CIVIL SOCIETY: MUTUAL ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT
Quarterly Progress Report January 1, 2019-March 31, 2019
April 30, 2019
Cooperative Agreement Number AID-367-A-16-00007
Project Start and End Date: April 4, 2016 to April 3, 2021
Submitted to: Krishna Pathak, Agreement Officer’s Representative USAID
Submitted by: Bishnu Sapkota, Chief of Party, Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project FHI 360 GPO Box 8803, Gopal Bhawan Anamika Galli, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 977.1.4437173 Email: [email protected]
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 1 Quarterly Progress Report No. 9 Jan 1, 2019-Mar 31, 2019 This document was produced for review 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
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ...... 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 6 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 12 2. CONTEXT ...... 12 3. PROGRESS OVERVIEW ...... 15 4. ACTIVITY PROGRESS ...... 31 4.1 DEVELOPMENT AND SUBMISSION OF DELIVERABLES ...... 31 4.2 PROGRESS ACHIEVED TOWARD PROJECT OBJECTIVES ...... 31 5. CROSS-CUTTING INTERVENTIONS ...... 87 5.1 GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION ...... 87 5.2 YOUTH ENGAGEMENT ...... 90 5.3 USE OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION, AND MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES ...... 90 6. COORDINATION AND COLLABORATION ...... 90 7. MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...... 91 8. OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ...... 96 9. TRAVEL UPDATE ...... 97 10. ACTIVITY PROGRESS SUMMARY ...... 97 11. PRIORITIES FOR QUARTER 3 (APRIL 1–JUNE 30, 2019) ...... 97 12. SUCCESS STORIES ...... 98 13. CHALLENGES AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 98 14. LESSONS LEARNED ...... 99 15. ANNEX ...... 100
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Abbreviations and Acronyms
ADWAN Association of Dalit Women Advancement of 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 CIAA Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority CLFS Critical Listening and Feedback Sessions CS:MAP Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project CR Community Reporter CSC Community Score Card CSO Civil Society Organization DCC District Coordination Committee DEC Development Experience Clearinghouse DEC Nepal Development Exchange Center Nepal DQA Data Quality Assessment DRR Disaster Risk Reduction EAI Equal Access International FDM Foundation for Development Management FECOFUN Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal FGD Focus Group Discussion FMDC Media for Development and Social Change FNJ Federation of Nepali Journalists
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GESI Gender Equality and Social Inclusion GGB Good Governance Barometer GoGo Foundation Good Governance Foundation GON Government of Nepal HEAD Health, Education, Agriculture and Disaster Risk Reduction HRPLSC Human Rights 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 IEC Information, Education, and Communication IHRC Information and Human Right Research Center IHRICON Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal IJ Investigative Journalism INSEC Informal Sector Service Center IIP Institutional Improvement Plan IRDC Indreni Rural Development Center IRDS Rural Development Society ISO Intermediary Service Organization IVR Interactive Voice Response KII Key Informant Interviews LDAG Listening, Discussion and Action Group LLPP Local Level Planning Process MAG Media Advocacy Group M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MEL Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning 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 MOHA Ministry of Home Affairs MOWCSW Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizen
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MuAN Municipal Association of Nepal NEOC National Election Observation Committee NEPAN Nepal Participatory Action Network NGO Non-Governmental Organization NFN NGO Federation of Nepal NLC Nepal Law Commission NNSWA Nepal National Social Welfare Association NPC National Planning Commission NRA National Reconstruction Authority OCA Organizational Capacity Assessment OGP Open Government Partnership OLDGS Open Local Government Digital System PEAR Participatory and Evidence-based Action Research PETS Public Expenditures Tracking (System) POC Public Outreach Campaign PPWG Public-Private Working Group PSA Public Service Announcement PSO Public Services Oversight QPR Quarterly Progress Report RFA Request for Applications RFP Request for Proposals RTI Right to Information RWDC Rural Women Development Center SAP Nepal South Asia Partnership Nepal SMS Short Message Service SMV SMS My Voice SOCH Nepal Society for Humanism Nepal SSMK Saathi Sanga Manka Kura SWC Social Welfare Council USAID United States Agency for International Development
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Executive Summary
The federal Government of Nepal (GON), formed pursuant to the September 2015 constitution, completed one year in office on February 15, 2019. This was the first time that the GON was operational at three tiers—with the federal government sharing constitutionally-mandated powers with seven provincial governments and 753 local governments. The National Assembly, the Upper House in the Federal Parliament, unanimously passed the Province Public Service Commission (Bases and Criteria Determination) Bill–2075 B.S, on February 1, 2019. This will now resolve confusion regarding roles and responsibilities to some extent. In another development, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration announced on March 28 that the process of integrating civil servants in all three levels—federal, provincial, and local—has been completed. Finally, the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs identified the need to review 174 laws in Nepal by March 4, 2019, to ensure consistency with the present constitution. The endorsement of two amendment bills—Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts–Annex 1 (which sought changes in 56 Acts) and Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts–Annex 2 (which outlines revisions in 109 Acts so they are in line with the constitution) supported this. However, some laws remain to be revised/amended.
On the civic space front, there have been concerns raised by civil society and media about the shrinking of civic space and media freedom. Reports of big corruption scams have challenged the government’s commitment to fight corruption and improve transparency and accountability. During the reporting period, a bill was tabled in the parliament which empowers Chief District Officer to prohibit or to impose ban on any protest and assembly of people in certain area. It was criticized because it limits freedom of assembly guaranteed by Article 17 of the Constitution. During this Quarter, the Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project (CS:MAP) reviewed three bills prepared at the federal level: Social Organization Act–2075, proposed by Ministry of Home Affairs; Information Technology Act–2075; and Advertisement (Regulation) Act–2075. CS:MAP reviewed these bills to see if there are any clauses that contradict freedom of association or freedom of expression and recommended necessary changes. CS:MAP also reviewed Press and Publication Bill–2075 and Broadcasting Bill–2075/Province 5, Integrated Mass Communication Bill–2075/Gandaki Province, and Broadcasting Bill–2075/Karnali Province. These bills were reviewed for constitutional provisions, international standards, and protection of freedom of expression. A brief was prepared on each of these to educate stakeholders about gaps in the drafts. They offered recommendations, including changes to provisions protecting freedom of expression and freedom of the press. The policy briefs were shared with parliamentarians, political parties, civil society, and media to advocate for improvements in line with international standards for freedom of association and expression. Civil society and media collaboration seen through CS:MAP efforts, itself is an achievement. On the areas of freedoms of association and expression, CSOs and media have started to come together for joint advocacy. CS:MAP sensitized about 150 political leaders from major political parties about basic standards of civil society and media-related laws and policies. CS:MAP also trained 53 civil society and media leaders on international legal standards and principles. This will help them to carry out local advocacy about laws and policies affecting civil society and the media. Either way, it is
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CS:MAP’s contribution. CS:MAP partners have recognized the necessity of collective efforts and mentioned that even if they did the best, the regressive law could have passed, but they feel encouraged that their modest work has been helpful in providing CSOs an enabling environment. In addition to the capacity building efforts, CS:MAP worked to improve the internal governance of the civil society organizations (CSOs) and media in Nepal. The CSO coalition lead for CS:MAP, NGO Federation of Nepal, shared the civil society governance standards—drafted in consultation with wider civil society experts, the Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN), and different government actors—with more than 3,500 CSOs for inputs. A monitoring and implementation committee has been formed to promote it at national and sub-national levels. The self-assessment toolkit developed by Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) as a self- regulation framework provides guidance on how individual media organizations should develop action plans aimed at improving their internal governance mechanisms. Outcomes under objectives of Indo-Pacific Strategy:
Open Government Partnership (OGP) handbook finalized: CS:MAP finalized a handbook on OGP this Quarter, incorporating inputs and suggestions received from major stakeholders. Particularly; inputs were received from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), National Information Commission, and CSO leaders. The book will be printed and shared with CS:MAP partners and other national actors, including USAID's Niti Sambad project, to broaden the understanding of OGP and the importance of its application in Nepal. Advocacy and practice of OGP concept ultimately contributes in making governments open, accountable and transparent. This mounts pressure on the governments at all levels to be open and thereby subsequently discourages corrupt practices. Civil Society Organization initiatives to promote OGP: CS:MAP partner, Freedom Forum, collaborated with a group of CSOs working on transparency and accountability and organized an event on March 28, 2019, to discuss the context and importance of OGP adoption by the Nepal Government. The event was organized targeting the Investment Summit Nepal sponsored by the Government of Nepal on March 29–30, 2019, which invited investors from around the globe. At the CSO event, OGP principles (transparency, accountability, participation, and technological innovation) were discussed intensively as essential elements of an enabling environment for investment. Freedom Forum also organized a meeting of the CSO taskforce on OGP on March 18, 2019. The taskforce decided to design a Google form calling for interest from relevant local CSOs working on different OGP themes. Responses will be incorporated in a database to map and create a network of involved CSOs. Accountability Lab took the initiative to design the form and reach out to the CSOs and solicit their interests, with a target timeline of April 1–15. The form outlines all 21 thematic areas of OGP; CSOs will be requested to tick only four that represent the highest priorities of their work. Elected representative of Kavre district expressed readiness to develop and implement OGP working modality: Local governments and civil society of Kavre district expressed their readiness and commitment to explore the possibility of developing an OGP working modality in their respective local government units. The commitment was made during an interaction
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meeting on January 28, 2019, organized by CS:MAP implementing partner Samudayik Sarathi in Dhulikhel, Kavre. The objective of the program was to enhance common understanding among CSOs and local governments on the principles of OGP and its working modality. Initiatives in Neelakantha municipality and Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city were shared, along with some other examples highlighting the importance of OGP working modality in local government units. (Please refer to Section 4.2, Activity 1.1.4 for details on CS:MAP activities regarding the promotion of OGP at the national and sub-national levels) Proactive Disclosure for anti-corruption: Elected representatives of Narayan municipality, Dailekh, disclosed their assets at a public program organized to mark 11th Information Day. Mayor, deputy mayor and eleven ward chairpersons publicly disclosed their assets in the prescribed format. This initiative was a first of its kind across Nepal for proactive disclosure of assets by elected representatives for transparency and accountability. Proactive disclosure of assets will help track corruption at the level of citizens and contributes to improve public image and integrity of elected representatives. Complaint-handling mechanism for the Commission on Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA): More than 500 people from across the nation have downloaded the user-friendly complaint-handling mobile app developed by CIAA and supported by CS:MAP. Although CS:MAP and CIAA have not yet conducted a public outreach campaign to promote the application, 71 people have already filed complaints using the app. These complaints are registered in the server of CIAA; only CIAA officials can access these. Efforts to increase civic engagement: CS:MAP has selected an organization to produce a documentary film that will promote civic engagement. The documentary will be used by Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MOFAGA) and local governments to guide citizens, local governments, and civil society to increase civil society oversight and engagement with newly-elected local governments.
District-level achievements: During this Quarter, CS:MAP advocacy efforts led to formulation of a new policy for kamlahari students in Ghorahi sub-metropolitan city in Dang; a citizen charter in all wards of Amargadhi municipality in Dadeldhura; health insurance procedure in Rolpa; and policy on regular health check-ups for the students in community schools in KI Singh gaunpalika in Doti. The advocacy issues raised and solved through collective advocacy efforts such as news and articles on the issues published/broadcast by the local and national media; blogposts in MeroReport; meetings held by CSO/HEAD coalitions followed by delegation visits to concerned agencies to share evidence generated by Community Action Researchers (CAR); submission of request letters, memoranda, and position papers drawing the attention of municipality/gaunpalika to issues; and joint visits.
Sajha Sabha (Public Forums) served as forums for disseminating good practices, achievements, and success stories from Common Assembly and Sajhedari Manch (Partnership Forum) deliberations. Service providers from across the districts, legislators, civil society representatives, media, and citizens participated. They learned how CS:MAP-focused municipalities/gaunpalika have worked collaboratively to promote civic engagement, accountability, transparency
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measures, and so forth. The platforms drew attention to local issues/agenda by legislators for federal and provincial-level attention, advocacy, and lobbying.
Orientations to citizens and elected representatives at gaunpalika/municipality level on the use of existing social accountability tools generated positive attitude among local governments. Sensitization of the concerned stakeholders at the local level has resulted in increasing numbers of local governments conducting Public Hearings. In the reporting period, 12 Public Expenditure Tracking System (PETs), 13 Community Score Card, and two Social Audits were conducted in CS:MAP-working districts and 31 local governments conducted public hearings. Conduct of social audit by CS:MAP partners showed a new trend toward promoting accountability of the CSO sector. Practice of institutional social audits is in a way improving public image and sending out a message to other CSOs that they should also conduct social audit to promote credibility and mutual accountability of the CSOs. Likewise, conduct of public hearings by local governments indicates increased collaboration between CS:MAP partners and local governments. This also indicates that local governments are showing interest in conducting public hearings which serve as platforms for engagement between government and citizens. Issues discussed in these public hearings ranged from implementation of projects at community level to public service delivery on health, education, agriculture, among others. These events were attended by representatives from local governments, media, civil society, academia and citizens, among others. Media accomplishments: Civil society- and media awareness-raising materials including a video documentary, a video drama, and other information reached 7,450 people through social media during this Quarter. Four district-level fairs brought more than 670 citizens into contact with CSOs and disseminated information about the role and the importance of civil society. Following each fair, national and local media and civil society collaborated in drawing attention to the issue of freedoms of association and expression. Several news reports, interviews, opinion articles, and editorials in leading newspapers (e.g., Kantipur, Republica, The Kathmandu Post, Himalayan Times, and Nagarik) sensitized the public and policy makers to evidence generated by CS:MAP.
CS:MAP also trained 47 civil society actors representing 14 different districts on new media. They developed plans to maximize the use of new media to promote their work and initiate public interest campaigns. CS:MAP radio programs—the 70 radio episodes of Sajha Boli and three episodes of Saathi Sanga Manka Kura (SSMK)—were produced and aired during this Quarter. Responses to the interactive voice response (IVR) platform demonstrated that these programs have contributed to improved awareness among listeners on important issues such as right to information, agricultural grants, and youth self-employment. A total of 4,030 responses received (3,722 for Sajha Boli episodes and 308 responses for SSMK radio programs), is an improvement of 32% over those received in the previous Quarter. These demonstrate increased citizen awareness of SA among local governments. Additionally, 11 outdoor discussions (one at the national and ten at the sub-national level), gave stakeholders the opportunity to engage in discussions on issues they considered high priority (Please refer to Section 4.2 Activity 3.3.8 for details on actions undertaken by LDAGs at the community level).
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A total of 26 Public Service Announcements (PSAs) including the ones marking International Women’s Day were produced and broadcast by partner radios in this Quarter. They focused on issues of women’s rights and on the use of SA tools at the local level. These efforts also contributed to raising public awareness of the SA tools.
Sustainability and local ownership: CS:MAP’s CSO partners’ efforts to expand marketing of capacity development services, especially organizational capacity assessment (OCA) and minimum standards in seven districts has led to local ownership. Around 88 CSO representatives participated in the event on sharing of how self-regulatory practices among CSOs leads to improve their public image and perception. Among 88 CSOs, 13 of them requested CS:MAP partners to conduct OCA on their institutions and made commitments to comply with self- regulatory practices by improving institutional directives and guidelines for strengthening internal governance. Ownership and scaling up of institutional development tools such as OCA by non-CS:MAP partners in different districts can be taken as a step forward towards sustaining these mechanisms beyond CS:MAP. This is also indicative that non-CS:MAP CSOs have begun recognizing importance and relevance of the tools and mechanisms implemented by CS:MAP partners for further expansion.
Challenges and mitigation measures: The GON’s position towards civil society and the media leans towards exerting more control over these sectors. As a result, draft legislation that has been released contains more restrictions on the freedoms of association and expression than CS:MAP partners had hoped for after the election. In addition, the GON continues to draft legislation without meaningful stakeholder input and to pass legislation without meaningful public participation or debate. These two facts will make positive legislative changes more difficult. CS:MAP is working with its partners to create the best possible advocacy plans for this new context. Efforts will include a multi-pronged approach—including education on international principles, identification of “champions” within parliament and ministries, the building of diverse coalitions, and calls for greater transparency in the law-making process. However, many steps of the legal reform process are outside the control of civil society. As such, expectations need to be tempered. However, CS:MAP will work to ensure that its partners have the support and technical expertise needed to make the best possible case for positive legal reforms.
Some of the civil society leaders and other stakeholders are highly influential, have roles in decision-making processes, and could affect wider changes in policy and laws. Since most of them have some sort of political and social legacy, they are hesitant to act just to preserve their political and professional relations with the law makers and bureaucrats. Consequently, they are less engaged and the beneficial dividends of relationships with them do not extend to CSOs. This is a lasting challenge for CS:MAP and will not be resolved by meetings. Rather, regular engagement and joint planning is needed and should begin immediately with those stakeholders. In addition, stakeholders should be provoked regularly in favor of civil society so that they do not marginalize the issues of civil society and media.
CS:MAP comprehensive capacity building efforts were affected by staff turnover, especially by capacity building specialists for Intermediary Service Organization (ISOs). To avoid this
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problem in the future, the CS:MAP capacity building team and project manager for ISOs have prepared themselves to provide technical support to new staff in ISOs when necessary. Limited advocacy at the district level was the result of limited ownership by CSOs (board members and even executive heads) to scale up mobilization in program districts. CS:MAP has intensified support by the Advocacy Advisor and the ISOs in the districts to convince leadership of their roles in enhancing civic vigilance in the districts. Lessons learned:
During formal and informal meetings, parliamentarians and policy makers continuously raised such issues as lack of transparency, accountability, and internal control mechanisms within CSOs, as well as reluctance to work in the areas of national priority. Further, they stated that these issues stimulated the government to develop strong regulatory oversight. This indicated increasing efforts of CSOs to initiate self-regulation initiatives and ensure effective implementation while they undertake advocacy efforts to bring about CSO-friendly laws and policies. A joint visit by FHI 360 and the Equal Access International (EAI) team should be regularized as it helps in building a common understanding of the project objectives, activities, intended results, the role of media, and the role of EAI in the CS:MAP. Joint visits will promote a stronger connection among the CS:MAP structures, journalists, Community Reporters, and CSOs. During this Quarter, CS:MAP posted online a short video of an outdoor discussion of Sajha Boli radio program on practices of SA tools at the local level. The video was viewed by 1500 people with 22 online shares. The increase in audience engagement in the IVR platform—total callers regarding Episode 56 were 648 is a result of increased promotion of Sajha Boli among the local stakeholders. This demonstrates how endorsement of Sajha Boli by local CSO partners in all of their activities has the potential of increased listenership and audience interactivity. Adding call-in sections to the ongoing Sajha Boli series has proved to be a good strategy for enhancing audience participation. It has allowed the production team to get in touch directly with the local level representative, relevant government officials, and stakeholders to seek answers/solutions to the questions/queries by the listeners. Eleven program episodes with call-in sections were recorded during this Quarter. One of these was recorded at the central level with two experts as studio guests: Yogesh Bhattarai, Member of House of Representatives, and Taranath Dahal, Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Forum.
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1. Introduction
The Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project (CS:MAP), implemented by FHI 360 in partnership with Equal Access International (EAI) and the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), aims to foster a more legitimate, accountable, and resilient Nepali civil society that can advance the public interest. It will achieve this by accomplishing four objectives, while incorporating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) across all project activities. The objectives are:
1. Strengthened enabling environment for civil society and media
2. Improved civil society and media capacity for effective policy advocacy and government engagement
3. More coordinated and effective civil society and media oversight of public resource use and public service delivery
4. Strengthened organizational capacity and sustainability of selected civil society organizations (CSOs) working in USAID priority sectors to advance local solutions
2. Context
National Context:
The federal Government of Nepal (GON), formed pursuant to the September 2015 constitution, completed one year in office on February 15, 2019. This was the first time that the GON was operational at three tiers—with the federal government sharing constitutionally-mandated powers with seven provincial governments and 753 local governments. Although a few are yet to be made, most of federal laws have been enacted as required by the constitution. However, the confusion between the roles of the three spheres of governments- federal, provincial and local- continued to impact on the performances of government, especially at the provincial and local level. The provincial governments have not been effective yet in the absence of clarity in their roles. An effective connection between the local and provincial governments has not been established. This has resulted in duplication of mandate and development projects throughout the country. While the 753 local government units have begun to shape their roles compared to where they were a year ago, there are still areas where a policy clarity is required regarding their roles. On the civic space front, there have been concerns raised by civil society and media about the shrinking of civic space and media freedom. Reports of big corruption scams have challenged the government’s commitment to fight corruption and improve transparency and accountability.
