4.1 and 4.2. Activity 4.3.2: Strengthen the local marketplace of capacity development services This activity was not planned during the reporting period.

Activity 4.3.3: Facilitate peer learning among partner CSOs and media organizations CS:MAP uses joint platforms for peer-learning between partner CSOs and media organizations. To accomplish this, in FY18 CS:MAP conducted two bi-annual summits, two partner review and reflection meetings (as per the monitoring, evaluation and learning plan) and monthly and

Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 88 Annual Progress Report No. 3: Oct 1, 2017-Sept 30, 2018

quarterly review meetings (internal), during with the organizations learned from each other’s practices. CS:MAP has also created online groups in its portal, MeroReport.net. During the reporting period Shreejanshil Shakhas and CS:MAP monthly newsletters also helped CS:MAP partners, both at the national and sub-national level, learn from each other. CSOs have started to coordinate with each other and exchange lessons learned and guidance on implementing project activities, such as conducting PET and using social accountability tools at the districts and local level. To promote the peer learning among CSOs and media organizations ISOs MITRA Samaj and NNSWA planned two peer learning events in Quarter 4, which were postponed and will take place in FY19. Activity 4.3.4: Refresher Training on CS:MAP concept and strategies in advancing local solutions and peer learning On June 19 and 20, 2018, CS:MAP conducted its all-partners review, reflection and work plan meeting. CS:MAP used this forum to provide a refresher on CS:MAP concepts and strategies in advancing local solutions and peer learning.

5. Cross Cutting Interventions

5.1 Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

In Year 3, CS:MAP reviewed a number of national policies, including the 2016 Journalistic Code of Ethics, 2016 Mass Communication Policy and ToR of Judicial Committee, using a GESI lens. The findings were discussed with a number of loosely-affiliated networks and shared with relevant stakeholders, including CS:MAP CSO and media coalitions and relevant parliamentarians. A GESI vision for the Umbrella Act for National Mass Communication was also developed in consultation with the CSO and media coalitions. It was then shared with concerned lawmakers; a representative from the Parliament committee on women, children, elderly and social welfare; the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology; Press Council Nepal; FNJ and the task force to study the impact of Criminal (Code) Act 2074 in Press and Media on June 25, 2018. In Quarter 2, FNJ drafted a media toolkit for media houses to ensure self-regulation, and worked with CS:MAP to ensure that the toolkit included GESI as a central component. To solicit GESI inputs for the toolkit from experts, MAG and Samjhauta Nepal organized a panel discussion entitled 'Setting GESI Prerequisites in Self-Assessment for Media” with media experts and CSO leaders on April 26, 2018. Recommendations from the experts and suggestions from the participants were provided to FNJ and have been adapted in the revised draft of the toolkit. Against the backdrop of the GoN’s continuing development of new laws in line with the 2015 Constitution and international commitments, in Year 3 CS:MAP shared 1,506 copies of the GESI policy checklist developed in Year 2 with all 753 local bodies. The policy checklist will serve as a resource for representatives in the lawmaking process. CS:MAP will track how well local bodies use this checklist as a reference while developing their laws and policies. The checklist was also

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handed over to the Minister of Communication and Information Gokul Banskota, 30 high-level federal parliamentarians, and the Secretary of the National Women’s Commission. CS:MAP also shared the GESI checklist with representatives from all major political parties on October 18, 2017, and with deputy mayors from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur on January 23, 2018. At these events, women parliamentarians shared that although they understand the problems with gender inequality and social exclusion identified by grassroots activists, they cannot be addressed in Parliament because GESI is almost never prioritized. Participants also discussed considerations related to women’s issues and intersectionality, which they acknowledged to be a challenge in Nepali politics because most of the representatives come from influential family backgrounds and are privileged in terms of class and ethnicity. CS:MAP partner National Election Observation Committee held an expert consultation entitled “Electoral Model and Representation Character in Nepal” on June 21-22, 2018 in Godavari, Lalitpur. At the event experts discussed reforms related to representation, intra-party democratic endeavors, the sanctity of elections and key management aspects during elections. Several papers were presented that described Nepal’s past and current , focusing on the effect of Nepal’s mixed model of electoral system, First-Past-The-Post, Proportional Representation, and representation for women and marginalized communities. Under Proportional Representation, parties that receive more than three percent of the vote have representation in Parliament. However, that policy has not resulted in equal representation for women and marginalized communities. To improve the coalition between CSOs and media for collective action, CS:MAP focused on addressing gender-based violence, a critical issue for both sectors. The final two quarters of Year 3 saw a staggering number of reports of sexual violence and rape. CSOs in general failed to respond to these atrocities. In response, CS:MAP organized programs on June 13 and June 26 with strong representation from parliamentarians and the media. Parliamentarian Anjana Bisunkhe noted that civil society is well placed to voice the needs of the people and requested that CSOs and media lobby to form proper laws against sexual violence by suggesting, supporting and, if needed, forcing through movements. She recommended coordinating with women parliamentarians to form a network to work on the issue of gender-based violence. Similarly, CS:MAP’s local CSO partner IHRICON organized dialogues between locally-elected leaders, media stakeholders and women’s rights activists on the issue of gender-based violence on June 14, 2018 with the objective of identifying key challenges and finding appropriate avenues to provide improved services to the survivors of gender-based violence. Deputy mayors of Mahalaxmisthan and Godawari and women’s rights activists, journalists and representatives from the government were present at the event. These series of discussions contributed to CS:MAP’s Ma Bolchhu, or “I Will Speak Up,” campaign, which called for individuals and groups to raise their voices for advocacy, create pressure for activism and express solidarity against all forms of discrimination and violence against women. The CS:MAP radio programs, Sajha Boli and SSMK, prioritized GESI issues including women’s leadership in local-level government, the role of women in judicial committees, women participation in the local-level planning process, gender responsive budgets and the importance of

Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 90 Annual Progress Report No. 3: Oct 1, 2017-Sept 30, 2018

gender and socially inclusive participation in all activities related to the local-level planning process.

Gender Disaggregation of the Percentge of Voices Represented Voices Represented in Sajha Boli in Sajha Boli Central Version by Central Version Caste/Ethnicity

Religious Minorities

Terai/Madhesi Other Caste 43% /Madhesi… 57% Newar

Hill Brahmin & 0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Female Male Caste/ Ethnicity of Voices Represented in Sajha Boli

Of 3,638 voices included in the Sajha Boli local version, approximately 44 percent (1,599) female; with 60 percent (2,183) identifying as Hill Brahmin/Chettris; 14 percent (499) Hill Mountain Janajatis; 14 percent (511) to Hill Dalits; six percent (225) Newars; three percent (125) Terai/ Madhesi Aadivasis/ Janajatis; and approximately three percent Terai/Madhesi Brahmins/ Rajputs, Terai/ Madhesi and other castes, Terai/ Madhesi/Dalits and others. CAG meetings likewise prioritized issues related to marginalized communities as well as their representation. Among 270 radio program content issues recommended, 33 were explicitly concerned with gender and 11 with social inclusion (even while GESI continues to remain integral to all episodes). The SMV campaign encouraged youth to discuss the need for GESI in the ongoing local-level planning process and its implementation. The local-level CAG meetings included 918 participants (48 percent female), of which there were 570 Hill Brahmin/Chettris, 135 Hill Mountain Janajatis, 33 Newars, 128 Hill Dalits, six Terai/ Madhesi Brahmins and Rajputs, 40 Terai/ Madhesi Aadivasis/ Janajatis, one Terai Madhesi and other castes, two Terai/ Madhesi Dalit, four religious minorities and two others.

Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 91 Annual Progress Report No. 3: Oct 1, 2017-Sept 30, 2018

GESI considerations were incorporated into all CS:MAP media programs during the reporting period. In order to ensure a wider project reach, CS:MAP emphasized production of radio programs and PSAs in multiple languages and dialects including Nepali, Magar, Newari, Awadhi, Tamang, Sherpa, Tharu and Doteli. The PSAs dealt with three GESI-related themes – ending GBV in education, the participation of marginalized communities as a social justice concern, and the participation of women at the local level. Of the 10 Sajha Boli producers based with local FM radio station partners, 50 percent are female. Likewise, among the 34 Community Reporters, 29 are female, 6 are Hill Mountains Janajatis and four belong to the Tarai Madhesi and Tharu ethnic group. CS:MAP also designed and incorporated a session on gender and social inclusion Gender Disaggregation of within the FM producer refresher Community Reporters (CRs) training, the CR refresher training, the LDAGs facilitator training, the Investigative Journalism training, and the 5 Advocacy, Monitoring and Oversight training. This session dealt with GESI as a concept, why it was important to ensure social justice within development efforts, 29 GESI and meaningful participation of all citizens as a key component of good governance, and strategies for ensuring such participation in local governance. Female Male Reports published by investigative journalism trainees included GESI-relevant themes. These include: issues related to mother tongue education in the Tharu language, why birthing centers are beneficial for women, incidents of gender-based violence in Salyan, how women suffer from the belief in witchcraft, how the practice of chhaupadi (where women and girls are made to live in animal sheds during their menstrual period) harms women, and the lack of disabled-friendly services in government offices, among others. MeroReport also provided space for a separate group discussion on GESI, with 22 members already joining this group. During the reporting period approximately 19 percent of the 1,774 fans of the MeroReport Facebook page and seven percent of the 3,660 followers on its Twitter page were female. Likewise, an encouraging 35 percent of the audience that interacted on SBC are female. A total of 1,644 IVR responses were received from the audience for the 12 SSMK episodes aired this year. Of the 766 callers who provided information about their gender, 43.9 percent were female. Efforts to strengthen organizational capacity and sustainability of CSOs took into account the recommendations from the Year 2 GESI audits. The resulting action plans addressed the absence or insufficiency of partner CSO gender policies (i.e., policies that only addressed gender, and/or were not followed). Based on these findings, CS:MAP ISO partner Shtrii Shakti formulated an

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institutional GESI Policy Checklist (Annex 8) that was shared with all 14 CSOs as a part of coaching and mentoring initiative to guide their GESI policies. CSOs used the policies to assess areas including CSO membership, electing the Executive Assembly, facilities provided to staff such as leave and holidays in-line with government provisions, hiring new employees, GESI- friendly infrastructure and environment, project planning and implementation, GESI budgeting, Zero Tolerance, Non-Discrimination and Do No Harm Approaches, complaint and hearing mechanisms and CSO ownership. CSOs adapted the checklist to their own contexts, including diversity of their communities and organizational priorities. CS:MAP engaged with key board members during the coaching and mentoring processes to increase their ownership of and appreciation for the GESI policies. As a result, all of the 14 CSOs have finalized their institutional GESI policies, and boards have endorsed the policies. After the audits, local CSOs were put forward as GESI role models in their communities in order to promote change and inspire other CSOs to implement GESI best practices. Following the audits, some CSOs have made significant changes in their organizations, for example by making toilets more gender-friendly, installing ramps for wheelchair accessibility, or committing to allocate funds for GESI alterations in the near future. CSOs have also committed to revise their hiring processes by assigning bonus points to people from minority groups and marginalized populations. New GESI policies have also led to strong success stories of GESI incorporation within their organizations. For example, FMDC Kailali now has a compulsory seat for disabled persons on its board, and has included a Muslim representative on its board. IHRICON has acknowledged that although it had a GESI policy, it was not comprehensive and did not include many important aspects. Likewise, SOCH acknowledged that it now has a GESI policy that can be shown to any funding partners if required. In Year 3, CS:MAP also expanded its GESI approaches to the Community Management Entities including the CA, PPWG and LDAG. CS:MAP updated and analyzed the detailed, disaggregated data of all three entities which informed mentoring of the local CSOs who were working with these groups. CS:MAP has also developed a draft of three GESI resource materials including a handbook on GESI in Advocacy (Annex 9), which provides guidelines on conducting advocacy work with a GESI lens; a GESI toolkit in Public Resource Use (Annex 10); and a GESI toolkit on Public Service Delivery (Annex 11). 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence To mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and as an entry point to engage with newly-elected representatives to improve the civil society enabling environment, a GESI orientation was provided to elected representatives from Lalitpur Metropolitan City on November 30 and December 1, 2017. The orientation covered GESI principles, the evolution of GESI in Nepal and the current context as it relates to GESI. The representatives shared their experiences and challenges that they face in promoting GESI in their respective constituencies. They shared that, as the peoples' representatives, they must deal with a wide range of challenges including obtaining citizenship certificates, problems in divisions of inheritances, budget priorities, etc. Therefore, they need to understand the national policies and related GESI provisions to ensure that those provisions are followed. The representatives shared that, due to the vast gap in governmental understanding regarding these provisions, they are currently unable to fully support GESI

Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 93 Annual Progress Report No. 3: Oct 1, 2017-Sept 30, 2018

mainstreaming in their constituencies. The participants also committed to take a stand against gender-based violence in their respective offices. As a result of the orientation, CS:MAP was able to enhance the capacity of the locally-elected representatives from Lalitpur Metropolitan City. The local representatives’ proximity to people’s everyday lives means there is potential to respond more directly to women’s and marginalized people’s needs when it comes to public policy and service delivery. At these levels, there is enormous potential to use a GESI lens in an array of services and planning, including gender budgeting approaches involving the local population. The orientation was also successful in building linkages between the locally-elected representatives and the civil society. In addition, CS:MAP partner RWDC partnered with the Women’s Development Office to conduct an interaction on the changing trends in gender-based violence in Dang, Banke and Salyan Districts as a result of various micro-finance groups’ efforts. CS:MAP CSO partner SOCH Nepal also organized an interaction with prominent civil society leaders and government counterparts to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The program focused on Kuriti, or traditional practices, that contribute to gender-based violence and discrimination in 16 districts in Tarai, Kathmandu, Gorkha and Okhaldhunga. And, CS:MAP ISO partner Shtrii Shakti organized a number of events to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, including a rally to raise awareness around gender-based violence, followed by a street drama and poetry competition in Kailali, Bardiya, Kaski and Parbat. Ma Bolchhu Campaign CS:MAP celebrated International Women’s Day 2018 by launching the Ma Bolchhu campaign, calling on communities to think, act, and be gender-inclusive by promoting collective action and shared responsibility. Ma Bolchhu, or the “I will speak up” campaign, called for individuals and groups to advocate, promote activism, and express solidarity as a form of support against all forms of discrimination and violence against women. A national panel discussion on Stories of Inspiration, Opportunities and Challenges for Women in Leadership brought together five prominent women leaders from diverse sectors to share their journey to becoming successful leaders in their sectors. Public events encompassing a variety of activities, including street drama, poetry elocution, screening of the documentary Gaun Ki Chhori (produced under USAID’s Sajhedari Bikaas), and interactions, were carried out in 34 districts around the country where more than 4,000 people, including prominent civil society leaders and elected representatives, made a public pledge to speak against all forms of violence against women as a part of the campaign. The campaign had a strong social media component with the Ma Bolchhu Facebook page garnering more than 13,500 likes and the page reaching 396,340 people. Similarly, as a part of the campaign, a toll-free number was provided for people to call and express solidarity with the campaign. Out of 1,532 participants, 404 provided their gender information, 50 percent of whom were female and 0.5 “Others.” The campaign also supported local structures, including the CA, to advocate for issues concerning women. CS:MAP will continue the conversation on issues of gender-based violence as a part of the #Ma Bolchhu campaign through its Facebook page and GESI group on its MeroReport portal.

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The Sajha Boli and SSMK episodes were fully dedicated to issues related to women on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Recognizing that celebration of women’s achievement should not be limited to a day or a week of events, CS:MAP will organize a session with AIN, NFN, FNJ, and other possible umbrella organizations to discuss the use of information communication technologies and combined outreach for addressing issues related to gender equality. 5.2 Youth Engagement During the reporting period CS:MAP continued to focus on engaging youth in social accountability and public oversight through youth-focused radio programs and audience interactivity, youth- targeted SMS My Voice (SMV) campaigns and LDAG activities. While radio programs informed youth about important issues such as budget allocations, planning processes, public service Age distribution of the callers (Year III, n= 964) delivery oversight and others, SMV campaigns invited youth to initiate actions to 1.8% promote social accountability and public service oversight. 12.7%

44.1% Informing and Engaging youths in public 16.6% service oversight through radio programs Twelve episodes of SSMK radio programs 24.8% were produced and broadcasted in this year, with a particular focus on youth audiences. 15-19 years 20-24 years Most of the episodes focused on the 25-29 years 30-59 years participation, engagement and oversight role 60 years and above of youth in local-level budget utilization, monitoring budget utilization in their community, etc. A total of 1,644 responses from youth audiences were received for 11 SSMK radio episodes4 this year. Similarly, Sajha Boli radio programs have prioritized youth concerns, covering issues such as participation of youth in the local-level planning process and implementation of the plans, calling youth to provide oversight of public resources and public service delivery, and other youth-related issues. Both of these radio programs allow youths to provide feedback on the content as well as to engage in discussions on these issues. This interactivity is ensured through the IVR mechanism and SMS system. Though not all youth who engage in this audience interactivity provide their demographic information, it is encouraging to note that among those who provided information about their age, the majority of them are 15-29 years on. For instance, among 964 callers in Sajha Boli Chautari who provided information about their age, over 85 percent of them were 15-29 years old.