The contestation for power between the federal and sub-national governments with confusion regarding roles and limitations is now expected to be resolved to some extent, because on February 1, the National Assembly (the Upper House in the Federal Parliament), unanimously
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passed the Province Public Service Commission (Bases and Criteria Determination) Bill, 2075 B.S.
In another development, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration announced on March 28 that the process of integrating civil servants in all three levels—federal, provincial, and local—has been completed. The Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration said that the deputation of 137,614 civil servants has been approved under this process, while 97,588 civil servants have been integrated. Out of 48,409 deputations approved in the federal government, 39,960 civil servants have been integrated.
Article 304 of the Constitution states, “Any law which is inconsistent with this constitution shall ipso facto be invalid to the extent of such inconsistency, after one year of the date on which the first session of the federal parliament set forth in this constitution is held.” As the first meeting of the federal parliament was held on March 5, 2018, the deadline to revise all the laws to bring them in conformity with the constitution was March 4, 2019. The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs had identified the need to review 174 laws of Nepal to make consistency with the present Constitution. The federal parliament endorsed two amendment bills— Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts–Annex 1 (which sought changes in 56 Acts) and Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts–Annex 2 (which outlines revisions in 109 Acts so they are in line with the constitution). However, some laws remain to be revised/ amended.
The Nepal Law Commission (NLC) prepared the draft bill, Social Organization Act, 2019, at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was formally shared by NLC on January 27, 2019, through its website. This Act was drafted to serve as an umbrella Act governing the registration, renewal, fund mobilization, and function of civil society organizations in Nepal. It effectively repeals three existing laws: The Association Registration Act, 1977; the National Directive Act, 1961; and the Social Welfare Act, 1992. CSOs and the Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN) organized several discussions with stakeholders, prepared a brief on their concerns about the draft bill, and engaged in policy advocacy.
The Bill on Advertisement (Regulation) Act, 2018, was passed by the National Assembly on March 2019. In the process, the Legislative Management Committee of National Assembly consulted with experts to get inputs on the bill. It has been tabled in House of Representatives and will be discussed in the upcoming session of Parliament. Similarly, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MOCIT) prepared and registered a Bill on Information Technology Act, 2019, in the House of Representatives on February 14, 2019. It will repeal Electronics Transaction Act–2063 and is expected to be discussed in the respective Parliamentary Committee soon. This bill has provisions to regulate the contents of different media technologies and has direct impact on freedom of expression. For example, the proposed bill requires all organizations and individuals who operate social media sites to register—giving government the power to ban those who fail to do so. Those found to engage in libel, or posting material harmful to national integrity and sovereignty, can be fined up to NPR 1.5 million (approximately USD 13,500), and/or sentenced to five years in prison. The media fraternity within and outside the country have dubbed the bill anti-constitutional because it leaves ample
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room for ambiguous interpretation about what content can be construed as fraudulent, discouraging, discriminatory, or discrediting. Additionally, this bill has provisions on data protection, privacy, and social networks that are directly related to freedom of expression. There are therefore concerns about this bill in media community. According to a February news report published in the Republica Daily, the Parliament unanimously endorsed a proposal to send the bill to the parliament’s Development and Technology Committee for clause-wise discussions and revision. In late February, 14 lawmakers from the opposition Nepali Congress party registered a joint amendment proposal, demanding the annulment of problematic and unconstitutional provisions. The government created something of a farce by allegedly moving to force singer Pashupati Sharma to remove from YouTube his latest folk song, Lutna Sake Loot Kanchha (Plunder the Country if You Wish). This sparked a debate on the curtailment of freedom of expression and speech by resorting to “reasonable restriction,” a constitutional provision that is subject to government’s interpretation. Likewise, the new Information Technology Bill giving sweeping powers to authorities to block social media platforms if they are not registered in Nepal raised alarm among citizens, as it curtails the freedom of speech online and increases surveillance of personal data. The National Planning Commission (NPC), working to finalize the approach paper of 15th National Plan in this Quarter, organized several consultations with different stakeholders. International and national NGO representatives were invited to provide inputs on the civic engagement section of the approach paper and a number of CSOs (including NGO Federation and AIN) participated and provided their inputs. Similarly, Government has formed a National Development Council under the Prime Minister's leadership. Institutional representation from NGO Federation, National Cooperative Federation, Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN), and others is ensured. (See: https://www.npc.gov.np/images/category/Notice.pdf)
Context in the earthquake-affected districts:
The meeting of the Council of Ministers held on February 4, 2019, amended the Private Housing Reconstruction Grant Distribution Procedure the second time to facilitate the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) to disburse the housing grant to earthquake-affected people. The new provision allows earthquake-affected people to receive grants to reconstruct a private house on land other than that of their original home (in the district or an adjoining one). Similarly, earthquake-affected people who had built their houses encroaching on public land and forest area and who are listed as beneficiaries will be eligible to receive housing grants of Rs 200,000 to reconstruct their houses, provided they do not own any land across the country and forsake the existing land. The amendment also allows any enlisted beneficiary who is landless (and does not want to migrate from a dwelling place used for generations) to receive a Rs 200,000 grant to reconstruct a house on the same land.
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As of this reporting period, the NRA is supporting reconstruction work in 272 local governments in 32 earthquake-affected districts. According to the NRA, by March 14, 2019, it had surveyed 996,582 households, of which 812,371 are eligible for grants. It had identified 61,891 beneficiaries whose houses will be retrofitted and signed agreements with 754,938 beneficiaries. By mid-March 2019, a total of 750,593 beneficiaries received the first tranche of housing grant; 546,967 had received the second installment, and 382,130 had received the third.
Context in the Western Districts:
The processes of formulating new laws and policies in the CS:MAP-working districts has been taking place, albeit in a slow pace, as in other districts of Nepal. To expedite the process, civil society leaders have continued holding dialogues and interactions with high-level government officials and elected representatives of the provincial and local governments. In Province 5, the Press and Publication Bill–2075 BS (2018) has been prepared and is being discussed among stakeholders, including the civil society. The Gandaki Province has drafted Integrated Mass Communication Bill–2075 BS and it is under discussion among the stakeholders. The Karnali Province has also developed Broadcasting Bill–2075 BS, which is also under discussion. As these bills play a crucial role in either promoting or constricting the freedoms of speech and expression, civil society has been paying close attention and trying their best to be involved in the process to safeguard the democratic rights of the people. The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) organized a media mission to all seven this Quarter to sensitize stakeholders and request that any laws/polices respect freedom of expression as per constitutional values and international standards and best practices.
The provincial governments have not yet found a modality to collaborate with the local government units. In terms of allocation of development funds, there has been no equitable distribution among local units and marginalized populations. Some of the local elected officials have been proactive in engaging with the civil society to link the citizens to government. However, some are still struggling to define their own roles, and understand the value of working in partnership with CSOs for better citizen engagement. It is crucial that civil society leaders and activists support local governments in the process of formulating new local and provincial laws and policies.
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
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• Four policy briefs on proposed Social Organization Act, Information Technology Act, Advertisement (Regulation) Act, Press and Publication and Broadcasting were prepared based on the policy review and shared with 100 parliamentarians, political parties, civil society, and media stakeholders to explain the strengths and weaknesses of proposed policies and draft bills. Major issues identified in the briefs are: more bureaucratic hurdles in operation, unnecessary punishment provisions that can be manipulated, and disrespect to the civil society and media freedom. Recommendations are provided to improve these provisions in line with the constitutional value and international standards. ● The OGP handbook was finalized, incorporating inputs and suggestions received from major stakeholders including from USAID, National Information Commission, and CSO leaders. The handbook includes concept and principles of OGP, international best practices, implementation framework for national and local level, and role of different stakeholders. This gives a basis for civil society and government collaboration to develop and implement OGP principles: transparency, accountability, participation and technological innovation. This handbook will be used by CS:MAP and other national actors to broaden understanding of OGP and its importance in Nepal. ● Through three interactions, 150 political leaders from four major political parties were sensitized on basic standards of civil society and media-related laws and policies. ● Fifty-three civil society and media leaders were capacitated on civil society and media related constitutional and international legal standards. Based on the understanding, they have developed the basis for local advocacy on policy and laws affecting civil society and media.
● CS:MAP drafted a resource book for civic engagement and shared it with both civil society and media coalitions. Capacity building workshops were organized to seek agreement on constructive advocacy strategies and standardize advocacy interventions at national and sub-national levels. The federal government initiated the process of drafting a law for civil society registration and operation. This provided an opportunity for Nepal’s civil society and media to engage constructively with the GON and the provincial and local governments to ensure that legislative and regulatory elaboration of the constitutional vision gives civil society and media permissible space to fulfill their role in advocating for and protecting freedom of expression and association for citizens. CS:MAP played a facilitator role in bringing different civil society actors together and initiating different integrated advocacy approaches. Incorporation of inputs from civil society has improved the draft from the law commission. Result 1.2: Improved public understanding and confidence in the role of CSOs and media
● Forty-seven civil society actors representing 14 different districts developed plans to maximize the use of the new media to promote their work and initiate public interest campaigns. ● Civil society and media-related awareness raising materials (including video documentary, video drama, and other information) were accessed by 7,450 people via
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social media. This has been an important step to develop broader public understanding about role and importance of civil society and media. ● In order to make a better understanding about civil society, more than 670 citizens interacted with civil society representatives and received information about the role and importance of civil society through four district-level local fairs. This has increased the trust between CSOs and citizens and raised the awareness of civil society organization about the specific public concern issues of their constituencies. ● National and local media, along with civil society, collaborated to spotlight the restrictive provisions of proposed Management and Regulations of Information Technology (IT) Bill. Journalists (including the editors of major newspapers, radio, and TV) visited CS:MAP partners for in-depth information on the issue. In order to lobby for improvement, several news reports, interviews, opinion articles, and editorials were published in leading newspapers (Kantipur, Republica, The Kathmandu Post, Himalayan Times, Nagarik) and sensitized the public and policy makers with evidence generated by CS:MAP highlighting the restrictive provisions for social media use and mentioning only the certain forms of media for advertisement.
Result 1.3: Improved self-regulation of the sector and internal governance of CSOs and media
● Civil society governance standards have been drafted in consultation with wider civil society experts, AIN, and different government actors and shared with more than 3,500 CSOs for inputs. A monitoring and implementation committee has been formed to promote the standards at national and sub-national level.
● A self-assessment toolkit developed by FNJ as a self-regulation framework has been rolled out in 18 organizations in Kathmandu, Gorkha, Dhading, and Kavre through four workshops. These sessions guided participants in analysing their self-assessment exercise to identify gaps and weaknesses in their internal governance mechanisms and practices. FNJ provided guidance on how individual media organizations should develop action plans aimed at improving their internal governance mechanisms.
Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption:
As anticipated in the annual workplan, CS:MAP national partners have shown willingness to engage with national and sub-national governments for policy advocacy processes. However, there was a need to capacitate them on constitutional as well as international standards regarding freedoms of association and expression. There is recognition that civil society and media need to improve their internal governance and self-regulation standards. The public, government stakeholders, and international donors have expressed concerns that Nepali civil society and media should improve their internal governance standards in view of public criticism regarding their lack of transparency and independence. In this context, FNJ and NFN, in partnership with CS:MAP, have been involved in developing and
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adopting self-regulatory mechanisms as a strategy to improve the credibility of civil society and media organizations. In this Quarter, FNJ worked on internal governance of media houses as well as its own restructuring. FNJ held its General Assembly in the Quarter and decided to adopt a democratic approach to election of its central committee—including direct voting system by all members—and to make the committee more inclusive (although it is already fairly inclusive). FNJ, as CS:MAP’s media coalition partner, has rolled out its self-assessment toolkit at national and sub-national level in 50 organizations.
Anticipated challenges and CS:MAP mitigation measures:
As anticipated in the Year 4 workplan, the policy formulation process in general has not been open to the public. The federal government policy making process is less accessible than that of the provincial and local governments. CS:MAP and partners organized strategic collaborative dialogues and one-on-one meetings with government policymakers, civil society leaders, political parties, and other relevant stakeholders to advocate as necessary for review and revision of existing policies and laws, to lobby for new laws, or for the development of legal frameworks required for provincial or local media. These advocacy and lobbying meetings have helped to build greater momentum in demand for improved policies and have supported the formation of alliances and networks pushing for policy reform.
Another anticipated challenge that came to pass was the need to develop and implement widely accepted self-regulation and internal governance standards for civil society and media. The heterogeneity of civil society is evidenced in their organizational objectives, their thematic domains of work, and the geographic focus of their work. It is not possible to develop a standard that fits all. Considering this, CS:MAP supported civil society and media coalitions to develop civic charters as commitments for their roadmaps and sectoral improvement. Civil society coalition, in consultation with wider civil society actors, has initiated drafting of specific standards for different organizations.
Miss-perceptions about civil society and the media have motivated actors to formulate restrictive policies concerning them. There is a lack of counter narratives from civil society on those misperceptions. To address this, CS:MAP has initiated a study on civil society contributions in Nepal. The study has been designed as a historically-informed ethnographic research documenting factors that have enabled good practices and their continuation over time. The study will consist of a set of separate but related sub-studies conducted through a mix of methods to ensure consistency and coherence in findings.
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
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● Advocacy efforts focusing on 13 different issues stimulated more than 120 news reports and articles published/broadcast by local and national media, 122 meetings of CSO/HEAD coalitions, delegation visits to concerned agencies to share evidence generated by CARs, 60 request letters, memoranda and position papers to generate attention by municipality/gaunpalika, and 65 joint visits in this Quarter. Some of the outcomes are: new policy formulated for kamlahari student Ghorahi sub metropolitan city in Dang, citizen charter in all wards of Amargadhi municipality in Dadeldhura, health insurance procedure formulated in Rolpa, and regular health check-ups for the students in community schools in KI Singh gaunpalika in Doti.
● Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has formed Citizen Juries in some CS:MAP districts. CS:MAP partners, along with other civil society organizations, have been selected as members in Citizen Juries. These Juries work as network of CSOs in the district to monitor and keep oversight on corruption issues that might remain unnoticed and bring these issues to notice of CIAA. Many CSO champions and CS:MAP partners have been serving as members in the Citizen Juries in Kailali, Kanchanpur and Gulmi districts. Similarly, Chhatrakot gaunpalika in Gulmi organized six free health check-up camps for citizens above 40 years of age. CS: MAP partner IRDS was advocating for free health camps for citizens. Until now, around 4,200 citizens have benefited from free health checkup services.
● CSO coalition in Kavre raised the issue of pesticides being used in agricultural products in Panchkhal municipality. Panchkhal is known as vegetable production hub in the district. But unregulated and haphazard use of pesticides in vegetables were posing a threat to human health, not only of the consumers but also of the producers. The issue was raised by CSO coalition and discussed that measures be adopted to control the use of pesticides and even ban some of them for open sale in the local market. After the issue was raised and discussed by HEAD coalition coordinator Bhoj Raj Timalsina, the then Chief District Officer Krishna Bahadur Raut decided district administration office (DAO) would monitor the market and even take actions against them for selling high-risk and prohibited pesticides. Immediately after the HEAD coalition meeting, DAO monitored the market and sealed two agrovets for selling banned pesticides.
● A total 19 Sajha Sabha meetings held in project districts provided platforms for disseminating good practices, achievements, and success stories from Common Assembly and Sajhedari Manch deliberations. Service providers from across the districts, legislators, civil society representatives, media, and citizens participated in the Sajha Sabha meetings and learned how CS:MAP-focus municipalities/gaunpalika have worked collaboratively to promote civic engagement, accountability, transparency measures, and so forth. Sajha Sabha meetings also served as platforms to link local issues/agenda with legislators for federal and provincial level attention, advocacy, and lobbying.
● A two-day refresher training on Advocacy Readiness Index (ARI) tools for three ISOs focused on developing a common understanding of the tool, the assessment process, and its linkage with advocacy efforts. The training helped the ISOs provide comprehensive
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capacity building support to 14 CSOs to strengthen their advocacy capabilities through 110 days of direct support in 30 program districts. Also support from Advocacy Advisor in giving momentum to finalizing issues, collecting evidences, formulating action plan and spearheading advocacy in the districts was instrumental.
● HEAD coalition in Gorkha has set an exemplary practice of ‘rotational chair’ whenever it meets to discuss advocacy issue and agenda. HEAD coalition in Gorkha comprises of organizations working in diverse sectors, not only limited to health, education, agriculture & DRR. The practice has been that whichever issue/agenda is discussed in the meeting; respective organization that leads on the issue chairs the HEAD coalition meeting. For an instance, if health issue is being discussed, lead organization that works on health issue in the district will chair the meeting and finalize the agenda in consultation with other CSOs. This practice of chairing HEAD coalition meetings on rotation basis is a new kind of approach for collective efforts and ownership of the issue to be raised for advocacy in the district.
● CSO partners have increased capacity for advocacy and oversight. The CSOs are practicing self regulation and implementing SA tools. The demand of ISO and their expertise is going beyond Nepal’s boundary. Even the CSOs in Bihar, a state in India, are asking for services. CSOs have learned to form strategic alliances.
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 sector
● Engagement of civil society leaders in 31 district-level coalition meetings conducted during the reporting period stimulated action by the coalitions and provided common platforms for CSOs to discuss advocacy issues, joint strategies/plans, and public service oversight functions. Representatives at coalition meetings in this period agreed to take joint actions to scale up advocacy efforts and joint actions. HEAD coalitions and media took 22 joint actions in this Quarter on selected priority policy areas. One example of such a joint effort was support garnered for the only blood bank in Pyuthan district, which was running short of funds and was on the verge of close out. This issue was raised in a HEAD coalition meeting. After discussion, HEAD/CSO coalition organized a meeting with local government representatives to advocate for funds to sustain the blood bank. Local governments in Pyuthan district agreed to allocate budget for the blood bank from the next fiscal year, with approval from the upcoming village assembly.
● Following CS:MAP’s campaign for proactive disclosure of information on public interest issues, Roshi gaunpalika of Kavre has started sharing information of its daily activities through a radio program every day. The program ‘Roshi Daily Activity’ is being broadcast from Radio Roshi every evening at 7:00-7:30 pm. The program is designed to inform and empower citizens/service recipients on information like income, expenditure, new projects, formation of user’s committees, upcoming events, among others. On quarterly basis, Radio Roshi also broadcast live interview with chairperson of gaunpalika
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on which citizens can also ask questions and grievances to the chairperson on public service delivery, planning process, status of income and expenditure, among others.
● Elected representatives of Narayan municipality, Dailekh, disclosed their assets at a public program organized to mark 11th Information Day. The program was jointly organized by CS:MAP, Federation of Nepali Journalists and Narayan Municipality. Mayor, deputy mayor and eleven ward chairpersons publicly disclosed their assets in the prescribed format. This initiative was a first of its kind across Nepal for proactive disclosure of assets by elected representatives of a local government. Highlighting on the importance of such disclosure, mayor of Narayan municipality Ratna Bahadur Khadka said such practice would help improve public image and integrity of elected representatives. Result 2.3: Improved CSO and media capacity to conduct participatory and evidence- based research on issues, policy, and enforcement to benefit marginalized groups
● CS:MAP partner EAI provided technical assistance on Participatory and Evidence-based Action Research (PEAR) for CS:MAP ISOs Measures for Intervention Training Research and Action Samaj (MITRA Samaj), Nepal Participatory Action Network (NEPAN), and Nepal National Social Welfare Association (NNSWA). ISO support helped complete research on 62 of the 113 issues identified for local-level advocacy in Year 4; research on the other issues is ongoing. CSOs submitted final research reports this Quarter for 28 of the 62 studies completed. The evidence generated from these research efforts was utilized by CSOs in their ongoing advocacy efforts. ● CSOs shared their research experiences and advocacy efforts through 108 blogposts1 (13 blogs contributed by PEAR–trained CARs) on MeroReport during the quarter, highlighting their research activities and findings. This clearly demonstrates the enhanced capacity and confidence of the CSOs in conducting PEAR and using the research findings in their local-level advocacy. For example, Information and Human Right Research Centre (IHRC), working in Banke and Bardiya, and Rural Women Development Centre (RWDC) in Dang have used evidence collected from PEAR for advocacy for free life-long treatment of sickle-cell anemia2 patients in the districts. Similarly, other CSOs have utilized evidence from the PEAR for advocacy supporting free health check-ups in community schools, formulating agricultural insurance policy, and other issues. ● CARs collected evidence on 53 new issues in this reporting Quarter. Evidence has been collected on a total of 85 issues (including 32 issues last year). Analysis of the evidence shows that 39% of issues are related to effective implementation of polices and 61% are related to formulation of policies. Issues pertain to health, education, agriculture, disaster
1 Out of 108 blog posts published on MeroReport this Quarter, 13 blog posts were published by CARs; 95 were published by district coordinators and other CSO representatives. 2 Sickle-Cell Anemia is a genetic disease caused by mutation of red blood cells and which leads to various health complications such as joint and muscle aches, pneumonia, mild fever, and jaundice.
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risk reduction (DRR), and governance, as well as GESI. CSOs are primarily focused on advocacy regarding formulation and implementation of policies; most issues pertain to health, governance, and GESI (rather than agriculture and DRR).
● Continued mentoring to the 55 journalists3 selected from the participants of Advocacy, Monitoring and Oversight (AMO) and Investigative Journalism (IJ) training from Years 2 and 3 resulted in 37 articles and blogs being published on MeroReport, other online portals, and in the national media. The published articles focused on the health, education, agriculture and disaster risk reduction (HEAD) sectors; youth; GESI; and local development. The journalists are now tracking the impact of their articles through follow- up with the concerned authorities.
Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption:
The coordination and collaboration meetings among the CS:MAP team and ISOs proved to be very useful in terms of assessing the progress and identifying the challenges of PEAR-related activities. They also helped in better tracking how evidence collected from the PEAR activities has contributed to the ongoing advocacy efforts. Regular follow up with CARs through social media and telephone calls supported the mentoring provided by ISOs. The continuous mentoring, and facilitation of linkages between partner CSOs and journalists based in the same districts, led to joint advocacy efforts and regular participation by journalists in community mobilization activities organized by the CSOs. Increased use of evidence from PEAR reports, along with the investigative reports published by the trained journalists, is evidence of improved collaboration among the CSOs, media journalists, and other stakeholders in the districts for joint advocacy.
As anticipated in the annual work plan, coalition building and joint actions (between national and local actors as well as between CSOs and the media) were challenging. CS:MAP partners engaged proactively with CSOs, HEAD networks, and civil society champions to overcome these challenges. CS:MAP provided orientations and strategic inputs and conducted meetings with ISOs to scale up mentoring and coaching of CSOs in this regard. To back up advocacy with relevant data and information, CARs were mobilized to gather evidence. In addition, local elected officials remain engaged and open to participation in working groups and local structures such as Common Assembly (CA) and Sajhedari Manch, facilitated by CS:MAP CSO partners. Three ISOs have been mobilized to provide their support in each CS:MAP working district as part of their capacity building support to CSOs. This helped CSOs to carry out advocacy efforts, promote government engagement, and apply SA tools at local and district levels.
Anticipated challenges and CS:MAP mitigation measures:
Coordination among all CS:MAP actors in carrying out joint advocacy at the sub-national level has remained a challenge. To overcome this, CS:MAP encouraged CSO partners to lead such coordination efforts and integrated this as a regular activity within CSO scopes of work. ISOs
3 Fifty-five journalists were selected for the mentoring, out of whom 25 were trained previously through Advocacy, Monitoring and Oversight (AMO) trainings and 30 through Investigative journalism (IJ) training.
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provided technical support to CARs in collecting evidence on identified advocacy issues. The frequency of HEAD/CSO coalitions meetings was also increased. This provided opportunities for the coalitions to engage among themselves and explore new strategies for effective advocacy on priority policy issues. 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
● Implementation of good governance barometer (GGB) in six gaunpalika has led to positive results. Kavre Pokhari Secondary School and Mahakali Secondary School in Gulmi district posted complaint redressal mechanisms and designated nodal officers. Mahendra Pratap Secondary School, Laligurans Secondary School, Siddhakalin Secondary School, and two other schools in Sindhupalchowk district are using electric machines to check timely arrival and departure of teachers and staff attendance. The machines were installed in earlier in the Quarter. These schools are also conducting regular interactions with parents and students to gain feedback on students’ achievements and the code of conduct for both teachers and students.
● CS:MAP expanded implementation of GGB in the health sector at Suddhodhan gaunpalika, Patariya–1, Kapilvastu. The GGB model was developed with technical support from an FHI 360 GGB expert and the CS:MAP Governance Advisor. A multi- stakeholder workshop at a health post in Suddhodhan gaunpalika was organized in March for setting minimum and maximum reference values. Findings of the data collected from focus group discussion, interviews, field observations, and key informant interviews will be shared in the next Quarter and GGB action plans will be developed to address the gaps.
● A total of 564 posts made in MeroReport showed increased participation of CS:MAP stakeholders at the sub-national level. Of these, 79 posts were related to health issues, 86 to GESI, 53 to education, 62 to agriculture, 17 to DDR, 26 to youth, and 28 to social accountability tools, demonstrating a crucial rise in monitoring and reporting on delivery of public services. Result 3.2: Improved bottom-up coordination among community, district, and national formal and informal CSOs engaged in public service oversight
● A total of 23 orientations were conducted for HEAD/CSO coalitions on public service oversight checklist/indicators for health and education in this reporting period. The checklist/standards were developed by FHI 360 in Quarter 1. This enabled the coalitions to conduct 21 public service oversights in these sectors during the reporting period. (An
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overview of the findings is provided under Section 4.2 Activity 3.2.3 and details will be provided in the next quarterly report.)
● CS:MAP CSO partners identified a set of civil society champions in the working districts. These champions are the individuals who have the capacity to influence in local policy making. These champions are leading civil society interactions in the districts. This approach has been effective for engaging, sensitizing, and empowering civil society actors at district level and for strengthening collaboration and reinforcing the importance of civic space in democratic governance at sub-national level. A total of 29 civil society interactions moderated by local influencers (civil society champions such as academicians, lawyers, journalists, etc.) have educated local influencers on certain public interest issues and their role of ‘civic vigilance’ in public oversight. These discussions also contributed to improving collaboration/partnerships between local governments and civil society (NGOs, CBOs, media, academicians, lawyers, private sector, etc.) by bringing together in a forum for debates on common public interest and policy issues.
● Civil society and media collectively took 22 joint actions to follow up on issues discussed in the civil society interactions. These include submission of letters of memoranda and delegations and meetings with local governments. Civil society organizations in Pyuthan submitted a letter of memorandum to local governments for quarterly disclosure of revenue details to citizens. HEAD coalition in Pyuthan discussed successfully with the local governments the funding of a blood bank in the district. Similarly, CSOs in Salyan submitted a letter of memorandum to Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperative in Karnali Province, to expediate agro-insurance and distribution of identity cards to farmers. Result 3.3: Improved citizen awareness and use of available GON social accountability mechanisms
● CSO partners organized 26 orientations for citizens and elected representatives at gaunpalika/municipality on the use of existing SA tools based on Public Hearing Guidelines–2067, Public Audit Guidelines–2067, Social Audit Guidelines–2067, Right to Information Act–2064, and Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act–2064. These orientations sensitized citizens and local elected representatives on legal provisions of SA mechanisms, which has increased the number of local governments conducting public hearings. In the reporting period, 31 local governments conducted public hearings in project districts with support from CS:MAP partners (29% increase compared to Quarter 1).
● Responses on IVR platform showed that the 70 radio episodes of Sajha Boli and three episodes of Saathi Sanga Manka Kura (SSMK) produced and aired during this Quarter have contributed to improved awareness among listeners on important issues such as right to information, agricultural grants, and youth self-employment. A total of 4,030 responses received (3,722 for Sajha Boli episodes and 308 responses for SSMK radio
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programs), is an improvement of 32% over those received in the previous Quarter. These demonstrate increased citizen awareness of SA among local governments. Additionally, 11 outdoor discussions (one at the national and ten at the sub-national level), gave stakeholders the opportunity to engage in discussions on issues they considered high priority (Please refer to Section 4.2 Activity 3.3.8 for details on actions undertaken by LDAGs at the community level). A total of 26 PSAs including the one marking International Women’s Day were produced and broadcast by partner radios in this Quarter. They focused on issues of women’s rights and on the use of SA tools at the local level. These efforts also contributed to raising public awareness of the SA tools.
● CS:MAP also trained 47 civil society actors representing 14 different districts on new media. They developed plans to maximize the use of new media to promote their work and initiate public interest campaigns. CS:MAP radio programs—the 70 radio episodes of Sajha Boli and three episodes of Saathi Sanga Manka Kura (SSMK)—were produced and aired during this Quarter. Responses to the interactive voice response (IVR) platform demonstrated that these programs have contributed to improved awareness among listeners on important issues such as right to information, agricultural grants, and youth self-employment.
● Local youth in Listening Discussion and Action Groups (LDAGs) have used SA tools to carry out oversight of the public resources and the public service delivery. The LDAGs have conducted activities ranging from pressuring local authorities to ensure the safety of the local infrastructure (like electricity lines), keeping citizen charter, have collaborated with school management committees, and have carried out public awareness programs on anti-corruption.
● Samudayik Sarathi in Kathmandu, Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal (IHRICON) in Lalitpur, and Development Exchange Center Nepal (DEC Nepal) in Dhading organized social audits in the second Quarter. Administrative and program details—such as target vs. achievements, financial details including list of projects implemented by the partners—were presented to representatives of government offices, local governments, media, CSOs, and beneficiaries. The practice by CS:MAP partners of conducting their own institutional social audits has lent credibility and increased mutual accountability among CSOs and government agencies in the district. Practice of institutional social audits is in a way improving public image and sending out a message to other CSOs that they should also conduct social audit to promote credibility and mutual accountability of the CSOs.
● In this Quarter, CS:MAP partners conducted 12 PETs on distribution of scholarship funds in community schools. Samudayik Sarathi conducted PETs in Kavre and Sindhupalchowk districts. PETs were also conducted by DEC Nepal in Dhading, IHRICON in Bhaktapur, Sundar Nepal in Jajarkot and Surkhet, Media for Development and Social Change (FMDC) in Kailali, RWDC in Dang, and Community Development Center (CDC) in Nuwakot and Rasuwa conducted PETs on scholarship funds. The
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findings showed that protracted delay in distribution of scholarship amounts, scholarship fund was found distributed proportionately to entire eligible students and list of scholarship recipients not posted on the notice boards. CSOs have shared the findings with division chiefs of municipalities/gaunpalika. ● In this reporting Quarter, CSOs conducted 13 community score cards (CSCs) in health posts. These CSCs served as platforms for service providers and citizens at the community level to identify gaps, explore constraints qualitatively, jointly discuss issues in public service delivery, and resolve them amicably through formulation of action plans. RWDC conducted a CSC at Saundiyar Health Post of Ward no.7 under Ghorahi sub-metropolis and developed actions plan to improve services. Tools used in the CSC included an input tracking matrix, self-evaluation score card, performance score card, and face-to-face meetings. Khopiram Chaudhary, Chair of Ward no. 7 committed to address the following issues within six months: make immunization service effective, implement family planning service, and ensure availability of 35 types of free medicine as identified. The Chair also committed to apply CSC in schools and agriculture areas.
● Thirty-one local governments in CS:MAP districts sought CSOs’ technical support in organizing public hearings. This indicates increased collaboration between CS: MAP partners and local governments. Barhabise municipality in Siddhupalchowk district conducted public hearing. It was the second public hearing organized by the municipality this year. CS:MAP partner Samudayik Sarathi provided technical support to the municipality in organizing public hearing. Likewise, Panchkhal municipality in Kavre also conducted public hearing on January 17, 2019. Sailung gaunpalika in Dolakha district organized public hearing with technical support from CS:MAP. The public hearing ended up with a three-point public declaration. Similarly, Khadadevi gaunpalika, Manthali municipality, Sunapati gaunpalika 1, Umakunda gaunpalika in Ramechhap district organized public hearings with support from CS:MAP local partner. Three ward offices of Ghorahi sub-metropolis in Dang conducted public hearings with technical support from CS:MAP partner. Conduct of public hearings by local governments indicates increased collaboration between CS:MAP partners and local governments. This also indicates that local governments are showing interest in conducting public hearings which serve as platforms for engagement between government and citizens. Issues discussed in these public hearings ranged from implementation of projects at community level to public service delivery on health, education, agriculture, among others. These events were attended by representatives from local governments, media, civil society, academia and citizens, among others.
Result 3.4: Improved citizen engagement in media and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools to strengthen public participation and oversight
● CS:MAP capacitated 64 participants from nine districts in use of ICT and data in governance. CS:MAP partners IHRICON, Samudayik Sarathi, Human Rights Awareness and Development Center (HURADEC), and CDC Nepal organized four workshops on “ICT and Data for Advocacy” in their respective districts. (Please refer to Activity 3.4.4
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for the details on the content of the workshop.) Participants were orientated on the use of ICT for effective oversight. After the workshop in Nuwakot, participants opened a Facebook page entitled NAGARIK SAMBAD. Participants in Sindhuli opened an advocacy Facebook page entitled HAMRO SWASTHYA.
● A total of 2,722 individuals participated in the SMS My Voice Campaign (SMV), organized to encourage youth to actively participate in the Local Level Planning Process (LLPP)—for budget advocacy and to promote anti-corruption. Participants used SA tools such as right to information (RTI) and public audits, The campaign provided a platform for people to share stories about their engagement with local government, highlighting how they participated in their community to strengthen public oversight. The campaign promotion activities also provided a platform for open discussion and sharing among the local representatives, CSOs, and the community members.
● The CRs have taken photographs documenting the status of public service delivery and resource utilization in their communities. In this Quarter, EAI received 144 photographs from CRs, highlighting the issues and gaps for service delivery within HEAD thematic areas. The photographs have been featured on MeroReport and the Sajha Boli Facebook page to engage relevant stakeholders and concerned authorities. Refresher training was provided to 30 CRs to improve their knowledge and skills.
MeroReport platform witnessed a significant level of citizen engagement in this Quarter— over 21,983 page views (27% increase compared to the previous Quarter). The platform has 2,192 members (including 15 new members in Quarter 2) who submitted 564 blog posts engaging in meaningful discussions about local level public service delivery mechanisms.
Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption:
As outlined in the annual work plan, development of checklist/indicators for public services oversight and orienting the HEAD/CSO coalitions gave coalition members more confidence in conducting oversight activities. Increased frequency of HEAD/CSO coalition meetings and evidence generated by CARs helped them feel equipped. Bringing up the issues from common assembly meetings for discussion at HEAD coordination meetings supported linkage with the local level and helped bring local issues to attention at district level and resolve them collectively. CS:MAP local CSO partners and the support of ISOs at the local level helped the actors understand the value of collaboration. The citizen-government engagement mechanisms such as Common Assembly, Sajhedari Manch, and GGB workshops helped stakeholders own the process and welcome the use of SA tools. The collaborative and participatory approach adopted by CS:MAP partners in implementing SA tools mitigated fears among government entities/local governments that these tools were meant to provoke people against them. Elected representatives of local governments were consulted during the process of issue selection and during different phases of implementation during the application of SA tools, including GGB and PETs. This participatory approach and the technical
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support given by CS:MAP partners in organizing public hearings has gained the confidence of local governments and eased the processes. CS:MAP developed and implemented an outreach strategy to ensure effective mobilization/integration of CS:MAP structures and components in the district. The strategy enhanced coordination among CS:MAP actors at the sub-national level including CRs, CSOs, CARs, and trained journalists. CSO ownership strengthened the LDAGs network and effective mobilization of youth members through regular listening and discussion sessions. The Critical Listening Feedback Sessions (CLFS) and outdoor discussions provided platforms for regular engagement with local stakeholders and promoted their ownership of CS:MAP activities. These platforms were also used to promote the SMV campaign. PSAs, MeroReport, and the radio series, encouraged more community members to participate in project activities through information and communication technology (ICT). Likewise, the call-in segments introduced in the radio episodes provided opportunities for the target audience and the stakeholders to directly engage regarding priority issues and enhance their understanding of SA tools and their practical application for local level program implementation and oversight. The radio series proved to be a good platform to share stories of good practices carried out by local CSOs and media. Furthermore, the monthly blog- writing competition continued on MeroReport and resulted to multiple blogs and articles related to the monitoring and oversight of public resource use and public service delivery. Anticipated challenges and CS:MAP mitigation measures:
Use of SA tools was important in generating ownership among elected representatives. Stakeholders were consulted at the outset in selecting issue and were engaged in the process by CS:MAP partners to create ownership and promote government “buy in” of the process. CSO partners were repeatedly oriented to engage local governments in each step or phase while implementing SA tools. This was effective in developing an understanding that SA tools foster collaborative governance. Engaging HEAD coalitions in advocacy and oversight efforts at the district level was an anticipated challenge. To mitigate this challenge, CS:MAP increased the frequency of coordination meetings and consultations. Collaboration included selection of advocacy issue, to collection of evidence through CARs, and included seeking concurrence from HEAD coalition members to use the evidence for advocacy and oversight activities collectively. CS:MAP’s support in identifying issues, developing action plans, and implementing plans, helped drive the advocacy efforts. Objective 4: Strengthen organizational capacity and sustainability of CSOs working in USAID priority sectors to advance local solutions.
Result 4.1: Improved institutional governance of selected CSOs and media organizations
● CS:MAP ISO partners NEPAN, MITRA Samaj and NNSWA provided coaching and mentoring support to 14 CSOs in carrying out Organizational Capacity Assessments (OCAs), Institutional Improvement Plans (IIPs), ARI capacity building plans, and GESI action plans. Support was provided during trainings and workshops conducted by
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CS:MAP and coaching by ISOs supported the CSOs to implement the plans. ISOs have been sharing their visit updates and progress on action plans with CS:MAP on a regular basis. (For information about the frequency of CSO visits, see Result 2.1.) ● CS:MAP conducted a two-day refresher training for ISOs on the OCA tool to prepare the capacity building specialists and the plan for the third round of assessments for the 14 CSOs.
● ISO’s expertise and technical knowledge on ARI and OCA is being sought by international non-governmental organizations in Nepal and beyond. IPAS, a non- governmental organization working in Nepal approached to MITRA Samaj for its technical support on ARI so that they can also conduct ARI of their partners for strengthening advocacy efforts. Similarly, World Neighbors, an INGO working in Bihar, approached to MITRA Samaj for conducting OCA of their partner organizations working in Bihar. Advances of INGOs for technical support on ARI and OCA can be taken as indication that CS: MAP’s tools on institutional capacity assessment is being recognized and has the possibility of expansion which in fact appears encouraging from sustainability perspective.