4 The audience interactivity for the last episode of the year is still in process, and hence, the data for that episode has not been included here.

Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 95 Annual Progress Report No. 3: Oct 1, 2017-Sept 30, 2018

The radio programs also used social media platforms to ensure a wide reach among youth audiences through regular live discussions, poll questions and collection of feedback on the radio program. The SSMK team conducted live discussions on issues such as the importance of youth participation in users’ committee. The SSMK Facebook page has over 27,000 fans (34 percent female), of which 52 percent are between 13 and 24 old and 42 percent are between 25 and 34 years old. The SSMK radio program also includes a segment called Voice of Youth, where the youths can express their opinion on youth-related issues. Similarly, the Facebook page of Sajha Boli has over 14,000 fans (37 percent female), the majority of whom are youth. At least 83 percent of them are between 13-24 years of age and 15 percent of them are between 25-34 years of age.

During the reporting period the SSMK and Sajha Boli team also used field visits to meet with youth in the communities and hear about their concerns and priorities. The team also encouraged the youth to listen to the radio programs and participate in SMV campaigns for information about youth-related issues. As discussed in previous reports, the listeners of the radio programs have conducted various activities in their communities aimed at making their local representatives more accountable by ensuring their commitment towards anti-corruption. Similarly, LDAG members have been active in their communities, and have acted as watchdogs in ensuring regular services from health posts, ward offices and other public offices in their communities. CRs located in the project districts have reported on such activities which have been posted on the MeroReport platform and have also been included in CS:MAP newsletters.

Two SMS My Voice campaigns5 organized this year have encouraged as many as 2,000 youths to participate in activities. The first campaign of the year took place between November 2017 and March 2018, with the theme of anticorruption. The campaign informed youth about their role and encouraged them to take actions to ensure that the local representatives in their communities abstain from corruption. Similarly, the second campaign of the year launched between May- September 2018 was focused on encouraging youth participation in the local-level planning process. The youth were informed about these campaigns through SSMK and Sajha Boli radio programs. EA conducted a series of field visits in the project districts aimed at promoting the campaign. During this reporting period, EA also prepared and published promotional materials such as t-shirts, notebook, pens targeted at reaching more youth. Similar campaigns were also conducted in Year 2. As of now, a total of four campaigns have been conducted. More than 5,000 youths have participated in these four campaigns.

Youth in LDAG formation and activities

The CS:MAP LDAG formation and mobilization are also targeted to ensure maximum youth participation. Participating CSOs are trained in the inclusion of youth and marginalized groups in LDAGs. Among the 62 LDAG facilitators who were trained in Quarter 2, 90 percent were 15-29 years old. The LDAG activities reported also show a large number of youth participants in

5 Details about the campaign mentioned in Monitoring and Evaluation section and other sections as relevant.

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activities such as monitoring visits to ward offices, community awareness programs, and CA and Sajha Sabha meetings. For instance, in Dang youth members of the LDAG worked in coordination with the CA to request that a local health post to utilize the community score card social accountability tool to assess the quality of health facilities and services provided by the health post. Similarly, youth members of the LDAG in Pyuthan have discussed agriculture grants with the ward officials and also discussed the availability of grants with the community members. And, in Sandhikharka municipality of Arghakhanchi, the Pariwartan LDAG was successful in installing a citizen charter at the Ward 1 office. Although the ward office charter was established in March, the ward office did not install the charter until June 2018. Similarly, Asal Sashan LDAG of Chhatradev gaunpalika, Arghakhanchi succeeded in installing a complaint box in the various government schools in Ward 7 and the office of Ward 7.

Youth engagement in MeroReport The majority of fans and the followers of the MeroReport social media pages are youth between 25-34 years of age. Moreover, this year approximately 1,000 blog posts were uploaded by the youth members, indicating that youth are being engaged in governance issues. One group has also been formed through the MeroReport web portal to discuss youth-related issues. Youth Participation in Training: While CS:MAP ensures that program activities include youth priority issues, and youth participation in media content, equal efforts are dedicated to make sure that activities such as trainings and meetings have participation from youths. Out of the 41 participants in the AMO training, 98 percent were youth and out of the 43 participants in the IJ training, 81 percent were between 15-29 years of age. 5.3 Use of Information, Communication, and Mobile Technologies To encourage citizens and youth participation in advocacy and oversight, during the reporting period, EA continued to use ICT tools by utilizing IVR, SMS, MeroReport6, SMS My Voice campaign and social media. Some highlights of the use of ICT during this reporting period include: ● Providing information and promoting participation through IVR on themes such as local-level planning process, settlement-level planning process, gender responsive budgets, local governance, public service delivery oversight, and accountable journalism. ● Participation in SMS My Voice campaign through IVR and SMS. ● Interaction on MeroReport focused on civil society and accountability, transparency and participation themes. ● Utilization of Facebook in campaigns. ● Social media – used extensively in the Ma Bolchhu (I Will Speak Up) and anti-corruption campaign.

6For details on MeroReport, please see Section 4, Activity 3.1.1.5

Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 97 Annual Progress Report No. 3: Oct 1, 2017-Sept 30, 2018