Result 4.2: Improved capacity of select CSOs and media organizations to mobilize social and financial resources for sustainability
● In the second Quarter of FY 2019, a total 12 CSOs prepared 16 project proposals (8 to local and provincial government and another 8 to international donors) and secured new funding for 13 (8 from local government, 4 from INGOs and 1 from private sector). ISOs have been providing necessary support to CSOs to implement their resource mobilization guidelines and plans focusing on funding diversification. ● CS:MAP provided technical support to Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city to draft their Communication Policy. A half day workshop was facilitated by CS:MAP Advocacy Consultant on what communication policy should include and be drafted. Nepalgunj sub- municipal office approached to CS:MAP for this kind of collaboration. Similarly, CS:MAP Media Outreach Manager also oriented municipal officials and elected representatives on using ICT for people-government engagement.
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
● CS:MAP provided an orientation on OCA tools and internal governance practices to non- CS:MAP partners in seven CSOs based districts during this Quarter. Best practices, effectiveness of OCA tools, and minimum standards of internal governance were shared among 88 CSOs. Of those, 13 requested that CS:MAP ISO/CSO partners conduct an OCA assessment at their own cost.
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● ISO NEPAN assisted Society for Humanism Nepal (SOCH Nepal) to conduct OCA of Association of Dalit Women Advancement of Nepal (ADWAN), a non-CS:MAP CSO in Kathmandu.
Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption:
One CS:MAP approach is building a stronger community of practice. As reported above, the CS:MAP brought all the capacity building specialists from three ISOs together which helped the team build a common understanding about implementation of the third round of the OCA tool. The CS:MAP team also provided ‘on the spot facilitation support’ during the assessment for a few CSOs and ensured the quality of the assessment. The approach helped increase the pool of facilitators of OCA tools. The ISO review meeting during the Quarter assessed the intensity of support ISOs gave CSOs to address gaps identified in the second round of the assessment. They were able to provide comprehensive support to CSOs, as anticipated in the work plan. Collaboration among CSOs and ISOs led to necessary action steps to change institutional policies and practices in the CSOs.
CS:MAP partner CSOs’ implementing minimum standards for internal governance is setting an example in the CS:MAP working districts. This has encouraged other CSOs in the districts commit toward implementing such standards. CS:MAP also oriented other CSOs in the districts about the OCA assessment and the benefits of improved organizational governance. Around 15% of the organizations who participated in OCA orientations showed interest and sent requests to CS:MAP partner CSOs to help them conduct OCAs.
Anticipated challenges and CS:MAP mitigation measures:
Comprehensive capacity building support to 14 CSOs working in 34 districts with different levels of capacity needs and within a certain time frame was challenging. The CS:MAP team’s effort to synchronize the calendar of ISOs and CSOs and frequent direct support to the CSOs and ISOs in the field helped smooth the process. Despite busy schedules, board members of CSOs provided their time during coaching and mentoring visits from ISOs. They showed enthusiasm in learning to make their governance systems better and improve their advocacy efforts. The result is seen as the CS:MAP supported organization has required policies and guidelines in place with clear strategic direction. However, board members have limited time to give, and this has challenged the sustainability of institutional changes made. To address this, and enhance the board engagement in institutional capacity building, CS:MAP worked closely with the executive directors of CSOs. This person functions as a bridge to the board. A key CS:MAP strategy was to assign board members as focal persons for specific activities in the respective institutional improvement plans, in order to engage them in the process.
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4. Activity Progress
4.1 Development and submission of deliverables
Narrative and Financial Reports:
Quarterly Progress Report #8 (October 1, 2018–December 31, 2018): CS:MAP submitted its first quarterly progress report for Year 4 to the USAID Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) on January 31, 2019. The team received comments and suggestions for improvement on March 1, 2019. The team submitted the revised version of the report on March 18, 2019 and received approval from the AOR on March 19, 2019.
Financial Reports for Year 4: CS:MAP submitted its first quarterly financial report (SF 425) for Year 4 on January 30, 2019, and its second quarterly financial report (SF 425) for Year 4 on April 29, 2019. Please refer to Annex 3.
Short-term consultant reports, technical briefs/reports, special and external reports: CS:MAP has been coordinating with its AOR for direct briefing of consultants who travel and work for the project at the end of their visit—to ensure direct communication regarding the focus of consultants and their findings. Suggestions and recommendations from the AOR have also been incorporated into the deliverables.
Monthly calendar and updates: On the final day of each month, CS:MAP provided the AOR with a calendar for the upcoming month. In the same submission, CS:MAP shared updates on the previous month’s activities.
Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) submission: CS:MAP uploaded 24 documents, reports and knowledge products to the USAID DEC. (See https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/home/Default.aspx.)
4.2 Progress achieved toward project objectives
Objective 1: Strengthened enabling environment for civil society and media
Result 1.1: Improved legal and policy framework, based on international standards, that leads to better operating environment and strengthened capacity for civil society
Activity 1.1.1: Implement advocacy action plans on regulatory reform issues on CSOs and media.
Building on 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:
Activity 1.1.1.1: Law and policy review Federal and provincial governments proposed several laws and policies related to freedom of expression and association. Considering the importance of the proposed laws,
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CS:MAP reviewed three bills prepared at federal level: Social Organization Act–2075 proposed by Ministry of Home Affairs, Information Technology Act–2075, and Advertisement (Regulation) Act–2075. The NLC shared the bill on Social Organization Act–2075 on January 27, 2019, through its website. CS:MAP partner ICNL prepared a summary analysis of the bill. The bill is drafted as an umbrella Act governing the registration, renewal, fund mobilization, and function of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nepal. It repeals three existing laws: The Association Registration Act, 1977, the National Directive Act, 1961, and the Social Welfare Act, 1992. Multiple documentation requirements for registration, vague grounds for the denial of registration, barriers to access foreign funding, issues of termination and dissolution, and severance penalties are identified as problematic issues in the draft. A policy brief has been prepared on the draft bill on Social Organization Act–2075, analyzing constitutional provisions and international standards on freedom of association. The CS:MAP team reviewed the bill on Information Technology Act–2075 regarding implications for freedom of expression. The bill, which will repeal Electronics Transaction Act–2063, was registered in the Parliament at House of Representatives on February 14, 2019, and is expected to be discussed in the appropriate Parliamentary committee soon. This bill has provisions to regulate the contents of different media technologies and has direct impact on freedom of expression. Additionally, this bill has provisions on data protection, privacy, and social networks that are directly related to freedom of expression. These issues are a key concern of the review. A comprehensive policy brief was prepared to make the stakeholders and CS:MAP national advocacy partners understand the draft provisions and its impact on freedom of expression. CS:MAP partner Freedom Forum reviewed the Advertisement (Regulation) Act–2075 in terms of implications for freedom of expression. Although the bill focuses on regulation of advertisements, some provisions (sections 8, 15, 23, 24, 25) are restrictive of freedom of expression. The bill was registered in Parliament at the National Assembly on January 8, with discussion in committee on February 8 and was passed by the Assembly on March 24, 2019. The bill will go through the House of Representatives, where the review will be used to educate Parliamentarians and concerned stakeholders. Provincial governments and parliaments are also working to introduce and pass different policies, laws, and directives that are directly related to media operation at the provincial level. Freedom Forum reviewed the following in terms of implications for freedom of expression: Press and Publication Bill–2075 and Broadcasting Bill–2075/Province 5, Integrated Mass Communication Bill–2075/Gandaki Province, and Broadcasting Bill– 2075/Karnali Province. Briefs were prepared on each review to educate the stakeholders about the gaps in the draft bills. These offered recommendations for changes to provisions respecting and protecting freedom of expression and press freedom. The policy review made by CS:MAP have been used by NFN, FNJ and media leaders to advocate for improving those in line with international standards for freedom of association and expression.
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Activity 1.1.1.2: Disseminating/sharing of the policy review CS:MAP organized eight events to share the reviews by Freedom Forum. These were attended by Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC), South Asia Partnership Nepal (SAP Nepal), NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN), FNJ, GoGo Foundation, and Samjhauta Nepal, and in collaboration with Media Advocacy Group (MAG). The printed and electronic version of the policy briefs were shared with nearly 100 individuals—including Parliamentarians, concerned committee members, government officials, political party representatives, and other CSOs partners and media at the federal level. Similarly, provincial-level policy briefs were shared with the Provincial Assembly Members, concerned government officials, CSOs, and the media via one-on-one meetings and emails. CS:MAP coalition leads FNJ and NFN and national advocacy partners used the reviews in their policy advocacy work. The review of Social Organization Act–2075 was widely shared with the NGO Federation Nepal team, CSO coalition members, AIN executive members, and the AIN policy working group. NGO Federation used the document when meeting with government representatives, Members of Parliament, and political leaders to advocate for necessary changes in the draft bill. Similarly, the review of the Advertisement (Regulation) Act–2075 is being widely used by the FNJ team and media coalition members. It was shared with journalists and was widely covered by different media. It was also shared with Members of Parliament. Freedom Forum was asked by the Legislation Management Committee of National Assembly to share the key finding of the review; Mr. Taranath Dahal from Freedom Forum interacted with the committee and shared the findings. The review of IT bills was shared with information technology committee, journalists, government representatives, and political leaders. The media have already started writing about the flaws in the proposed IT bills from the point of view of freedom of expression. Stakeholders including FNJ, the online journalist association, and Internet Society have been using the review to advocate for changes as the bill goes through the legislative process. Reviews of the provincial-level laws and policies have been shared with journalists, parliamentarians, FNJ provincial leadership, ministers, and the Chief Minister of respective provinces. Three events were organized at provincial level to share these reviews and educate stakeholders.
Activity 1.1.2: Policy dialogue and discussion with and among CSOs, media, political party, government, and parliament
Activity 1.1.2.1: Dialogue and discussion on laws and policy related to CSOs and media CS:MAP organized five dialogues and discussions with major stakeholders in this Quarter focusing on the draft Social Organization Act–2075 (discussed above). The bill covers the whole life cycle of a CSO, including registration, renewal, approval, operation, reporting, funding, and tax. The bill was therefore a priority in this Quarter. Participants at the events included representatives of political parties, government offices, academia,
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civil society, and included Members of Parliament, lawyers, human rights defenders, and intellectuals. The goal was to explain major provisions of the proposed bill and its compatibility with the constitutional provisions and international standards as well as best practices.
NFN organized an urgent meeting with CSO coalition members to consult on the draft shared by the NLC on January 2, 2019. A total of 104 participants represented different federations, networks, and alliances. The greater CSO community is concerned that the bill is regressive, and its essence is contrary to freedom of association, which is in violation of the Constitution. Those sharing their views included Chhatra Pradhan and Bhim Pariyar from JuRI-Nepal, Bidur Subedi from Human Rights Alliance, Ganesh B.K– from RDN Nepal, Shanta Laxmi Shrestha from BBC, GB Adhikari from RRN, Rem B.K from FNJ and Raju Basne from NFDN, Surba Bahadur Thapa from DiMANN, Subash Khatiwada from ACORAB, Kedar Khadka from GOGO Foundation, Narendra Prasad Joshi from SAP-Nepal, and Tara Nath Dahal from Freedom Forum. It was agreed that this draft has many provisions that will disturb the functioning of CSOs and will undermine the value of their work. All participants urged that the bill should be consistent with CPR-Article 22 and UDHR Article 20. NFN took the lead in preparing the Teen Mahale, incorporating all suggestions and to be submitted to the NLC. INSEC organized an interaction program on the draft bill with Kathmandu-based youth- led CSOs and networks on January 25, 2019. Bhawana Bhatta, Secretary of NGO Federation, facilitated the interaction and shared concerns prepared by NGO Federation on the draft bill. The interaction provided youth with information about the changing policy context and prepared them for advocacy to ensure a CSO-friendly legal and policy environment. Participants shared their opinions and questions. A total of 36 participants (10 women) attended.
SAP Nepal organized consultation meetings on the draft bill on January 24 and February 11, 2019. A total of 77 participants (25 women) attended. CSO leaders, policy makers, decision makers, and federations (Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal- FECOFUN), Feminist Dalit Organization-FEDO, Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities-NEFIN, Federation of Drinking Water and Sanitation Users Nepal- FEDWASUN, and FNJ) raised the concerns about different provisions. One of the consultations was organized in presence of the bill drafting taskforce members: Bashistha Kumar Ghimire (Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs), Sarita Rayamajhi (Under Secretary, Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizen), Nisha Baniya (Legal Advisor of Social Welfare Council), and Rajendra Kumar Thapa (Under Secretary, NLC). The participants provided inputs and shared concerns with the members, who expressed their commitment to make necessary amendments in the draft as suggested by the CSOs.
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On February 15, 2019, GoGo Foundation organized a multi-stakeholder dialogue at Bhaktapur with elected members, Discussion of the draft Social Organization Act in Kathmandu. high ranking government officials, social activists, media persons, and academicians to discuss issues relating to CSOs and how to make an enabling environment for civil society. Civil society representatives of the Bhaktapur district said local government (Bhaktapur municipality and Madhyapur municipality) have created innumerable problems for CSOs in terms of registration and renewal time. Most of CSO speakers were dismayed the draft Social Organization Act–2075. The consensus was that the draft is not CSO friendly and limits the CSO working space. A tole of 51 district-level stakeholders were present, including Nabraj Gelal Chief of District Coordination Committee (DCC) Bhaktapur. It is clear that a strong lobby and advocacy campaign by CSOs and the media level is essential.
Participants at all the events emphasized that there is an urgent need for effective advocacy by the CSO community to ensure the law is compatible with Constitutional values, international standards, and best practices.
Activity 1.1.2.2: Interactions with political parties regarding civil society engagement Political parties have always been crucial to the democratic process. CS:MAP organized three provincial-level interactive meetings to strengthen civil society and political party collaboration to support the enabling environment for civil society. The events promoted discussion of the current context and contemporary issues, constitutional standards of freedom of association, and the impact of upcoming laws on CSOs’ working environment.
The first event was organized in Pokhara, Gandaki Province, on January 18, 2019, by GoGo Foundation. Altogether 54 participants (11 women) attended, including those representing different political parties, members of Provincial Parliament, media, and CSOs. Executive Director of GoGo Foundation Kedar Khadka presented an overview of CSO issues in the changed context, highlighting those related to registration, renewal, and project approvals. Participants agreed on the important role of CSOs in strengthening democracy, raising social awareness of all forms of social discrimination, and contributing to sustainable development in Nepal.
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INSEC organized two events to enhance collaboration between CSOs and political parties. The first took place February 7, 2019, in Dhangadhi, and the second on March 10 in Biratnagar. The Dhangadhi event was attended by 43 participants (11 women) and the Biratnagar event was attended 53 participants (19 women) including the Minister, Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, Vice-Chair of Provincial Planning Commission, Parliamentarians, political party representatives, members of the media, and civil society representatives. The two events were helpful to build trust among CSOs, political party representatives, and other stakeholders; to enhance understanding of constitutional guarantees and international standards on freedom of association; and to prepare a foundation for effective and strategic engagement and collaboration between CSOs and political actors in the coming days.
Interaction to promote collaboration between CSOs and the media in Dhangadhi.
Activity 1.1.3: Support to local governments to develop and implement civil society- and media- related laws
CS:MAP built the capacity of 53 civil society and media leaders on policy advocacy for freedoms of association and expression. Participants received resources and tools and learned about approaches to engage with the governments in the law-drafting process and to provide inputs based on constitutional values and international practices. The trained civil society and media leaders will work with local governments and provide necessary support to develop and implement civil society- and media-related laws. (Details on the capacity building is mentioned in Section 4.2 Activity 1.1.7.) Activity 1.1.4: Promotion of Open Government Partnership (OGP) concept at national and sub- national level
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CS:MAP finalized the OGP handbook this Quarter incorporating inputs and suggestions received from major stakeholders—in particular from USAID, National Information Commission, and CSO leaders. The final design is ready and waiting for USAID's approval for printing. The handbook will be used by CS:MAP and other national actors including USAID's Niti Sambad project to broaden understanding of OGP and the importance of its application in Nepal.
Freedom Forum collaborated with a group of CSOs working on transparency and accountability and organized an event on March 28, 2019, to discuss the context and importance of OGP adoption by Nepal Government. The event targeted the Investment Summit Nepal organized by Government of Nepal on March 29-30, 2019, inviting investors from around the globe.
There was discussion of OGP principles—transparency, accountability, participation, and technological innovation—as essential elements of an enabling environment for investment. Narayan Adhikari from Accountability Lab, suggested the government sign OGP to show its commitment to improve transparency and accountability. Taranath Dahal from Freedom Forum, said availability of data and information, along with transparency of ownership transparency, are imperative to build trust among investors. Sanjeeb Ghimire, a Researcher, opined that Nepal can improve its image with rising status on Doing Business Index with the adoption of OGP, because the variables are similar. Currently, Nepal ranks very low in the Doing Business Index, he added. Bishnu Pukar Shrestha from Campaign for Human Rights and Social Transformation (CAHURAST) Nepal, also highlighted the need for the country to adopt a culture of open government and collaboration with citizens to help unlike national potential as well as invite foreign capital.
Participants urged the government to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP)—a global movement for developing trust between government and citizens. Freedom Forum organized a meeting of the CSO taskforce on OGP on March 18, 2019. The taskforce decided to design a Google form to create a database on local CSOs working on different aspects of OGP. The database will help in mapping different themes and building a CSO network. Accountability Lab has taken the initiative to design the form and reach out to CSOs and solicit their interests, with a timeline of April 1–15. The form lists 21 thematic areas of OGP, and each CSO is asked to tick the four that have the highest priority in their own work.
Elected representatives of different local governments and civil society in Kavre district expressed their readiness and commitment to explore the possibility of developing an OGP working modality in the respective local government units. The commitment was made during the interaction program organized by CS:MAP implementing partner Samudayik Sarathi in Dhulikhel, Kavre, on January 28, 2019. The objective of the event was to enhance common
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understanding among CSOs and local governments on the principles of OGP and its working modality. The program was attended by 22 people (14 women) representing different local governments and CSOs. The event began with a presentation about the concept and context of OGP at the local government level. Examples were shared about how OGP is being practiced in different local governments in other countries as well as in Nepal. The initiatives in Neelakantha municipality and Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city were shared in this context.
RepresentativesInteraction with local of government local government and civil society shared on citizen their engagement experiences in Kavre. in working to ensure citizen engagement. Most said that partnership with citizens and CSOs takes place at different levels of government but has not been institutionalized. At the end of the program, elected representatives and members of civil society agreed and expressed their commitment to expand such discussion at municipal level and implement OGP working modality as an institutional, rather than just option or event-based process. Activity 1.1.5: Improving electoral laws and policies
The activity was completed and reported in the last quarter.
Activity 1.1.6: Civil society and media coalition meetings
Civil society coalition lead, NFN, organized six coalitions meetings at provincial level. A total of 93 participants attended respective provincial-level civil society federations and alliances. Meetings were held in Province 1, Province 3, Gandaki Province, Province 5, Karnali Province, and Sudurpashchim Province. The meetings focused on the Social Organization Act–2075. Coalition members also discussed the standards for laws to facilitate and regulate civil society at the provincial level. The meetings were helpful to bring diverse civil society actors together and discuss a common position on civil society-related laws. Similarly, FNJ, the media coalition lead, also conducted a coalition meeting with national-level media actors on February 17, 2019,
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to discuss the proposed Media Council Act and Mass Communication Act. Inputs from the feedback were incorporated into the policy brief and shared with Parliamentarians.
Activity 1.1.7: Capacity-building training
CS:MAP’s partners FNJ and NFN jointly organized two capacity-building workshops on freedoms of association and expression, respectively, on March 21-22 in Dhulikhel, Kavre and March 28-29, 2019, in Dakshinkali, Kathmandu. The objective was to capacitate the national and provincial civil society and media leaders with international legal standards and principles as a basis for local advocacy on policy and laws affecting civil society and the media. CS:MAP partner ICNL and CS:MAP’s Legal and Policy Advisor facilitated both workshops and presented on the concepts of freedom of expression and freedom of association with respect to international instruments and the Constitution 2072.
Twenty-eight participants (8 women) in Dhulikhel, Kavre and 25 participants in Dakshinkali, Kathmandu including chairpersons of both FNJ and NFN, along with other central committee members, provincial members, and representatives from civil society and media organizations attended the events.
Participants in both workshops analyzed existing civil society- and media-related policies and the proposed Social Organization Act, 2018 through the lens of the Constitution and international standards. They studied the policy advocacy cycle to strengthen their advocacy approach. Participants also practiced different scenarios to analyze whether they were in concurrence with international standards and constitutional values. They also shared their experiences and discussed issues of importance in the current context. The media and civil society coalitions agreed to work jointly on policy advocacy concerning freedom of association and freedom of expression. They also agreed to expand the joint capacity building initiative to other provinces.
Activity 1.1.8: Regular technical assistance on policy work
Zach Lampell from ICNL visited Nepal March 19–31, 2019, and organized discussions with CS:MAP coalition leads, national advocacy partners, and the policy working group of AIN. Mr. Lampell worked with the taskforce formed by NFN and AIN to develop a common concern paper based on constitutional values and international standards on the draft Bill on Social Organization Act, 2019. Fundamental principles, international standards and practice on freedom of association as well as the skill of legal review were shared with the taskforce to review the draft bill. The common concern paper has been prepared and is being discussed with AIN and NFN team. Once AIN and NFN have formally endorsed it, the paper will be used by both organizations in policy advocacy work. Similarly, CS:MAP provided technical assistance to design and organize policy advocacy workshops at the central as well as among provincial leaderships of FNJ and NFN. The workshop for the members at the federal level was held in Dhulikhel, Kavre on March 21–22, and the provincial- level workshop was held in Dakshinkali, Kathmandu on March 28–29, 2019. Key issues discussed included international standards on freedom of expression and association,
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effective policy advocacy techniques, and the importance of collaboration between the two large CSO networks in Nepal. Each workshop was attended by approximately 25 leaders from the central and provincial chapters of FNJ and NFN. The CS:MAP team, including NFN team, SAP Nepal representative, and an INSEC representative met with Under Secretary of MOHA Bashistha Kumar Ghimire, Under Secretary of MOWCSC Sarita Rayamajhi, Legal Advisor of SWC Nisha Baniya, and Under Secretary of NLC Rajendra Kumar Thapa () to discuss the draft Social Organization Act–2075, as mentioned above. CS:MAP partner Freedom Forum provided key inputs in reviewing several proposed laws and policies. CS:MAP technical inputs were useful from the perspective of international standards in a comprehensive review of Broadcasting Bill and Bill related to the Press and Publication Management of Province 5, Integrated Mass Communication Bill of Gandaki Province, and Broadcasting Bill of Karnali Province. Freedom Forum prepared a suggested amendment for the Bill on Management of Advertisement Regulation, 2018, which is under consideration in the Parliament. Executive Director of Freedom Forum Taranath Dahal was consulted by Legislative Committee of National Assembly as an expert on March 14, 2019. Mr. Dahal addressed the meeting and shared that some provisions of the proposed bill are confusing, ambiguous, hostile to freedom of expression, and avoids compensation to the victims of advertised products but instead focuses on criminalization.
Result 1.2: Improved public understanding and confidence in the role of CSOs and media
Activity 1.2.1: Use of new media for promoting civil society
In the extended phase of the Public Outreach Campaign (POC), new media have been used to strengthen and promote the role of civil society.
Activity 1.2.1.1: New media workshop
CS:MAP partner Interface Nepal organized new media workshops on March 24 and 25 in Kathmandu and on March 31 and April 1, 2019 in Nepalgunj. The objective was to build the capacity of CSOs (mainly CS:MAP partner organizations) to use social media as one of the tools to promote and advocate for accountable, legitimate, and resilient civil society. The workshops were designed to meet expectations of the participants as expressed in a pre-workshop questionnaire. Some of these included: strategic content writing; strategic promotion of content; cyber laws; safety, security, and privacy issues; maximizing reach to targeted audience; and verification of news and information. A pre-workshop consultation meeting was also held with all resource persons to finalize the design and the content of the workshop. Resource persons included external and internal experts on strategic communication, seasoned journalists, social media activists, and experts on information and
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communication technology, GESI, and legal and policy issues. Components included panel discussion; understanding social media; traditional media and social media; digital divide and implications for GESI; and online journalism—the emerging citizen- journalists. Other topics included critical thinking and media literacy; creating an impactful online campaign: #activism; introduction to digital story telling; micro blogging; online content production and sharing—security, ethics, and responsibility; creating a podcast; strategic messaging; freedom of expression in Internet—privacy, security, defamation, and laws; and group work on developing social media strategy. Twenty-six participants (10 women) from seven districts participated in the workshop in Kathmandu. Likewise, 21 representatives from seven districts (11 women) took part in the workshop in Nepalgunj. Participants were selected through a pre-workshop questionnaire. Activity 1.2.1.2: Social media campaign
Social media have been used to promote all activities and products of the public outreach campaign (POC). Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts of Interface Nepal have disseminated information/messages and promoted viewer’ engagement on issues of priority to CS:MAP. To increase views, likes, followers, and audience engagement, Interface has branded the campaign with a hashtag title #MaNagarikSamaj and has shared posts and pictures of events and activities using the hashtag title. The documentary on civil society in Nepal has also been published on YouTube. The Facebook page of Interface Nepal includes a link ‘pinned to top’ for greater visibility. The post has also been promoted (through paid boost) by short video clips of approximately 20–60 seconds being shared at an interval of two-three days on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Clips from the video have also been boosted (paid) to reach out to more audiences. Those posted to date feature Devendra Raj Pandey, Dev Raj Dahal, Lila Nyaichyain, Shyam Shrestha, Kedar Khadka, Usha Jha, Mohna Ansari, Tika Dahal, Bishnu Nisthuri, and Rajesh Ahiraj. As part of the #MaNagarikSamaj Campaign, the POC team also created a profile for Facebook about its efforts against anti-corruption to mark International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9. The profile was shared two days ahead of the Day and was viewed by many Facebook users. However, responses are not available. (See: https://www.facebook.com/Interface-Nepal- 128807827130684/https://twitter.com/interfacenep?lang=en.) To keep the POC page active and to increase visibility, the POC team has also been posting pictures and text messages at regular intervals. Social media monitoring shows that as of April 12, 2019, there were 7,450 Facebook page likes (compared to 2,570 likes by October 2018). There have been no negative reactions to any of the posts. Total reach of all posts under POC is to approximately 1.4 million viewers (compared to approximately 132,684 viewers by October 2018).
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Activity 1.2.2: Local fair: get to know your CSOs
Interface Nepal organized “Get to Know Your CSOs” program in Dang on February 24, 2019. The objective was to engage with the public, including CSOs and the media, to enhance public understanding of CSO contribution to society and the importance of a civic role in improving governance and accountability. Video dramas featuring popular artists Dhurmus- Suntali (Sitaram Kattel-Kunjana Ghimire) received center stage at the event. Citizens gather at a local CSO Fair in Dang.
Participants said they had been contributing to society in different ways, but they only realized they were acting as civil society members after attending the program. The event also provided an opportunity for CSO representatives to share their work and advance understanding of their roles. Other activities included presentation of a documentary on CSOs in Nepal, statements by experts on the role and importance of CSOs, interactions with the public, recognition of the CSO champions of the district, and word games and selfie board for photoshoot, among others. The event of approximately one hour, excluding interactions and sharing at the end, was rolled out throughout the day, so that people could join at their convenience. The organizers also coordinated with local media (newspapers, radio, and television) to interview team members for greater outreach. The event was organized in collaboration with Rural Women Development Center and attended by more than 200 people from various ethnic groups, including representatives from government agencies, CSOs, youth, and people with disabilities. Activity 1.2.3: Study on civil society contribution FHI 360 published the Request for Proposal (RFP) in the previous quarter to carry out a study on the contribution of civil society to Nepal (with a deadline of January 7, 2019). An evaluation committee was formed on January 8, 2019, to review proposals and recommend an organization Coverage of the event in the newspaper, Pradesh.
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for pre-award assessment. The committee evaluated applications based on the proposal submitting guideline and asked the top three applicants to present their proposals and answer some questions. Based on the overall evaluation, the CS:MAP grants management team conducted financial pre-award assessment of Martin Chautari on March 25, at Martin Chautari’s office. They interacted with key management and executive members and reviewed the organizational policies and system according to the pre-award assessment questionnaire. On March 27, the committee selected Martin Chautari as the designated research organization for the study. The program and budget negotiation are in process and CS:MAP will submit the package for USAID approval by April 2019.
Activity 1.2.4: Training and technical support for public interest reporting
Public Interest Journalists’ Group (PIJG) is a group of 33 journalists from earthquake-affected districts who were trained by Freedom Forum on public interest reporting of the reconstruction issues. Freedom Forum conducted a review meeting with the fellows from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur on March 19, 2019 and discussed issues of public interest reporting as well as new areas and issues of concern to the public apart from the theme of reconstruction. The PIJG introduces social issues, in addition to issues related to reconstruction. The informal network meets regularly at the secretariat provided by Freedom Forum. Efforts will be made to sustain such fora further in next level of engagement. A refresher orientation is being planned at the request of PIJG to capacitate them to uncover new hidden areas. Similarly, Freedom Forum’s fellowship story on public interest reporting won the “best feature award.” Aditya Dahal, a public interest reporting fellow, wrote a news story titled, "Sankhu Dwellers Facing Constraints to Build Houses in Traditional Style," and won a cash prize of Rs 5000 along with a certificate from the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Gokul Prasad Baskota. The story covered issues related to post-earthquake reconstruction, where the households suffered due to lack of construction materials and human resources and the government’s delay in releasing housing grants. Following the publication of the news report, reconstruction work in Sankhu, an old settlement, gathered speed. Mr. Dahal was one of 33 working journalists who were trained on public interest reporting through CS:MAP support, and he was one of the 13 recipients of a fellowship to explore the major issues of public interest concern on post-earthquake reconstruction work.
Activity 1.2.5: Proactive civil society initiatives to resolve social issues
In Quarter 2, CS:MAP partners facilitated and launched three civil society campaigns on the public interest issues of public health, agriculture, and local governance. Each campaign contains a series of activities including discussions, evidence generation, collaboration with government, civil society and media, and advocacy to change policy. CSO partners from Dang, Banke, Bardiya, and Kailali districts launched a campaign for free life- long treatment for sickle-cell patients in Western Tarai districts. They generated evidence through participatory evidence-based action research; developed advocacy messaging; organized 10 discussions at the local level in Dang, Banke, Bardiya, and Kailali districts; and published 14
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news stories, four articles, and two feature stories. They also broadcast the issue on local FM radio and television. During this campaign, CSOs and people affected by sickle cell submitted five memoranda through their delegations to local governments in the respective districts. As a result, local and provincial governments are giving attention to the issue and have shown a commitment to suggest that the Ministry of Health and Population (MOPH) make the necessary changes to the Disadvantaged Citizens Medical Treatment Fund so that the guideline covers this issue. In addition, partners from Salyan, Palpa, Banke, Surkhet, Achham, and Dadeldhura launched a campaign for agricultural insurance and subsidies. During the reporting period, they organized four farmers assemblies and seven discussion fora, and they submitted memoranda to the local municipality and provincial government. After the campaign, the local governments of Achham, Salyan, Dadeldhura, and Palpa districts requested that CSOs support the development of agricultural policy, whereas the government of Karnali Province declared the intention to develop a farmer’s pension scheme. Mero Palika: Mero Chaso campaign was also launched through the CS:MAP radio series (SSMK & Sajha Boli) and was further promoted through the subnational-level community fairs in Nepalgunj (March 4–5) and Kanchanpur (March 7–8). The purpose was to promote transparency in the local planning process and facilitate citizen engagement in programs and policies of their respective governments (see Activity 3.4.1 for more detail).
Activity 1.2.6: Organize interactions to promote understanding of the role of CSOs
A total of 29 civil society interactions were organized by 14 CSO partners in Kanchanpur, Baitadi, Achham, Dadeldhura, Banke, Bardiya, Surkhet, Dailekh, Jajarkot, Dang, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Makwanpur, Pyuthan, Salyan, Rukum, Sindhupalchowk, Kavre, Ramechhap, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur districts. The interactions focused on themes such as CSOs’ engagement in the local-level legislative and planning processes, the open government partnership, the role of civil society in democratic governance, vibrant civic space, and policy priorities. The interactions helped bring civil society actors come to one place and encouraged them to act jointly on the issues of the district. After the interactions, civil society and media took up 22 joint actions. These joint actions were a follow-up on issues discussed in the civil society interactions. CDC-Nepal in Nuwakot and Rasuwa, RWDC in Dang, DEC Nepal in Dhading and Makwanpur, Sanjeevani in Kanchanpur, and FMDC in Kailali districts organized a strategic coalition-building meeting between CSOs and the media for initiating joint actions. Local media contributed to efforts for wider dissemination. CSOs and media jointly prepared the memoranda in Dhading and Makwanpur and submitted to all local governments through the District Coordination Committee. CSOs and the media met jointly with the deputy mayor in Dadeldhura and created a letter to bring attention to the need for civic participation in the planning process. CSOs in Kailali handed over the memorandum letter to the social development minister in Sudurpashchim Province. In addition, CSOs in Dang submitted the attention letter to local government to increase civic participation in the local-level planning process and policy formulation. (Details on the interactions are described in Activity 3.2.5 and the details on joint actions are provided in Activity 3.2.6).
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Activity 1.2.7: Media and civil society collaboration to advance public interest
The Government of Nepal recently tabled a bill on the management and regulation of information technology (IT Bill) at the House of Representatives and a bill related to the management of advertisement regulations (Advertisement Bill) at the National Assembly. The Freedom Forum reviewed both bills and found that they have provisions which contradict the Constitution of Nepal and Freedom of Expression at par with international instruments. The IT Bill provides power to the administration to block social media platforms if they are not registered in Nepal. The Bill also introduces harsh punishments for posting improper content on social media platforms. Similarly, the Advertisement Bill would have an adverse impact on public decency, integrity of labor, and discrimination related to gender, caste, religion, and socioeconomic status.
The Freedom Forum drew the attention of stakeholders, initiated discussions through social media, and shared preliminary concerns by issuing a press release on the Advertisement and IT Bills. National and local media, along with civil society, collaborated on the issue of Freedom of Expression and reacted vocally. Journalists, including the editors of the major newspapers, radios, and television, made telephone calls and visited the Freedom Forum for in-depth information on the issue. Several news reports, interviews, opinion articles, and editorials in leading newspapers like Kantipur, Republica, The Kathmandu Post, Himalayan Times, and Nagarik sensitized the public and policy makers to the perspectives of Freedom of Expression. The collaboration between media and CSOs in such public policy issues helps policy reform process positively and enhances the image of CSOs and the media sector.
Activity 1.2.8: Assessment of public perception about media and CSOs
During this reporting period, CS:MAP led the process of reviewing research proposals submitted by the research organizations in response to the Request for Applications (RFA) call published earlier “to conduct a public perception survey to: (1) gauge public perceptions of civil society’s and media’s roles; (2) assess confidence in transparency, effectiveness, and governance; and (3) measure the extent to which women and minority groups feel civil society and media represent them” has come to a conclusion. CS:MAP identified the Foundation for Development Management (FDM) as the research organization to conduct the study. As of now, FDM has drafted the Nepali and English versions of the individual household survey questionnaires and the checklists for the focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and community immersion. It has also submitted an inception report outlining plans for data collection, processing, analysis, and presentation. After review from FHI 360’s Office of International Research Ethics (OIRE), field research will be initiated. Details on the perception survey is described in the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan of this report.
Activity 1.2.9: Video production on citizen engagement and role of civil society
FHI 360 published an RFP in the previous quarter to select an organization to produce a documentary film on civic engagement. A four-member evaluation committee was formed to
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review applications and select an organization based on organizational profile, technical approach, experience of key professional proposed, and cost/budget plan. Based on the evaluation, the committee invited the top three applicants to make presentations on January 14, 2019.The committee ultimately decided to recommend Shubha Media Home Pvt. Ltd, which scored the highest based on the earlier evaluation, for a financial pre-award assessment, which the grants management team conducted. During the pre-award assessment meeting, the Shubha Media agreed to follow all applicable USAID and FHI 360 legislative and policy compliance regulations as well as program, technical, financial, accounting, and administrative requirements. The pre-award assessment found that the administrative and financial systems and procedures of Shubha Media Home Pvt. Ltd. could meet FHI 360's expectations and requirements. Based on the overall assessment from financial, administrative, and technical perspectives, the evaluation committee selected Shubha Media Home Pvt. Ltd to produce a documentary film in civic engagement. CS:MAP received approval from USAID to contract with Shubha Media effective from April 11, 2019. Activity 1.2.10: Finalization, dissemination, and adaption of civil society internal governance standards and media self-assessment toolkit
The civil society coalition developed a minimum standard of internal governance for CSOs in consultation with major civil society and media federations, government agencies, local government associations and AIN. These standards are categorized under sections like participation, rule of law, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. In the previous Quarter, the civil society coalition lead had prepared and shared a civic charter as a civil society binding self-regulation mechanism and roadmap for the future. Both of these documents have been shared with more than 3,500 civil society organizations. It is expected that the implementation of these by civil society will be helpful to gain the trust of the government and citizens and enhance the credibility of civil society. The civil society coalition has formed a committee for monitoring implementation. The monitoring results and implementation status will be reported in the next quarter. Result 1.3: Improved self-regulation of the sector and internal governance of CSOs and media
Activity 1.3.1: Implement minimum standards of CSOs’ internal governance and self-regulation
In Quarter 1, the civil society coalition lead prepared and shared a civic charter as a binding civil society self-regulation mechanism and roadmap for the future. Based on the charter, the minimum standards for internal governance and self-regulation were also drafted by the coalition lead. In Quarter 2, both of these documents were shared with more than 3,500 civil society organizations, and it was expected that their implementation of the documents would be helpful to gain the trust of the government and citizens and enhance the credibility of civil society. The civil society coalition has formed a committee for monitoring its implementation. The monitoring results and implementation status will be reported in the next quarter. Activity 1.3.2: Prepare ‘Sample Internal Governance Guidelines’ and circulate among CSOs
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In Quarter 1, CS:MAP national advocacy partner GoGo Foundation developed a sample internal governance guideline for CSOs in Nepal. This was reported in that quarter. The draft has since been shared with AIN, NFN, and other CSOs for their inputs. The guidelines incorporated inputs from AIN, civil society, and government and were shared with the wider civil society sector to support CSO capacity for developing and implementing internal governance policies.
Activity 1.3.3: Develop and implement civic charter for civil society sector as a means of self- regulation
The civic charter was developed in the last quarter and reported then. The CS:MAP CSO coalition lead will monitor its implementation. Please refer to Activity 1.3.1 for details on progress.
Activity 1.3.4: Rollout of self-assessment toolkit and development of action plans
During the reporting period, the self-assessment toolkit developed by FNJ as a self-regulation framework was rolled out in 18 media organizations in Kathmandu, Gorkha, Dhading, and Kavre through four district-level workshops. Fifty-seven participants from 22 media organizations, including print media, radio stations, and online news, participated in the workshops. Participating organizations analyzed their internal governance using a self-assessment exercise and identified strengths, gaps, and weaknesses. Based on the findings, individual organizations’ workplans have been developed to improve organizational policies, codes of conduct, news policies, advertisement collection policies, and editorial policies and practices. FNJ provided guidance on how individual media organizations should develop action plans aimed at improving their internal governance mechanisms. In the previous quarter, FNJ carried out a trial assessment in five media houses in Kathmandu and improved the toolkit as per the need and requests.