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) In addition to its use for feedback collection and audience engagement for the Sajha Boli radio programs, IVR was also used for: ● Receiving CAR reports. ● Receiving CR reports. ● Receiving LDAG facilitator reports. ● SMS My Voice campaign. 6. Coordination and Collaboration During the reporting period, the CS:MAP team undertook coordination activities with various stakeholders: Government of Nepal: A total of 62 coordination meetings were conducted by CS:MAP national partners in Quarters 1 and 2, including with the MoFAGA, Ministry of Local Development, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, National Law Commission, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, SWC, NPC, Coordination Committee, Katmandu District Administration Office, MoWCSC, National Women Commission, Lalitpur DCC, Lalitpur Metropolitan Office, Parliamentary Secretariat, MoHA, High Level National Mass Communication Policy Implementation High Level Committee, Ministry of Finance, and Kathmandu Metropolitan Office. These meetings were intended to assess government perception of CSOs and find entry points for advocacy. They focused on the need for wider periodic consultations between the government institutions and the CSOs. The meetings also helped in communicating CSOs’ common position on certain provisions in the draft Social Welfare and Development Bill, and effective implementation of RTI and open government partnership. In addition, CS:MAP held several meetings with MoFAGA as they decided to own the CS:MAP- designed portal on local government. USAID and CS:MAP joint visits: To monitor field activities, interact with government and civil society stakeholders, and learn about CS:MAP best practices and the functioning of sectoral service-providing line agencies and challenges in local government functioning, CS:MAP coordinated field visits for the USAID AOR and alternate AOR to more than 20 districts (Banke, Bardiya, Dang, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Surkhet, Dailekh, Jajarkot, Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Kapilvastu, Makwanpur, Rukum, Salyan, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Nuwakot and Rasuwa). CS:MAP also coordinated the US Ambassador’s visit to Dadeldhura and Baitadi and to Nepalgunj during the reporting period. CS:MAP accompanied the USAID team for the Data Quality Assessments field visit during Quarter 2. Please refer to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Section of this report for more information. USAID implementers: CS:MAP participated in the USAID partners’ meeting, held in Nepalgunj on November 25, 2017 by the USAID Health Office. The US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission was present. Participants discussed USAID partners’ focus areas and the political context in mid- west Nepal. In addition, CS:MAP also participated in the USAID implementers’ meeting held in Nepalgunj on December 15, 2017, which focused on effective collaboration and coordination among USAID partners.

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CS:MAP has worked with USAID partners including National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) to improve the election-related legal and policy framework for the reform of the electoral process, based on findings from election observations. NDI and CS:MAP jointly worked with NEOC to finalize the election observation report, share the findings with stakeholders and launch the report. The observation report was launched on March 25, 2018 by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Ayodhi Prasad Yadav. The electoral reform advocacy plan was discussed in the Election Observation Coordination Group and inputs from the electoral stakeholders were incorporated. Freedom Forum, NFN and FHI 360 jointly organized the workshop on OGP and discussion of the prospect of open government partnership in Nepal, and possibility of Nepal joining the forum. USAID Anti-corruption Advisor and OGP Board Member Victoria Ayer focused on the importance of OGP and shared various examples where countries are benefiting from membership. Participants from leading CSOs, government and USAID partners attended the event. Freedom Forum also coordinated with the local CSOs and with their help selected the participants for Public Information Officer training. CS:MAP participated in a joint planning meeting of USAID’s Democracy and Governance (DG) Office implementing partners for better collaboration and coordination in the FY19 workplan. As a follow up to this, CS:MAP held a series of meetings with USAID projects such as Public Finance Management Strengthening Project (PFMSP) and Niti Sambad for possible coordination and collaboration in FY19. Local civil society, media actors and local government: Civil society organizations and media have coordinated effectively with government for effective public service delivery and resource use. In HEAD coalitions/networks, the representatives from CSOs working in HEAD sectors endorsed the evidence generated by CRs and community concerns; and advocated constructively for positive changes. Media also advocated for the desired changes through newspaper and radios. CS:MAP events like the Ma Bolchhu campaign, International Anti-Corruption campaign, Sajha Sabha Orientation on Local level Planning Process, and orientation on social accountability tools convened government and district-level stakeholders as well as members of elected bodies, which is improving coordination with district CSOs and improving understanding of CS:MAP activities and objectives. This collaborative work has improved resource sharing. For example, in Gorkha municipality and Triveni gaunpalika, Rukum, HRPLSC shared social accountability tool resources from the orientation with elected officials. Monthly/Quarterly review and reflections: The CS:MAP team is meeting bi-weekly to discuss project accomplishments, challenges and lessons learned. The team also uses the meetings to plan for the upcoming weeks. In addition, CS:MAP held a strategic meeting on December 4-5, 2017 with all program staff to discuss project progress and review project objectives. The meeting also focused on critical issues from the past and included a discussion on next steps and strategies. To encourage peer-to-peer learning, CS:MAP national advocacy partners are meeting on a monthly basis with rotating coordination responsibilities. CS:MAP ISO partners meet via Skype, while local CSO partners are meeting separately to share lessons learned. Quarterly meetings for national and ISO partners will be convened directly by FHI 360.

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CS:MAP also held two bi-annual review, reflection, learning and adaptation meetings on March 22-23, 2018, and on June 19-20, 2018 that were attended by 31 national, local CSO partners and international partners of CS:MAP. The meeting in June focused on reviewing project activities and strategic approaches, reflecting on the lessons learned and identifying priorities for FY19. The CS:MAP team also held monthly meetings with the USAID AOR/AAOR to keep USAID/Nepal updated on programmatic progress and to increase the effectiveness of activities. Monthly CS:MAP bulletin: As per the approved Year 3 AWP, CS:MAP released a monthly bulletin during the first week of every month for project partners and other stakeholders. The bulletin detailed stories and activities from the previous month, and documented CS:MAP and partner successes. 7. Monitoring and Evaluation The CS:MAP Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) unit conducted regular monitoring and reporting activities to maintain a robust monitoring system of its all project interventions. The team conducted periodic progress review and reflection meetings, field visits, surveys and Data Quality Assessments (DQAs); they also continued to re-orient CSO partners to the CS:MAP database management system, anticipated results and indicators. CS:MAP also continued to produce a monthly newsletter, which served as a peer-learning document for distribution to partners, USAID/Nepal and other relevant stakeholders. Details of the MEL activities conducted during this reporting period are included below: Capacity building activity pertinent to MEL and CS:MAP Data Management System: To establish partner understanding of key CS:MAP MEL concepts and processes, and to enhance expertise around participatory MEL and knowledge of the data management system, the M&E Manager continued leading regular orientation sessions for partners. The sessions were conducted through one-on-one meetings during partner visits and bundled with other important events like the Review and Reflection Meetings with National Advocacy Partners and ISOs, the Bi-annual Summits: Learning, Sharing and Adaptation Fora and Financial Management Trainings. The trainings were intended to help CS:MAP partners better understand the reporting timeframe; align activities with the project goal, results and indicators; and expand their technical capacity to manage the database and update it periodically. Conduct Data Quality Assurance (DQA) of CS:MAP partners: This year, USAID/Nepal conducted DQAs, focusing on nine indicators out of the recently revised 39 indicators of CS:MAP. The DQAs built an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the data requested by the Mission and examined compliance with the regulations set forth in the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRAMA) and USAID’s guidance on data quality standards. In January 2018, CS:MAP team members joined USAID to conduct DQAs at both the national and the community level. The team visited Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Gulmi and Arghakhanchi districts and consulted with CS:MAP local CSO partners, IRDS and CDC.