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 (CB) to partner with CSOs and media organizations
The CS:MAP team (EAI, governance advisor, advocacy expert, capacity-building manager, and capacity-building officer) supported ISOs in strengthening their capacity in advocacy and government engagement so that they can effectively coach and mentor partner CSOs. CS:MAP also worked on prioritizing joint visits to the districts to provide maximum technical support on the ground. CS:MAP ISO partners provided on-the-spot institutional governance coaching support (OCA IIPs and prepared them for third round
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of OCA) and reviewed and supported CSO advocacy efforts. Following the effectiveness of ISOs and advocacy advisor’s joint visits to transfer advocacy skills to ISOs in the first Quarter, the same practices were followed in several other districts. This strategy helped to ensure that ISOs provided quality support to meet CSOs’ needs to advance their advocacy efforts.
Activity 2.1.1.2: ISOs design and implement advocacy and government engagement coaching and training based on CSO and media organizations’ needs
Fourteen local CSO partners were supported by three ISOs (NEPAN, NNSWA, and MITRA Samaj) through visits to 30 program districts to carry out activities outlined in CSO ARI capacity-building plans. These included carrying out evidence-based action research, collection of evidence for advocacy, and carrying out advocacy initiatives. Further support was provided to achieve remaining plans of OCA-IIP and ARI CB and update the action plans of minimum standards applied in the first quarter. Further support was provided to strengthen the local marketplace of capacity development services, conduct Sajhedari Manch meeting, facilitate SA tools orientation at the local level, apply PETs and community score cards, support HEAD coalition meeting, facilitation to discuss advocacy issues and orientation on public services oversight. ISOs spent 110 days with CSOs, with an average of four days in each district. ISOs also provided distance coaching to an additional four districts to oversee action items agreed on during previous visits.
With the support of ISOs, CSOs identified 113 advocacy issues, out of which 15 issues are already resolved and the 87 remaining issues are the focus of advocacy for the CSOs at the local level.
Activity 2.1.1.3: Conduct refresher training/orientation or review meeting with selected ISOs on usage of Advocacy Readiness Index (ARI)
Refresher training on ARI tools was conducted in Kathmandu on March 17–18, 2019. A total of eight staff from three ISOs participated in the refresher training. The training focused on the common understanding of the ARI tool, the facilitation process, and relation of the tool to existing advocacy efforts of CSOs. Each domain and subdomain were reviewed, and simulation sessions were conducted to equip new staff of the ISO MITRA Samaj.
During the training, the third round of the ARI assessment schedule was not prepared, as the current agreement with all three ISOs will end April 30, 2019. As the process of extending the contract was initiated, the ARI assessment schedule will be developed in a joint meeting with ISOs during the first week of May 2019, and assessments will initiate beginning in the second week of May 2019.
Activity 2.1.2: Strengthen ISO capacity on budget monitoring
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CS:MAP planned to orient ISOs on budget monitoring so that the ISOs will transfer such skills to the local CSOs, who will conduct budget monitoring at the local level. In Q1, the CS:MAP team met internally, along with its advocacy advisor and governance advisor, to prepare the outline for the training on budget advocacy. This quarter, the CS:MAP team met with USAID’s Public Financial Management Strengthening Project (PFMSP) to discuss action steps for this
training. In the meantime, CS:MAP has started to provide basic orientation to its ISO partners on budget monitoring so that their support can help CSOs participate effectively in the local-level planning process.
Activity 2.1.3: Form Sajhedari Manch (Partnership Forums) and Common Assemblies (CAs) and conduct Sajhedari Manch and CA meetings
A total of 23 Sajhedari Manch meetings took place in this reporting quarter. These platforms helped connect and link citizens with decision makers at the municipality and gaunpalika level. Relocation of this structure from the district to the municipal/gaunpalika level has served as platforms (opportunities) for civic engagement and interaction between citizens and elected representatives at the local level. They have interacted and deliberated on service delivery issues in health, education, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction, among others. In the second quarter, around 200 issues were discussed in Sajhedari Manch meetings. Data analysis shows that 43 (22%) issues were related to health, 30 (15%) to education, 51 (25%) to agriculture, 20 (10%) to disaster risk reduction, and the remaining 56 (28%) issues to other category. The number of issues discussed in Sajhedari Manch increased by 53 percent from the first quarter, rising from 106 in Q1 to 200 in Q2. Out of 200 issues raised and discussed in the Sajhedari Manch meetings, 78 (39%) issues were resolved/addressed. During this reporting period, a total of 60 CA meetings were conducted. These meetings made deliberations on issues related to public service delivery and public resource use in education, health, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction. Around 300 issues were raised and discussed in CA meetings. Of the total issues, 109 (27%) were related to health, 86 (21%) to education, 94 (24%) to agriculture, 35 (9%) to disaster risk reduction, and 75 (19%) to the Other category. This disaggregated figure of issues raised, discussed, and deliberated in CA meetings indicates that problems in the delivery of health services figured most prominently, with agriculture coming in second at 24 percent. Only 35 (9%) issues were raised in disaster risk reduction, which is comparatively lower than education, health, and agriculture. The total number of issues discussed in CA meetings increased by 80 percent, from 320 in Q1 to 399 in Q2. Similarly, the total number of issues addressed/resolved in CA meetings stands at 152 (38%). The reason behind the lower number of DRR issues being raised in CA meetings may be that citizens from CDCS districts did not raise DRR issues on par with 14 earthquake-affected districts. This also shows that citizens prioritize the issues at hand and pay less attention to preventive measures and issues that may present. Likewise, issues other than those from health,
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education, agriculture, and DRR ranked Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 2: ISOs support to CSOs in third in CA meetings at 75 (12%). Some Quarter 2 examples of the issues raised, discussed, and resolved in CA meetings are as follows: ● Kapurkot gaunpalika in Salyan district raised the issue of restrooms in community schools so that girls can use them in case of urgent need during menstruation. As a result, community schools set up restrooms for girl students. ● After the issue was raised in a CA meeting, community schools in Kapurkot gaunpalika in Salyan district have made sanitary pads available free of charge for female students with financial support from gaunpalika. ● Community schools in Triveni gaunpalika of Rukum district installed electronic machines to check the attendance of teachers after the issue was raised in a CA meeting. ● The CA in Chhatradev gaunpalika in Gulmi district submitted a memorandum to gaunpalika to organize public hearings on a trimester basis. The chair of Chhatradev gaunpalika made a commitment to conduct public hearings. ● Common assembly members at Likhu gaunpalika in Nuwakot district submitted a request letter to the local government demanding the health check-up of students, agro-insurance, and local market management for vegetables and fruits. ● Common assembly members in Kalika gaunpalika at Rasuwa district raised the issues of limited distribution of seeds to farmers, excessive use of pesticides in agricultural products, and lack of proper management of the market. ● Triveni gaunpalika in Rukum district provided stretchers to all wards after the issue was raised in the CA meeting. ● The Common Assembly of Gorkha municipality Ward 8 frequently raised the need for an effective waste-management system in their ward. They also conducted a cleaning campaign upon receiving a training on waste management. Accordingly, the Namuna Pratikshalaya Tole Bikash Samiti had been carrying out cleaning campaigns in the ward every month.
Activity 2.1.4: Conduct Sajha Sabhas, or Public Forum
A total of 19 Sajha Sabha held in project districts in Quarter 2 provided platforms for disseminating good practices, achievements, and success stories from CA and Sajhedari Manch meetings. Service providers from across the districts, legislators, civil society representatives, media, and citizens participated in the Sajha Sabha meetings and learned how CS:MAP-focused municipalities/gaunpalika have worked collaboratively to promote civic engagement, accountability, and transparency measures, among other things. Some examples of Sajha Sabha initiatives are as follows:
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HRPLSC conducted four Sajha Sabha in Salyan, RWDC conducted a district-level Sajha Sabha in Rukum, Rolpa, and Pyuthan districts. Decisions and Dang, with the objective of making public service best practices of CA, Sajhedari Manch, and HEAD delivery more effective, improving governance, and coalition meetings were shared with representatives increasing citizens' participation in local governments. from different sectors during Sajha Sabha meetings. Amar Bahadur Dangi, member of parliament of The sharing of best practices included how community Province 5 and representatives from Tulsipur sub- schools in Kapurkot gaunpalika set up restrooms for metropolis, Ghorahi sub-metropolis, the District girl students during their menstrual period, availability Coordination Committee, civil society, media, CA, and of sanitary pads for girl students during menstruation the Listening, Discussion and Action Group (LDAG) with financial support from Kapurkot gaunpalika, and participated in the Sajha Sabha. It also focused on the installation of electric machines to check sharing action plans and the results of Sajhedari attendance of teachers in the community schools of Manch, CAs, and HEAD coalition. As committed Triveni gaunpalika in Rukum district. All local during the previous Sajha Sabha, the Sub-metropolis governments in Pyuthan agreed to allocate budget for had allocated budget for subsidies on beehives, the smooth operation of the blood bank after the issue mushrooms, tomatoes, fruit farming, and fisheries; was discussed in the HEAD coalition meetings. Rukum conducted a public hearing and public audit across the has 19 birthing centers, which are poorly functioning. Sub-metropolis; set up agriculture and veterinary This issue was shared widely in Sajha Sabha. A service centers in all wards; allocated budget to freed member of the Provincial Assembly of Karnali Kamlahari's education and sickle-cell anemic people; Province, Honorable Mr. Rato Kami, made the and barred teachers of public schools from teaching in commitment to take up the issue at the provincial level private schools. to improve infrastructure and birthing services.
SOCH Nepal organized Sajha Sabha in Gorkha IHRICON organized Sajha Sabha with the presence of focusing on the status of 10 major development provincial parliamentarian Chetnath Sanjel and 80 projects in the district. Nagarik Sajha Sawal (Coalition local civil society members on March 22 in of Gorkha) had mobilized 10 journalists to conduct a Tikabhairab, Godawari municipality-6, Lalitpur. study of the status of the 10 most important public Discussion was dominated by the issue of a religious or construction projects in Gorkha district. After a series benevolent land (guthi), though the subjects of of meetings and informal discussions among the pollution created by crusher industries, expansion of coalition members, journalists, and other civil society roads, and other issues were also discussed. The members, Sajha Sabha was convened to discuss these parliamentarian Sanjel committed to remove all the issues. Anupama Regmi, treasurer of the Federation of crusher industries as per his public commitments Nepali Journalists Gorkha Chapter, presented the during the election campaign. As he emphasized, he is findings of the study, which showed poor performance waiting for the cabinet decisions to the file that has of development projects in the district. been already drafted and forwarded by the Ministry of Forest and Industry jointly.
Activity 2.1.5: Coaching and mentoring to CA, PPWG/Sajhedari Manch, and Sajha Sabha facilitators
In this quarter, ISO partners NEPAN, NNSWA and Mitra Samaj supported 30 CS:MAP district officers to facilitate Sajhedari Manch meetings, SA tools orientation at the local level, application of PETS and community score cards, HEAD coalition meetings to discuss advocacy issues, and orientation on public services oversight. Further support was provided to facilitate district-level civil society interactions and initiate joint actions by CSOs and media as agreed during civil society interactions. Such support included preparing memoranda and press releases.
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In addition, ISOs support through coaching and mentoring visits, and CS:MAP district officers become skillful in facilitation techniques and also mobilize CARs in facilitation of local events based on the facilitation skills training provided in FY 2018 and Q1 FY 2019. 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
A total of 31 district-level coalition meetings held and took different actions to strengthen public services delivery and resources use in coordination with local government. The coalition meetings focused on issues relating to public services in health, education, agriculture, and other areas. Following the discussions, HEAD coalitions in project districts have submitted memoranda, convened meetings with authorities, filed request letters, and initiated joint actions for advocacy in the districts. Some of the examples of joint actions and issues discussed in the HEAD meetings are as follows: ● DEC Nepal and NGO Federation Dhading Chapter jointly organized a strategic coalition- building meeting between CSOs and the media in Dhadingbesi on February 4, 2019. The objective was to finalize a memorandum on local-level policy formulation and implementation, involve civil society in these, and hand them over to the local government. The meeting finalized the memorandum and jointly handed it over to the DCC. A total of 23 CSOs and media representatives participated in the meeting.
● The HEAD Coalition in Doti was advocating for the provision of regular health checkups for the students of community schools, in coordination with the local governments and district-level coalition. As a result, KI Singh gaunpalika in Doti initiated health checkups by allocating budget to three community schools located at Ward no. 5 of the gaunpalika March 5–15, 2019. A total of 533 students benefited from the health checkup.
Activity 2.2.2: Support Shreejanshil Shakhas (innovation hubs) to serve as CSO-media collaboration hubs
As of Quarter 2, CS:MAP local CSO partners have handed over 32 Shreejanshil Shakhas to the host organizations by signing handover notes. The host organizations were briefed about their roles and responsibilities to run the Shakhas beyond the life of the project. However, the technical oversight of these Shakhas will be continued through CS:MAP’s local CSO partners until end of the project. The 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 discuss local issues among local CSOs, including CA and LDAG members. As the Shreejanshil Shakhas are located far from district headquarters and nearby CAs and LDAGs, they are also being used to examine the effectiveness of public services and resources use. People are using the Internet to download and read, for
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example, government policies and provisions, rules and regulations, and details about obtaining services from local government. In some cases, youth and LDAG members are using the facility to access national news.
Result 2.3: Improved CSO and media capacity to conduct participatory and evidence- based research on issues, policy, and enforcement in order to benefit marginalized groups
Activity 2.3.1: Media review of parliamentary activities
CS:MAP carried out a study on "Parliamentary Processes and Scope of CSO Engagement in Nepal" with the objective of providing a clear picture to civil society of the parliamentary committee's work and the scope of CSOs’ engagement for policy advocacy. This study covered four committees of parliament, namely the Sustainable Development and Good Governance Committee of National Assembly and Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee, State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, and the Women and Social Committee of the House of Representatives. Five cases on each committee related to marginalized and GESI issues were reviewed. The study provided ample information to understand the structure and the working procedure of parliamentary committees, identify the scope of the CSOs’ engagement in the committee's function, and access the priority of GESI and human rights issues in the committees’ business. The study revealed that the trend of consultation with CSOs and experts from the committee has increased. Some examples were shared of how experts and CSOs such as the FECOFUN, Freedom Forum, Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD), and the federation of organizations working on disability rights were consulted by the committees while they were discussing particular bill related to the work of the aforementioned organizations. The study report described the importance of engagement with key members of the committee in policy advocacy work on the parliamentary process, including the parliamentary committee's work on policy advocacy. The report suggested some tips, which will be useful for the CSOs willing to engage on policy advocacy in the parliamentary process. Proper understanding of the parliamentary process and information about the particular laws is important to engage on policy advocacy. Similarly, professional and personal relationships with chairpersons and members of the committee, as well as the secretariat of the committee, is equally important. Submitting concerns to the committee at the right time is equally significant, which was described in the study report as, "Hit when the iron is hot." Obtaining and providing information, including standards and best practices, from and to members of the committee remains important in this process. The report highlighted that collaboration with the media plays a vital role in policy advocacy work, which enables members of parliament to have proper understanding of the gravity of the issues and their impact on society. The findings of this study will be shared with the coalition lead and national advocacy partners in the next quarter, which will be useful for their policy advocacy work.
Activity 2.3.2: Build research capacity for CSOs and media organizations
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CS:MAP partner EAI continued to provide technical support to the ISOs to build the research capacity of the CSOs on PEAR through regular meetings and review of PEAR reports. EAI participated in the two monthly meetings with the ISOs (on January 25 and March 18, 2019), when the progress on the CSOs’ PEAR action plans were reviewed. In Quarter 2, CSOs generated evidence for 39 additional issues. The EAI and FHI 360 team jointly supported ISOs in developing a format for the research report to ensure uniformity in reporting format.
These meetings also helped to identify and discuss the major challenges faced during the process of research and its subsequent linkage with advocacy efforts. As shared by the ISOs and FHI 360 team, there is still a lack of conceptual clarity on PEAR among some of the CARs and the district coordinators. Another challenge discussed in the meetings was lack of capacity within some CSO partners to develop effective advocacy materials for their local-level advocacy. In response to these challenges, EAI proposed an assessment to evaluate CSOs’ understanding of PEAR and their ability to generate advocacy materials. This assessment will be significant to CSOs for designing support mechanisms to enhance their efforts in PEAR and advocacy.
Activity 2.3.3: Organize study visit for media partners in Kathmandu for investigative journalism
A study visit for 11 journalists selected from the participants of investigative journalism (IJ) training in Year 2 and Year 3 was conducted March 12–17, 2019. The journalists visited various media houses in Kathmandu and organized the thematic sessions on issues identification, reporting and production, and GESI. The linkage with advocacy has equipped the journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct IJ.
On the first day of the event, the expert facilitators elicited participants' expectations, most of which included the expectation of obtaining detailed information on the process of reporting investigative news. Participants expected to get hands-on experience in first-hand investigative story development and reporting and to gain an understanding of the working environment, techniques, and procedures of investigative journalism from the media houses. For the study and exposure visit, each day was divided into two parts: the first part included knowledge sharing on technical skills of investigative news collection, reporting, and data management, and the second part included newsroom visits of media houses. Chief editors of the mainstream daily papers facilitated the first session. Then the participants visited the Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ)-Nepal, Annapurna Post, Himal Khabarpatrika, Nagarik Daily, and Kantipur Daily to interact with reporters, desk editors, and chief editors and gain information about the working environment, skills, and practical aspects of reporting, editing, and production of the investigative news from the media houses. During the event, most participants wrote reports about their visit to the media houses from different angles and shared their reports with the team. This approach encouraged the participants to write investigative news from different angles. The participants were from different backgrounds (radio, television, online portals) and had different skill levels and understanding of investigative reporting; however, the facilitators encouraged all the participants based on their level of understanding and skills.
Following the study visit, the participants explained that they were better able to write investigative news by adhering to the skills learned during the visit. They mentioned how they
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were now able to write investigative news with simplicity, clarity, and accuracy. Technical sessions in the visit also explained how participants were expected to integrate their reporting to coordinate with and support subnational CSOs in their oversight and advocacy efforts.
One of the participants, Prabir Dadel from Rukum, said, “The study and exposure visit was very useful and fruitful. I realized and experienced that investigative reporting is not possible without reading, study, data collection, and knowledge of legal provisions. I will apply the skills and knowledge garnered in the study visit while reporting investigative news from the district.” During the last day of the event, each participant developed a work plan to write two stories on HEAD thematic areas over the next three months.
Additional activities to enhance the capacity of media at national and subnational levels on advocacy, oversight, and monitoring:
Activity 2.3.4: Mentoring and coaching to the trained journalists of the Advocacy and Monitoring/Oversight (AMO) Training
For regular mentoring support, CS:MAP partner EAI selected 25 of the 75 journalists who had been trained on advocacy and monitoring oversight (AMO) during CS:MAP Year 2 and Year 3. EAI sent questionnaires via Google Form to gauge their interest and measure their capacity, progress, and reporting on public interest issues. EAI identified gaps in their stories, including lack of policy analysis, poor angling skills, and lack of data and data analysis. To address the gaps and challenge, EAI mentored them to write stories on CS:MAP thematic areas and provided them with information about the need to incorporate the issues and concerns of women and minority groups, linking them to policy gaps and legal provisions. EAI also shared with the AMO trainees the advocacy issues identified by local CSOs while mentoring on joint advocacy through the media.
During this quarter, EAI regularly tracked stories of selected 25 journalists and recorded its mentoring support in a monthly tracker. According to the tracker, 18 journalists wrote and shared their news and blogs in MeroReport (91) and online portals and national media (11). These news stories/blogs (102) mentioned government services in health, education, agriculture, and the DRR sector. Of these stories, 19 mentioned legal provision, policies, and their implementation status in the local-level governments. Then, EAI provided mentoring support to the journalists as per AMO news framing (i.e., value message, barrier message, ask message, and vision message). With the mentoring support and by incorporating gaps in the implementation of policies, they produced two stories on marginalized groups; five on women’s issues; two on local development issues; one each on health and budget; three each on education and disaster risk reduction; and two on agriculture.