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Based on the findings from the DQA, USAID/Nepal acknowledged CS:MAP’s ability to track and manage data both at the national and the local level and raised no major concerns. However, USAID suggested that CS:MAP minimize the possibility of double counting individuals who participate in both CAs and LDAGs by asking for results-based reporting from partners and strengthening the back-up system for data at the partner level. CS:MAP has already taken measures to incorporate this suggestion into the Post-DQA Action Plan prepared in May 2018 (Please refer to Annex 12). CS:MAP also conducted a general DQA of its partners HURADEC Nepal in Quarter 1, and Sanjeevani Nepal (Kanchanpur), FMDC (Kailali), HRPLSC (Banke) and IHRC (Banke) in Quarter 2, for a total of five DQAs. The DQAs assessed five aspects of data quality (validity, reliability, timeliness, precision and integrity) with customized checklists. CS:MAP documented the findings and action plans and provided suggestions to the partners on how to best incorporate them to increase program effectiveness. CS:MAP plans to conduct this activity in upcoming reporting periods as well. Launch CS:MAP M&E database management system The CS:MAP database management system was launched in Year 2 (FY 2017). As of this writing, the CS:MAP database management system is operational. CS:MAP partners have assigned dedicated persons to enter data for project events in the database. The CS:MAP M&E unit has provided refresher trainings for focal persons from all partners. To date, CS:MAP partners have entered 315 event details with 8,251 participants. Review and Reflections: Conduct Monthly/Quarterly meetings: CS:MAP conducted eight quarterly review and reflection meetings with its national advocacy and ISO partners in order to monitor the activities planned and track the progress made so far. During these events, CS:MAP partners presented their progress, the plan for the upcoming quarter, implementation strategies and challenges faced. Afterwards, CS:MAP team members provided feedback. Program leads from CS:MAP also participated in monthly and quarterly reviews and reflection meetings conducted by CS:MAP partners in order to see the differences that the activities and interventions have made on the ground and, if needed, make necessary changes in the upcoming month. The CS:MAP team also held monthly meetings with the USAID AOR/AAOR to keep USAID/Nepal updated on programmatic progress and to increase the effectiveness of activities. Please refer to Section 5, Coordination and Collaboration for more details. Conduct bi-annual review/reflection workshops: Please refer to Activity 3.2.2. Conduct annual organizational capacity assessments with partners organizations and adjust IIPs: Please refer to the Activity 4.1.2.

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Good Governance Barometer (GGB) Index Score: CS:MAP has calculated the composite value for the Good Governance Barometer (GGB) Index Score after completing data collection from the GGB Monitoring Committee. The GGB is being conducted in six local units from three districts where health and education are the prime focuses. Based on data from these six local units, the composite value of the GGB Index Score is 41.42.

Financial Management Trainings: CS:MAP organized two three-day Financial Management Trainings for its implementing partner organizations this year to enhance their capacity for efficient management of program activities, administration and finance. The trainings focused on ways to build common understanding of project management and budgeting; contributing to CS:MAP database management systems and reporting mechanisms; the importance of financial monitoring and its types; the value of cost share; mandatory funder compliances; and financial reporting. All sessions were intended to touch on participants’ day-to-day experiences and provide relevant information and skills. In addition to the training content, observations from financial monitoring and reporting were also discussed which helped participants understand the existing gaps and identify ways to address these gaps. Mid-Term Review (MTR): USAID/Nepal, through its Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Activity – led by CAMRIS International, conducted Mid-Term Review (MTR) of CS:MAP in May and June 2018. The MTR team visited CS:MAP partners, select government agencies and other key CSOs and media leaders. The team also visited Kathmandu, Banke, Dang, Dhading, Dolakha, Kailali and Rukum districts. They conducted 38 key informant interviews, 29 group interviews, 10 focus group discussions, 11 mini-surveys and interviews with 216 total respondents (67 female). After applying multiple methodologies for field-level data collections and engaging in frequent discussion meetings and CS:MAP technical documents review, the MTR team arrived at its preliminary findings and recommendations in June 2018. CS:MAP then discussed the findings and recommendations and the project leadership planned to incorporate most of the recommendations in its annual work plan. CS:MAP has now started working on scope of work modifications for its partners to align with the work plan. In addition to these activities, CS:MAP organized an “Annual Review, Reflections and Work Plan” workshop on June 2018 with the following objectives: 1) Document and share annual accomplishments (outputs and outcomes) collectively; 2) Review and reflect on innovations and lessons from program implementation (successes and limitations); 3) Discuss and identify priorities for the next year’s work plan; and 4) Identify and agree on key result targets and build on lessons and innovations.