Of 25 trained journalists, that EAI has been providing mentoring support, three trainees (from Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Baitadi), started tracking impact and follow-up of their news by concerned authorities such as local-level government and community. They have also started keeping a record of the publication dates, the themes of the stories, and actions by related authorities. For example, Him Nath Devkota, an AMO trainee from Rasuwa, published six
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stories in education, DRR, and agriculture (livestock) in Nagarik Daily. He followed up on the impact of his stories and found that the respective authorities and government offices have started addressing the issues and problems raised in the news. (For details of the stories published, please see Annex 4.)
Because of the lack of a dedicated mentor for trainees and the need to engage in distance mentoring, it became apparent that generating high-quality investigative journalistic reporting aimed at advocacy would take time. Likewise, integrated efforts for joint advocacy on the part of trained journalists and CSOs was lacking, as the trained journalists and CSOs did not always live in close proximity. To mitigate this challenge, EAI conducted field visits and organized joint meetings with ISOs and FHI 360. Likewise, EAI shared the advocacy agendas of CSOs with trained journalists and encouraged them to write investigative stories based on issues identified in the advocacy agenda. EAI also organized meetings with CRs, CARs, trained journalists, district representatives of CSOs, and production partners of Sajha Boli radio program for joint advocacy efforts in the district. This approach will be further extended in the next quarter.
Activity 2.3.5: Mentoring and coaching to investigative-journalism (IJ)-trained journalists and media professionals
During this Quarter, EAI selected 30 out of 85 journalists for regular mentoring support. They were trained on investigative journalism and reporting during CS:MAP Years 2 and 3, and some had attended the study and exposure visits conducted in Kathmandu in those years. EAI has been tracking the journalists through a monthly tracker and accessing their progress, which was continued this quarter.
Of the 30 journalists selected for mentoring support, 15 wrote investigative news stories published in the media, including in print, online, and on the MeroReport platform. EAI mentored them in the selection of themes, data collection, and mentioning legal provisions in investigative news.
The mentoring support was provided to IJ trainees based on the stories they posted on the MeroReport platform and shared in the Facebook chat group. EAI also evaluated their stories and found that they lacked clarity on angling, appropriate data, mention of legal provisions, and policy analysis. The EAI mentoring team suggested that they write investigative news stories on HEAD themes by highlighting women’s issues, marginalized groups, education, health, and disaster risk reduction. To contribute to the joint advocacy efforts, EAI provided them with advocacy issues identified by local CSOs under CS:MAP districts. EAI used channels including phone calls, a Facebook chat group, and email to provide the mentoring support to IJ-trained journalists.
The mentored journalists wrote investigative news stories on different themes, including education, legal provisions, GESI, DRR, and the and disadvantaged communities. Under these thematic areas, they wrote news in different issues. Some of the issues included “Number of students decreasing in community schools” (Okhaldhunga), “Child marriages still on despite its
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restriction in the new Civil Code” (Okhaldhunga), and “Lack of budget deprives mothers of maternity allowance” (Baitadi).
Activity 2.3.6: Public interest reporting training and fellowship
In the previous Quarter, the CS:MAP national advocacy partner Freedom Forum organized two five-day public interest reporting trainings for 32 mid-career, working journalists (four of whom were female) from 14 earthquake-affected districts. Of the 32 trained journalists, 12 received fellowships to write stories related to reconstruction and accountability, and10 stories were published, contributing to changes in responses to water crises, construction activities, and grant payments to earthquake victims. In this quarter, trained journalists formed a Public Interest Journalists’ Group (PIJG), took the initiative to organize a meeting on March 19, 2019, and discussed issues related to public interest reporting and approaches to promote it. Further, this network has decided to meet regularly at the secretariat provided by Freedom Forum to exchange what they have learned. (Please refer to Activity 1.2.4 for details.)
Objective 3: More coordinated and effective civil society and media oversight of public resource use and public service delivery
Result 3.1: Improved capacity of local CSOs, media, and community-based organizations to monitor and report on cross-sectoral public service delivery, based on common standards applicable to each sector
Activity 3.1.1: Conduct second round of GGB in six gaunpalika and one new gaunpalika in Kapilvastu
A second round of the GGB will be organized in six gaunpalika in Q4 of FY 2019. CS:MAP has selected Suddhodhan gaunpalika, Patariya-1, Kapilvastu for expanding the GGB. Data collection workshops on GGB models were organized in Kapilvastu with technical support from FHI 360. The workshop was actively attended by citizens, the Ward chair, the health post in-charge, assistant health workers, and local politicians, among others. This multi-stakeholder workshop at the health post in Suddhodhan gaunpalika was a forum for collecting data through focus group discussions, interviews, key informant interviews, and observation. The collected data is in the process of being analyzed and will form the basis for the development of a GGB action plan in the next quarter.
Activity 3.1.2: Organize GGB Technical Monitoring Committee meetings
The GGB Technical Monitoring Committee held six meetings this quarter. The technical committees in respective gaunpalika have been following up on GGB action plans, deadlines, and responsibilities assigned to the concerned stakeholders. Quarterly meetings of technical committees have been helpful in reminding the concerned stakeholders of their responsibilities, action plans, and deadlines so that it has been easier to track down implementation of the action plans. Based on periodic monitoring by GGB technical committees, some progress and achievements of GGB were identified, as noted in Results 3.1 above.
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Activity 3.1.3: Conduct research to generate evidence for advocacy
In this reporting Quarter, CSOs have mobilized community action researchers (CARs) to generate evidence on advocacy issues, including on 53 new issues. The total number of issues on which evidence was collected reached 85, including 32 issues from the last fiscal year. Analysis of the evidence shows that 39% of issues are related to effective implementation of policies, and 61% are related to the formulation of policies. There are issues related to health, education, agriculture, DRR, and governance/GESI. The data also show that CSOs are more focused on advocacy on the formulation and implementation of policies. More issues are related to health and governance/GESI than to agriculture and DRR. Partner organizations are fully involved in advocacy campaigns and other activities as per their scope of work. Currently, they are implementing their advocacy plan developed by the CSO/HEAD coalition and relevant stakeholders in their respective districts. The main advocacy activities are related to policy analysis, constituency building, advocacy material development, and mobilization of stakeholders, including media. A series of meetings, interactions, delegation, and dialogue with policy makers were held during this reporting period.
Activity 3.1.4: Utilize online collaboration platform (MeroReport) to monitor and report on crosscutting issues.
MeroReport has been serving as a platform for sharing, learning, monitoring, and reporting on crosscutting issues, showcasing a wide range of information and resource documents related to CS:MAP cross-sectoral priorities, the radio episodes of Sajha Boli central and local version series, and the CS:MAP newsletters. This reporting period witnessed increased utilization of the MeroReport platform as a common space for reporting on CS:MAP activities undertaken at national and subnational Figure 2: Comparison of number of blogs posted in Year 4 Quarter 1 and levels. Multiple videos Quarter 2, segregated by roles and photographs highlighting gaps in public service delivery mechanisms were also uploaded by the platform users during this quarter, generating discussions and dialogue among the stakeholders on the areas of interest.
It is noteworthy that 60% of all posts were uploaded by the CRs, almost 99% increment compared to their posts in the last quarter, which was possibly due to close coordination and regular follow-up with the CRs. The CRs were continuously encouraged to regularly upload new content on MeroReport by regularly providing feedback on the quality of their posts based on five indicators—the quality of the content shared, the balance -diversity of
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opinion and views, sound articulation of sources of information, opinion and views supported by actual quotes, and articles and evidence supported by relevant pictures included in the posts. This exercise was helpful not only to identify the CRs with good writing potential, but also to identify the ones who needed further support. Ongoing support strategies will be devised based on the findings of the exercise.
Figure 3: Monthly MeroReport competition segregated data
In order to encourage MeroReport bloggers to write and publish quality articles on CS:MAP cross-sectoral priority issues, Figure 4: Number of bogs posted on MeroReport by sector EAI continued a monthly competition on various 181 thematic areas during this quarter. (See figure 3, above.) A total of 53 articles were 86 posted as a result on women 79 (January), youth in agriculture 62 (February), and social 53 32 accountability tools (March). 26 28 17 Similarly, EAI has continued to facilitate various discussion fora among the existing thematic groups (fora) formed in MeroReport, as well as
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among other users. Five discussion series focusing on thematic areas such as education, local- level budgeting, and youth in agriculture were introduced and facilitated during this quarter. These fora were useful in bringing out interactive discussion among the bloggers. Compared to the previous quarter, the total number of members in the 12 thematic groups has increased to 359 from the existing 348 members.
Overall, the blogs/opinion pieces shared on MeroReport focused on a wide range of issues related to transparency and accountability within civil society organizations and the importance of Open Government Partnership in the local-level government. Similarly, the information about the formation of Sajhedari Manch, LDAG activities (formation, reformation, relocation, and interaction), impact stories, activities of the common assembly, and CSO interactions have also been shared in MeroReport in the form of blog posts. Further, online collaboration among the trained journalists and the participants of the investigative journalism exposure visit was also observed on MeroReport, which joined in ongoing advocacy efforts by publishing issue-based and detailed stories on the priority thematic areas of CS:MAP.
Furthermore, the analysis of uploaded content on MeroReport shows a wide variety of topics covered, including health, education, agriculture, disaster, women, youth, social accountability, governance, and local development, among others. Compared to the previous quarter, the blogs are more focused on sub-themes of a larger theme, such as public hearings, social audit, public audit, youth in agriculture, chhaupadi (menstrual taboo), and judicial committees.
Here, it is important to note that most of the blogs shared on the platform in the past were more related to CS:MAP project activity reporting, whereas this quarter witnessed more in-depth reporting, based on facts and evidence related to existing gaps in policy implementation and the status of public service delivery mechanisms. The efforts of CS:MAP through its partner EAI will continue in the coming months to ensure ongoing meaningful online engagement among the CS:MAP actors and other key stakeholders through MeroReport.
Activity 3.1.5: Support Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in IT- friendly complaint-handling mechanism
Since the launch of the user-friendly complaint-handling mobile app by CIAA in 2018, more than 500 people across the nation have downloaded it to their mobile device from the Google Play store and started to file complaints against corruption. Though CIAA has not yet promoted the app through a public outreach campaign, 71 people have filed complaints in CIAA through this app. These complaints are registered in the server of CIAA, which can be accessed only by CIAA officials, who can then address the complaints. Citizens can use the application to register grievances using their phone with or without Internet in the form of unstructured supplementary service data or short message service (SMS). They can also send the image or any other evidence using their phones through live telecast or audio cast. Similarly, CIAA can analyze the data from a different perspective, get live information on corruption in any place in Nepal, track progress regarding the complaints lodged, and collect the evidence through the phone. Furthermore, if the app is promoted among citizens, civil society
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members, and government agencies, it is likely that the downloads will go up rapidly in the months ahead, contributing to combatting corruption through complaints filed.
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 by conducting orientation to HEAD coalition/network on common standards/checklist for public service oversight
FHI 360, in consultation with subject matter experts and officials from various ministries and departments, finalized checklist/standards for public service oversight. In the first round, oversight checklist/standards for health and education was finalized with feedback from USAID and circulated among CSO partners for conducting public service oversight. Existing legislation, regulations, guidelines, and policies have been considered to develop these indicators/standards for oversight activities. A total of 23 orientations for HEAD/CSO coalitions on the public service oversight checklist/indicators for health and education were organized in this reporting period. Activity 3.2.2: Organize coordination meetings of the HEAD coalition for oversight
HEAD/CSO coalitions organized 31 coordination meetings in the districts for advocacy and oversight functions. The meeting participants discussed advocacy issues and action plans to draw the relevant agencies’ attention to the public interest agenda. CSO/HEAD coalitions organized approximately 122 meetings, short interactions, and delegations with the concerned agencies to share the evidence. Similarly, CSO/HEAD coalitions have submitted 60 request letters, memoranda, and position papers to draw the attention of municipality/gaunpalika to advocacy issues, and they conducted 65 joint visits to resolve advocacy issues. Similarly, HEAD/CSOs’ coordination meetings were helpful in selecting community schools and health posts for carrying out oversight activities. The consensus among members during selection of schools and health posts for public service oversight generated feelings of ownership, on the one hand, and on the other provided opportunities to engage in the oversight process. The meeting participants came to a consensus on which HEAD coalition members should participate in the oversight process.
Activity 3.2.3: Conduct public service oversight through the HEAD/CSO coalition
CSO/HEAD coalitions conducted 21 public service oversights in health and education in this reporting Quarter. Of these, 10 oversight actions were conducted in health posts and 11 in community schools. CSOs found that the majority of health posts were not fully staffed, had only a few of the 35 free medicines, lacked sufficient infrastructure (such as buildings) and separate rooms for treating communicable diseases, lacked structures accessible to the disabled, lacked privacy in treating female patients, and opened late in the morning and closed earlier than 2 pm. Health posts did not have specific awareness-building programs for women, the elderly, the disabled, Dalits, and other marginalized communities and groups. Oversight in community schools found that most schools did not have seating arrangements organized by age, parents
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teachers’ meetings were not regular, textbooks were not distributed on time, distribution of scholarships was not transparent, information such as the list of scholarship recipients was not posted on the notice board, a complaint box was not kept in schools, and schools did not have a system for supplying sanitary pads for menstruating students, among findings. (Detailed findings and analysis of oversight activities will be presented in the next quarterly report.)
Activity 3.2.4: Identify three to five key civil society champions at district level
CS:MAP partners have identified 151 civil society champions in 34 project districts. These champions have the local acceptance and can influence the local policy making. CS:MAP is working continuously to build their capacity for effective advocacy. Of these, 26 are women. These champions have been involved in facilitating and leading these civic interactions and discussions at the district level. This approach has been effective in engaging, sensitizing, and empowering civil society at the district level for strengthening collaboration among them to reinforce civic space in democratic governance at the subnational level. This strategic approach of identifying and engaging CSO champions has contributed to deepening the knowledge of local influencers on certain public interest issues and has recreated the vibrancy and importance of civil society at the subnational level.
Activity 3.2.5: Organize district-level interactions on vibrant civic space (role of civil society) and policy priority issues
CS:MAP partners organized a total of 29 civil society interactions in different districts to recreate the vibrancy of civil society. These civil society discussions focused on issues like CSOs’ engagement in the legislative process at the local level, partnerships between local government and civil society, the role of civil society in democratic governance, challenges for civil society in the new federal context, and reinvigorating civic space in the changing context of Nepal, among others. Civil society interactions organized in Pyuthan, Rukum, and Salyan by Human Rights Protection and Legal Services Nepal (HRPLSC) focused on building partnerships between CSOs and local governments. The media, private sector, academia, legal fraternities, CSOs, elected representatives, and government officials, among others, actively participated in the interactions. Interactions focused on introducing local governments and participants to the concept of Open Government Partnership (OGP), its principles, and how existing laws are in favor of building these partnerships as envisioned by OGP. CSO champions presented papers on building partnerships and explored avenues to further expand the OGP concept widely at the local level. Samudayik Sarathi organized an interaction on local governments and civil society partnerships in Chautara, Sindhupalchowk. Advocate Dinesh Tripathi presented a paper on existing legal provisions and international experiences of constructive partnership between local governments and civil society. Chairing the program, Januka Parajuli, deputy mayor of Chautara Sanghachok Gadhi municipality, claimed that citizen participation was ensured during the municipality’s formulation of 31 laws. “CSOs should empower and sensitize citizens at the grassroots level for
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effective civic engagement,’ she added. Representatives from media, academia, civil society, the private sector, government agencies, and lawyers, among others, participated in the interaction. Samudayik Sarathi also organized a district-level interaction in Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchowk. The interaction aimed at developing common understanding among CSOs and local governments of the principles of OGP and how it works. Elected representatives of seven local governments and civil society actors of Kavrepalanchowk district committed to explore the possibility of adopting and implementing the OGP principles and working modality in their respective local government units.
The Rural Women Development Center (RWDC) organized an interaction on “The Role of Civil Society in the Local-Level Planning Process” in Dang district, with the objective of increasing civic participation in the decisions that affect people's lives. A paper on the “Local-Level Planning Process” was presented by a local CSO champion. The interaction focused on a seven- step planning process so that citizens and CSOs can meaningfully participate in the process right from the ward level. Representatives from local governments committed to increasing public participation in the upcoming planning process, budget allocation, and policy formulation. The interaction formed a team to carry out joint actions to ensure that policy and social issues for advocacy and campaigns in the district are prioritized. In total, 60 people (35 women) representing CSOs, government agencies, political parties, media, women's groups, and the private sector participated in the interaction.
Community Development Center-Nepal (CDC-Nepal) organized two interactions on "The Role of Civil Society in the Local-Level Planning Process" in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. The objective was to share and interact around the process, current status and practices, and participation of citizens in the local-level planning process. Representatives of political parties, local governments, elected representatives, the media, civil society, and the public participated in the interactions. Kamal Nath Acharya presented a paper on "The Role of Civil Society in Local- Level Planning Process." The participants discussed issues such as lack of coordination between Wards, gaunpalika, and civil society on public interest issues; lack of participation of marginalized communities and local-level civil society groups like youth clubs, child clubs, mothers' groups, community users groups, and cooperatives; low priority accorded to agribusiness and health sectors; and no budget for women, senior citizens, children, and Dalit, among other groups.
HURADEC, in coordination with the Ramechhap chapter of Federation of Nepali Journalists, organized an interaction on "Government and Civil Society Partnership" in Manthali, Ramechhap with the objective of furthering engagement and partnership between CSOs and the local and provincial governments. Shanti Prasad Paudel, member of parliament of Province 3, said that meaningful cohesion between government and civil society is required for sustainable development and prosperity. He emphasized the need for solidarity between CSOs and government. He also appreciated the role of CSOs in restoring democracy in Nepal. Prem Bahadur Khadka, chief of District Coordination Committee, expressed his commitment to collaborate with civil society in formulating and implementing new policies and laws. He also said that sustainable development will be meaningful only when there is a strong civil society.
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IHIRICON organized an interaction on “Vibrant Civic Space and Policy Priorities” in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur on March 21 and 25, 2019, respectively. A total of 33 participants (13 women), including civil society members, elected representatives, and media attended these two events. These interactions helped develop an understanding among CSOs and other stakeholders on the importance of working together on common issues, including policy formation and reform. Both interactions focused on the role of a vibrant civil society to advance causes relevant to better governance. Two CSO champions, Som Sharma Bajgain and Professor Dinesh Raj Sharma, moderated the discussions.
Activity 3.2.6: Conduct strategic coalition-building meetings between CSOs and media for initiating joint actions
Civil society and media took up 22 joint actions. These joint actions were either a follow-up to issues discussed in the civil society interactions or fresh policy priorities and issues of public interest. Joint actions included submission of letters of memorandum, delegations, and meetings with local governments and concerned agencies to draw their attention to contemporary policy and public interest issues. Joint actions have focused on improving the public service delivery system, engaging CSOs in the lawmaking process, building partnerships between local government and CSOs, and reinvigorating civil society’s role in democratic governance, among other topics. Some examples of joint actions are as follows:
● CSOs and media in Dadeldhura handed over memoranda to local governments highlighting the lack of information regarding delays in the distribution of quality seeds and establishment of fair criteria for the classification of farmers—including the provision of identity cards for farmers. ● Civil society organizations in Kapilvastu called a joint meeting with local government representatives and discussed engaging CSOs, marginalized communities, and citizens in the upcoming planning process at the ward level. ● The CSO coalition in Arghakhanchi handed over letters of memorandum to all gaunpalika and municipalities to comply with a proactive disclosure provision by disclosing 20 types of information on a quarterly basis. ● Civil society and media in Gulmi and Arghakhanchi districts issued four press releases that called upon local governments in the districts to improve the quality of public services. ● Following the civil society interaction on “Civil Society Participation in Local Planning Process in Nuwakot,” CSOs and the media decided to prepare a joint action plan to ensure effective civic participation in the local-level planning process. ● CSOs and media in Sindhuli jointly organized a delegation and submitted a letter of request to the District Administration Office and Kamala Mai municipality to properly manage the district’s slaughterhouse and meat market. ● CSOs and the media in Dang jointly submitted a letter to local governments to ensure the participation of citizens, CSOs, and marginalized groups in the local planning process during ward-level meetings.