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Reflective discussion sessions followed by brainstorming for FY19 were conducted to identify challenges and next steps. This workshop has ultimately guided CS:MAP partners to review their progress status and modify their scopes of work to adapt to the changed context and to adopt some key preliminary findings and recommendations from the CS:MAP MTR. Outcome Harvesting (OH) tool: In February 2018, CS:MAP rolled out the Outcome Harvesting tool in order to strengthen M&E efforts in tracking and reporting on the outcomes from project activities. The CS:MAP M&E team provided an orientation to the CS:MAP team members, CSO partners, CARs, CRs and LDAG members on the concept of OH and on how OH contributes to the reporting and validation of outcomes of project activities. The team has also set up a dedicated IVR line (phone number) for CARs, CRs and LDAG facilitators to record summaries of their specific activities. CARs report on outcomes and LDAG visits, CRs report on broadcast monitoring and LDAG visits, and LDAG facilitators report on LDAG meetings and discussions. M&E team members transcribe and categorize the reports submitted in the IVR line to track the outcomes. As needed, follow-up calls with CARs, CRs and Facilitators are made to collect detailed information and validate the information related to the outcomes. Besides the IVR line, the M&E team also ensures that activity reports, field visit reports submitted by project teams, and reports submitted by project partners are reviewed to track outcomes. All the outcomes are then entered in an online OH framework developed and maintained by the M&E team. The findings from the outcome harvesting tool have been used to generate success stories and evidence for regular reporting.

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8. Human Resources

FHI 360 and its partners are committed to maintaining a strong team for effective project implementation. During the reporting period, the CS:MAP Governance Advisor and a driver resigned from their respective positions. To ensure a smooth transition, CS:MAP started the recruitment process as early as possible and hired qualified individuals to fill the vacant positions. In addition, FHI 360 also hired a Development Communication Specialist. FHI 360’s Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO) and Civil Society and Peacebuilding Department in Washington, DC are supporting the team on an as-needed basis, including report preparation, planning and designing RFAs, finalizing grantee packages and assisting with grantee selection.

9. Activity Progress Summary

Please refer to Annex 13.

10. Priorities for Year 4 (Oct 1, 2018 – Sep 30, 2019) • Prepare seven policy briefs for civil society and media stakeholders to understand the strengths and weaknesses of proposed policies and draft bills; • Support local government to develop and implement civil society- and media-related laws and policies and conduct dialogues and discussions on laws and policy related to civil society and media; • Promote the Open Government Partnership (OGP) concept at the national and subnational level and provide technical support to open local units’ annual budget and plans to the public, in coordination with the MoFAGA; • Conduct mid-term assessment about the perception of civil society and media and continue necessary activities to improve the perception of civil society and media such as production of video on citizen engagement and the role of civil society, and train 75 participants on new media and social media campaign; • Finalize, disseminate and adapt civil society internal governance standards and media self- assessment tool kit and implement minimum standards of CSOs’ internal governance and self- regulation; • Strengthen ISO capacity on budget monitoring, build research capacity for CSOs and media organizations, provide continuous support to CSOs through mentoring and coaching (direct support at the local level), conduct a number of researches to generate evidence for advocacy, strengthen coalition and networks for public service oversight by conducting orientations for the HEAD coalition/network on common standards/checklists for public services oversight and conduct public service oversight through HEAD/CSO coalitions;

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• Form Sajhedari Manch (Partnership Forums) to link ward-level discussions to decision makers at the municipal level, and strengthen coalitions and networks to undertake joint advocacy actions on policy priorities across sectors; • Hold public interest reporting training and fellowship, organize study visit for media partners for investigative journalism; • Conduct the second round of the GGB in six gaunpalikas and one new gaunpalika in GGB implementing districts; • Support the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority in developing an ICT based complaint handling mechanism; • Identify three-to-five key civil society champions in each district, organize district-level interactions on critical civic space and priority issues and conduct strategic coalition-building meetings between CSOs and media for initiating joint actions; • Conduct citizen orientations to SA tools directly and also produce and broadcast radio programs to raise citizen awareness of SA tools, continue working to engage youth in social accountability, conduct Public Expenditure Tracking (PET), community score card, social audit and RTI campaigns at the local level and continue advocacy and support for institutionalizing and implementing social audits and public hearings at a consistent date and time in the gaunpalikas/municipalities; • Utilize online collaboration platform (MeroReport) to monitor and report on cross-cutting issues and hold bi-annual summits and review and reflection meetings for collaborative learning and adaptation; • Engage with law-makers to strengthen the concept of GESI, disseminate the GESI in Advocacy handbook to all CSOs and promote its use with support from CS:MAP ISO partner and review the Judicial Committee Terms of Reference using a GESI lens and share findings with the local governments of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur directly, and with others through the Deputy Mayors’ Club Facebook group.

11. Success Stories

Please refer to Annex 14.

12. Challenges and Mitigation Measures Contextual challenges: Federal and provincial elections and the end of Parliament’s tenure affected the advocacy schedule for CS:MAP national partners during the first quarter of this reporting period. With national attention focused on elections, there was less interest in civil society strengthening, policy advocacy and governance oversight. These events also affected scheduled trainings and ICNL’s technical assistance for partners, especially coalition leads. After the elections, federal and provincial parliamentarians have applied fast-track law making processes which has minimized the possibility of public debate on those laws and policies. As a result, civil society faced difficulty in providing inputs for necessary improvements. CS:MAP and

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partners have used informal approaches and one-on-one meetings with political party leaders, parliamentarians and government officials during initial phases to gather information and provide inputs. CS:MAP advocacy efforts at the district level have at times lacked adequate support from civil society leaders and organizations working in relevant thematic areas. In particular, CS:MAP struggled to promote district-level coalition ownership of CS:MAP CSOs’ advocacy effort, as the organizations have their own priorities. CS:MAP CSOs met with other CSOs and coalition leads to secure full support from the coalition members. In addition to this, partner CSOs’ limited understanding of the CS:MAP vision made it difficult for them to translate CS:MAP objectives for district-level CSOs, which also constrained joint advocacy efforts. In response, CS:MAP worked to provide additional orientations to project objectives for partners, and to engage CSO founders and board members to promote district-level initiatives. During the reporting period, CS:MAP also faced challenges in linking advocacy issues at the district level with national-level coalitions/networks. Inviting representatives from national level coalitions and networks to attend bi-annual summits helped to strengthen linkages between levels. Communication and coordination with Community Reporters (CR)s: While CSOs and CRs have begun to function as an exemplary model for CSO-media coordination in most project districts, this has remained a challenge in some districts. This results from a failure on the part of CRs to acknowledge the need to work closely with CSOs in their community reporting function, and the ability on the part of CSOs and the district coordinator to engage CRs in project activities. While EA continues to encourage CRs to work closely with CSOS as one unit working for a common goal through its ongoing mentoring and coaching sessions and during training events, the CSOs have been encouraged to perceive CRs as a conduit between them, the communities and the media. While the MoUs with CRs have been amended to address this important challenge, the CSOs’ scope of work have been reviewed and revised accordingly. . Reformation of LDAGs: LDAGs are intended to not only support listener action based on radio program content, but also help to bring youth and individuals from diverse marginalized groups to participate in dialogue and action aimed at improving sub-national governance. As a result of LDAGs not being established by CSOs in accordance with member selection and group formation criteria provided by EA, about 30% of the planned 102 groups have not been able to actively transform listenership and involvement into meaningful participation in civic activities, or collective action. At the same time, facilitators occasionally failed to conduct timely meetings, and some participants could not contribute the time needed for meaningful participation (e.g., students who had exams during the reporting period). Based on an extensive assessment of group functionality, facilitator leadership and CSO ownership, groups are being reformed or even relocated to ensure participation in advocacy and oversight aimed at improved governance. Likewise, EA has continued to orient CSOs for improving ownership of LDAGs as a platform for youth and marginalized group engagement. This has been difficult and time-taking, but it is encouraging to witness improved realization of purpose and ownership of LDAGs, with at least about 70% of LDAGs either active or showing potential.

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Technical challenges related to radio stations and radio coverage: Due to project priorities and sequencing challenges, CS:MAP partner EA selected radio partners (through a competitive process) much before CSO partners were selected or target communities and structures (e.g. CA, LDAGs) had been established. As a result, a few target communities were not covered by the radio partners’ broadcast range. For example, none of the existing radio stations in the covered the community in Palpa where CS:MAP had developed its CA and LDAG. In those cases, LDAGs listen to the centrally-produced version via Radio Nepal or download episodes from MeroReport. Equal Access also provides memory sticks to all LDAGs to ensure that the groups have access to the radio programs. EA also conducted an assessment of all its production and broadcast radio station partners for ensuring the best coverage and reach, and has revisited and finalized radio station partnerships accordingly. 13. Lessons Learned Contextual considerations for CSO self-regulation and internal governance: Instituting a civil society self-regulation system that is trusted by the public leads to a more effective civil society movement with greater trust, confidence and legitimacy. During the reporting period, CS:MAP and its partners have realized that self-regulation mechanisms should be based on established principles and standards, but that one single approach does not work for diverse civil society organizations. Based on consultations at the national and sub-national level, CS:MAP and partners recognized that a standard developed at the national level can and should be adapted for local contexts without comprising essential values. CSO board involvement in local-level advocacy: CSO board and senior staff involvement in different CS:MAP events and orientations helped to integrate advocacy into CSOs’ strategic visions and improve their advocacy leadership at the district level. In addition, comprehensive coaching and mentoring for district-level stakeholders contributed to scale up evidence-based research. Ownership at the local level: Orientations and training on SA tool application for district- and local-level representatives helped officials understand the tools’ use and importance. These initiatives also helped to strengthen the program implementation environment. In addition, working with existing CSO coalitions/networks in the district helped make coalitions-led activities more effective and sustainable. CS:MAP has also recognized the need for developing indicators/checklist for public service oversight and resource use for effective oversight functions and is developing these resources. Internalization of GESI principles in local CSOs: CS:MAP revised its GESI capacity-building plan for local CSO partners. Initially, the project planned to bring all partners together for several rounds of GESI trainings, with an initial training to introduce partners to GESI principles and practices and additional follow-up trainings. Despite steady gains as assessed by GESI audits, the support needed to continue GESI-related improvements varies significantly between the 14 partner CSOs. In response, CS:MAP is shifting to a more tailored approach to coaching and mentoring for each CSO, as opposed to joint trainings. GESI ISO partner Shtrii Shakti will engage regularly with the CSOs on a one-on-one basis to help organizations shift mainstream their GESI approach and recognize that GESI considerations are central to CSOs’ success.

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Similarly, CS:MAP learned that GESI skills and lessons must be reinforced among CSO staff to improve institutional adaptation, and that the project must focus on the intersections between ethnicity, gender, geographical identity, age and disability as shapers of experience. The project plans to continue engaging with a GESI focal person in each of the CSOs to champion GESI causes within their organizations. This has worked quite well for the project. For example, FMDC Kailali has designated one of its board seats for a disabled person, and has included a Muslim member on its board. Fewer production partners for better mentoring: CS:MAP was previously partnering with 20 FM radio stations to produce local versions of Sajha Boli, with the EA team providing mentoring support for quality program production through periodic Skype meetings. Mentoring 20 different FM radio stations with varying capacity levels was difficult, as was facilitating the mentoring sessions on Skype meetings. In an attempt to enhance the quality of ongoing mentoring and the content produced, EA decided to limit the number of production partners to 10. With this change, the remaining producers reaffirmed their commitment to the partnership and began submitting timely reports, which provided the EA production team with enough time to review scripts and provide suggestions. Conversely, EA experienced difficulties in working with only one producer for local Sajha Boli programming. To mitigate this challenge, EA trained an alternative producer from the same FM radio stations to support a smoother production process.

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