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Activity 3.2.7: Hold Bi-annual Summits
The project decided to slow down some activities with relatively higher costs given the U.S. government shutdown until mid-February 2019. This affected the planning and conduct of the Bi-annual summit. FHI 360, in consultation with the USAID AOR, has decided to conduct the summit in April 2019 and has started preparations.
Result 3.3: Improved citizen awareness and use of available GON social accountability mechanisms
Activity 3.3.1: Conduct orientation for citizens on social accountability tools
CS:MAP partners organized a total of 26 orientations on social accountability tools to citizens and elected representatives at the gaunpalika/municipality level. Participants representing common assembly members, LDAG members, local civil society organizations, elected representatives such as chair/vice-chair, mayor/deputy mayor, and ward chairpersons from the working gaunpalika/municipality were sensitized on legal provisions of SA tools. Participants were oriented on the Public Hearing Guidelines-2067, Public Audit Guidelines-2067, Social Audit Guidelines-2067, Right to Information Act-2064, and Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act-2064. HURADEC organized an interaction between the representatives of CSOs and the local government on social accountability tools in Dolakha. Representatives of Bhimeshwar municipality, women’s rights fora, civil society, and media participated in and discussed the effective use of social accountability tools, especially in the local governments. The orientation focused on public hearings, public audits, social audits, the community score card and right to information, and the concept, significance, and application of social accountability tools. The ward chair of the Bhimeshwar municipality committed to make the activities of the local government effective and transparent by applying the public hearing, public audit, and other social accountability tools. Twenty-four people, including 15 women, participated.
HRPLSC organized three orientations in Pyuthan, Salyan, and Rukum districts. Similarly, IRDC organized two orientations in Palpa and Kapilvastu districts. SOCH Nepal organized three orientations to civil society organizations, elected peoples’ representatives, LDAG, and CA members on SA tools in Gorkha, Okhaldhunga, and Kathmandu districts. Sundar Nepal organized six orientations in Jajarkot, Dailekh, and Surkhet districts for citizens, the ward chairperson and vice-chairperson, CA and LDAG members, and the media. They were oriented on public hearings, public audits, social audits, the right to information, and community score card, among topics. Activity 3.3.2: Institutionalize and regularize gaunpalika/municipality for organizing Social Audit and Public Hearing at a fixed venue
Thirty-one local governments in CS:MAP project districts sought CSOs’ technical support in organizing public hearings. This indicates increased collaboration between CS:MAP partners and
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local governments. Barhabise municipality in Siddhupalchowk district conducted a public hearing, which was the second public hearing organized by the municipality this year. CS:MAP partner Samudayik Sarathi provided technical support to the municipality in organizing the public hearing. Likewise, Panchkhal municipality in Kavre also conducted a public hearing on January 17, 2019. Sailung gaunpalika in Dolakha district organized a public hearing with technical support from CS:MAP. The public hearing ended up with a three-point public declaration. Similarly, Khadadevi gaunpalika, Manthali municipality, Sunapati gaunpalika 1, and Umakunda gaunpalika in Ramechhap district organized public hearings with support from the CS:MAP local partner. The three ward offices of Ghorahi sub-metropolis in Dang conducted public hearings with technical support from the CS:MAP partner. These public hearings focused on topics including budget expenditure, implementation of projects at the community level, public service delivery on health, education, and agriculture. Public hearings were attended by representatives from local governments, media, civil society, academia, and citizens, among individuals. During the public hearings, participants expressed grievances on poor participation of citizens in the local-level planning process, the lack of a grievance-handling mechanism at the ward office, and poor public service delivery. Activity 3.3.3: Conduct public expenditure tracking system (PETS) at the local level In this Quarter, CS:MAP partners conducted 12 PETS on distribution of scholarships in community schools. Samudayik Sarathi conducted PETS in distribution of scholarships to target groups in Kavre and Sindhupalchowk districts. Similarly, DEC Nepal in Dhading, IHRICON in Bhaktapur, Sundar Nepal in Jajarkot and Surkhet, FMDC in Kailali, RWDC in Dang, and CDC in Nuwakot and Rasuwa conducted PETS on the scholarship amounts. The findings showed protracted delays in the distribution of scholarship amounts, the scholarship fund was found not to be distributed proportionate to eligible students, and the list of scholarship recipients was not posted on the notice boards. CSOs have shared the findings with division chiefs of municipalities/gaunpalika.
Activity 3.3.4: Conduct community score card at the local level
In this reporting Quarter, CSOs conducted 13 community score cards (CSCs) in health posts. These CSCs served as platforms for service providers and citizens at the community level to identify gaps, explore constraints qualitatively, jointly discuss issues in public service delivery, and resolve them amicably through formulation of an action plan. RWDC conducted a CSC at Saundiyar Health Post of Ward no.7 under Ghorahi sub-metropolis. RWDC identified gaps, strengths, and weaknesses in service delivery of the health post and developed action plans to improve the services. Khopiram Chaudhary, chair of Ward no. 7, committed to apply the CSC in schools and agricultural areas. An input tracking matrix, self-evaluation score card, performance score card, and face-to-face meetings were organized, and an action plan was developed to address the gaps and improve service delivery at the health post. Based on the findings, the chair of Ward no. 7 committed to address the following issues within six months: make immunization services effective, implement family planning services, ensure availability of 35 types of free medicine.
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SOCH Nepal conducted a CSC at Dachhi Health Post in Kageshwori-Manohara municipality-5 in Kathmandu and Gorkha municipality-8 in Gorkha. An input tracking matrix, self-evaluation and performance score card, and interface meeting were conducted to formulate an action plan. Based on the findings, the health post committed to addressing the unfriendly behavior of staff, unavailability of 35 free medicines, poor sanitation, lack of a counseling room, improper disposal of syringes at Raniswara Health Post, and no display of a Citizen Charter in a visible location. In the CSC action plans, the health management committee committed to build extra rooms for counseling at Raniswara Health Post in Gorkha, manage extra beds for the birthing center and video x-ray at Dachhi Health Post, expand school health program to private schools, print names of medicines in the Nepali language, and post Citizen Charters in visible locations.
Activity 3.3.5: Conduct social audit of CSOs
Three CS:MAP partners conducted social audits. Samudayik Sarathi in Kathmandu, Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal (IHRICON) in Lalitpur, and DEC Nepal in Dhading organized social audits in the second Quarter. Administrative and program details such as targets vs. achievements and financial details including the list of projects being implemented by the partners were presented to the multi-stakeholder group comprised of representatives from government offices, local governments, media, civil society organizations, and beneficiaries, among others. The practice of CS:MAP partners conducting their own intuitional social audit has lent credibility and increased mutual accountability among CSOs and government agencies in the district. Many of the CS:MAP partners have planned for a social audit to be conducted in July (end of Nepali fiscal year). Samudayik Sarathi organized an institutional social audit on February 28, 2019 in Kathmandu with the objective of ensuring operational transparency and accountability. The event focused on review of achievements, contributions, issues, and challenges the organization faced during the last fiscal year. Major recommendations of the social audit were to improve active involvement of management committee members, prepare a program exit strategy in line with the strategic plan, diversify funding, and develop a sustainability plan. Participants said that Samudayik Sarathi had inspired other organizations to conduct social audits and that CSOs should play a watchdog role, provide oversight of government activities, and improve their own credibility through transparency and accountability measures. A total of 54 people participated, representing CSOs such as media, academia, government, the private sector, lawyers, and international agencies, among others, with Dr. Bal Gopal Baidhya, former vice chair of the National Planning Commission, as the chief guest.
Similarly, IHRICON conducted its social audit on February 27, 2019 in Kathmandu, with the aim of assessing overall institutional performance and identifying areas for further improvement. The social audit was further expected to legitimize IHRICON’s strategic interventions and build its public image. A total of 65 participants (31 women), including elected representatives of the local governments, IHRICON’s immediate stakeholders, ISOs, CSOs, the media, and FHI 360 representatives, attended. Toya Gautam, lead facilitator, presented findings from his study that
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was focused on holistic aspects of IHRICON and projects, which he found helpful in enhancing good governance, accountability, and transparency within the organization and its project areas.
Activity 3.3.6: Conduct right-to-information (RTI) campaign
IHRICON organized sensitization programs on “proactive disclosure of information” in Balkot, Bhaktapur, and Godavari municipality, Lalitpur for elected representatives and civil society representatives. The program made local government representatives and civil society organizations aware that organizations and institutions should proactively disclose key information on a quarterly basis to promote accountability and increase understanding of the scope of the right to disclosure according to the Right to Information Act.
The Information and Human Rights Research Center (IHRC) filed four RTI requests at government offices and local governments in Banke and Bardiya districts. Responding to its RTI request, Nepal Electricity Authority relocated a transformer from its earlier site, where it was at a low height. IHRC also conducted an RTI campaign in the trade fair organized by the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry for seven days from March 4–10, 2019. IHRC also disseminated RTI-related information for more than 300 people and distributed books, leaflets, and other information, education, and communication (IEC) materials collected from different sources.
FMDC organized two one-day RTI clinics in Gauriganga municipality of Kailali and KI Sing gaunpalika of Doti district. RTI clinics aimed to sensitize citizens on the importance of the Right to Information law. A total of 159 citizens visited RTI clinics and sought information on how and where RTI applications can be filed to seek information from public entities. FMDC also disseminated RTI publications, books, leaflets, and IEC materials collected from the National Information Commission and other sources.
Activity 3.3.7: Radio programming to raise citizen awareness of social accountability mechanisms
Activity 3.3.7.1: Hold content advisory group (CAG) meetings A total of 11 CAG meetings (one for central production and 10 for local productions) were conducted this Quarter. The central CAG meeting conducted in Kathmandu for central version production was attended by 11 individuals from the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, FHI 360, the Health Unit of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, and the Education Unit of Godawari municipality, among others. Of the 11 participants, six (55%) were female, six belonged to Hill Brahmin/Chhettri, three were Newar, one was Hill Dalit, and one Terai/Madhesi Aadibasi. Likewise, the local-level CAG meetings included 138 participants, including 63 (46%) female participants. Among the participants, 42 were government officials, 62 CSO representatives, and 34 media personnel. Most of the participants belonged to age groups 30–59 years of age (87), followed by 25–29 years (33), 20–24 years (15), 15–19 years (2), and 60 years and above (1). One major feedback item received during the meeting was to prioritize GESI content
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for upcoming productions. The meeting was helpful to identify and select six topics for the upcoming central version production of the Sajha Boli series.
CAG meetings allowed the radio program production team to engage in fruitful discussions to gather information on thematic areas and issues to be discussed during the radio program series in the upcoming weeks. The CAG meeting participants discussed and endorsed the advocacy issues selected by CS:MAP partner CSOs through their CA meetings and other activities. Some of the endorsed advocacy issues included the status of practicing social audits in the community schools; health check-ups in community schools; allocation of budget in education; status of the flow of information in local-level government; proactive disclosure of assets; and price determination of agriculture produce. Similarly, the issues like the status of marketing and law, procedure drafting rules at the local level, the implementation status of the comprehensive school reform campaign and plan, and initiation of a plan for high-quality education at the local level were also endorsed. In addition, 60 topics, including the local-level planning process, local-level plan implementation, inclusiveness in users' committee, and the target group budget were selected for the local version productions by the partner radio stations based on the inputs received during the CAG meetings. CAG meetings also proved to be suitable platforms for coordination between the radio stations producing local version series of Sajha Boli episodes with representatives from government offices, CSOs, and the media, among others. As a result, the local governments are allocating budget to produce radio programs in partnership with production FMs. For example, Dasarathchand municipality, Surnaya gaunpalika, and Pancheshwor gaunpalika in Baitadi district are now partnering with Niglasaini FM, a CS:MAP radio production partner to produce different radio episodes in Baitadi. Likewise, in Dolakha district, Melung gaunpalika has also agreed on a year-long partnership with Radio Sailung to produce a radio program.
Activity 3.3.7.2: Conduct refresher training on local content production for Sajha Boli local production partners This activity was conducted in Q1 and reported on accordingly.
Activity 3.3.7.3: Carry out Sajha Boli program production, broadcast, and audience interactivity During this Quarter, a total of 67 Sajha Boli episodes were produced, of which seven were the central-level episodes produced by EAI, while the remaining 60 episodes were produced by the 10 local production radio partners. The episodes were broadcast from 39 local FM radio partners located in CS:MAP districts and Radio Nepal, with the central version episodes aired 280 times and local versions 234 times during this quarter.
Sajha Boli (Central Version):
The central-level episodes mostly focused on issues such as service delivery mechanisms within agriculture-, health-, and education-related areas at the local level, practices of social accountability tools, and OGP. In addition, the program also focused on the opportunities, challenges, and achievements of deputy mayors (female) in the context of
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International Women’s Day. The table below lists the program thematic areas of the Sajha Boli central version series in more detail.
Table 1: Episodes and related topics covered by Sajha Boli and dates
Episode Date of Broadcast Theme
54 January 06 Role of Judicial Committee
55 January 20 Agriculture services at local level
56 February 03 Practices of social accountability tools at local level
57 February 17 Free school education and implementation at local level
58 March 03 A story of a deputy mayor: opportunities, challenges, and achievements
59 March 17 Status of free health services at local level
60 March 31 Open Government Partnership
Topics such as use of various SA tools and public service delivery mechanisms within HEAD thematic areas were not only included in the radio episodes but were also massively discussed during the outdoor discussion events, which were organized to make the radio series more participatory.
Sajha Boli (Local Version):
Sixty episodes of the Sajha Boli local version series produced during the reporting period included topics related to the status of public resource use and public service delivery in HEAD thematic areas at the local level. In addition, they highlighted the use of social accountability tools like public audits, public hearings, social audits, the right to information, and proactive disclosure. Some of the episodes also covered the topics like gender-responsive budget; stories of empowered women; roles and responsibilities of women representatives at the local level, and the status of gender-based violence marking International Women’s Day in March.
CS:MAP partner EAI also closely monitored the quality of the local version episodes by analyzing the feedback shared by the participants of critical listening feedback session (CFLS) who listened critically to the program episodes during the CLFS and shared their thoughts. This has proven to be an effective way to assess the quality of the local versions and the production capacity of the radio partners. Analysis of the CLFS participants' feedback during this Quarter shows that there is an overall 2% increment in the CLFS score of the production partners. The CFLS score is a mean of score received by the FM station on each of the following eight criteria: presentation of the issue in the content, clarity of the script, creativity, relevance of the content, quality of the script, technical
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aspects of the radio program, and GESI included in the content. The participants evaluate each criterion on a scale from 1 to 5 ranging from very poor to very good. During analysis, the score is converted to a percentage.
Figure 5: CLFS score of the production partners in Quarter 2 Year 4
Outdoor discussions with call-in sections:
Various issues of public interest were discussed in 11 outdoor discussions recorded outside the studio, in the community, rendering the program more participatory by bringing various stakeholders together in a single forum. Of the 11 events, one discussion was facilitated by the central production team and 10 were led by the partner radio stations. The discussions organized during this quarter focused on social accountability tools and public service delivery of health, education, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction. These discussions have also been able to generate better response from the listeners. The central version episode, including the recordings of these outdoor discussions, received responses of over 648 audience members (compared to 441 responses during the last quarter) through IVR after it was aired.
Critical listening feedback sessions (CLFS):
The CLFS technique helped in obtaining feedback and inputs of audience and stakeholders on the produced radio episodes. These sessions informed the upcoming production and helped in improving the quality of the programs, making it more inclusive and informative for the target audience. Since this method provides instant feedback on the effectiveness of the radio program, CLFS is a kind of meta-monitoring of radio
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programming. Ten CFLS were conducted during this quarter in the local community and the offices of the local-level government and were attended by key government officials, local experts, and This is the first time I participated in a Critical Listening Feedback CS:MAP actors. Session. It's good practice to conduct such sessions in the community. First Altogether, 184 of all, it provides information to those who participate in this session. individuals (117 Secondly, they can provide feedback to radio programs instantly. Thirdly, such sessions help to facilitate good coordination among government female, or 67%) officials, media, and CSOs. After listening the episode on the status of attended these reconstruction after the earthquake and the roles of the local level, CSOs, sessions, of whom and media, I obtained information about the status of reconstruction of Bhimeswor gaunpalika of Sailung and of Kavre and Sindhupalchowk 124 were 16–40 district. years of age, 39 —Rabindra Acharya, deputy mayor of Baiteshwor gaunpalika, were 40 years and Dolakha above, and 21 were Before listening the radio program in CLFS, I didn't have knowledge that a 10–15 years. These community school is required to carry out health check-ups of students. CLFS were well Now after listening to the episode, I am familiar with this provision. Our received by the school is not carrying out health check-ups of students. Now, I will raise it in my school to conduct our health check-ups. participants and —Puja KC, student of Pashupati Higher Secondary School, Musikot proved to be a good municipality, Rukum platform to discuss the strengths and areas of improvement for the radio program series.
One of the unexpected, but welcoming effects of CLFS was the commitment received from government officials in Kathmandu. After hearing one of the Sajha Boli episodes during a CLFS, Shree Krishna Adhikari, Ward chairperson of Tokha municipality, was so impressed and encouraged by the radio program and the listening and discussion group members that he pledged to do better to serve his local community. He said, "The episode on the status of plan implementation at my local level is good, and I commit that I will allocate NPR 200,000 for irrigation facilities in the Dalit community in Ward no. 1. And, I request LDAG members of Sajha Boli program to form a user committee to implement this irrigation plan." The EAI team will follow-up with the chairperson and the partner CSO in the coming months to confirm whether he followed through on his commitment.
Audience interactivity in the radio program series through Sajha Boli Chautari (SBC):
Various creative segments were added to the ongoing radio program series this Quarter to encourage audience interactivity, such as the segments mentioned above (outdoor discussions, call-in segments), including quizzes and user-generated content (e.g., songs, poems). One of the new segments titled, “Representatives' Response to Public Query” (जनताको प्रश्न, जनप्रतततनतिको जवाफ) was included in the local versions, allowing listeners to directly hear from their local representatives regarding areas of concern, which also generated a great deal of interaction from the audience.
The IVR system, named Sajha Boli Chautari (SBC), was continuously used by CS:MAP radio production teams to engage with listeners, and this continued to be an effective medium. The number of callers to SBC has significantly increased (by 37%) in this
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quarter compared to the last quarter. This can be credited to the extensive promotion of the radio programs conducted during the reporting period, through field visits and local radio partners.
Figure 6: Age and gender distribution of the callers in SBC (Jan–Mar 2019, n=387)
Production and broadcast of public service announcements (PSAs):
During this Quarter, PSA themes were selected coinciding with International Women’s Day and to provide information about the use of SA tools in local-level governments. In this Quarter, a total of 26 PSAs were produced to provide information on proactive disclosure and gender-responsive budgeting. The PSAs were broadcast a total of 4,160 times through 12 radio partners, including 10 production radio stations. PSAs were produced in nine different languages (Nepali, Magar, Newari, Awadhi, Tamang, Chepang, Sherpa, Tharu language, and Doteli dialect). These PSAs broadcast at least 16 times a day for 10 days. The PSAs were also disseminated through IVR and MeroReport.
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Excerpts of Audience Responses Received through IVR for the Radio Program Series Feedback on Episode 54 This program is so informative and knowledgeable. The judicial committee at the local level has the potential to offer solutions to social conflicts. In fact, democracy itself offers space to discuss and sort out issues to arrive at a logical conclusion of the problems. We, citizens, too have right to speak for our rights. —Ekraj Bhandari
I am regular listener of this program. This program has benefitted us a lot. We know about the duties and responsibilities of the judicial committee and its role in application of laws in specific cases and settle the disputes accordingly. —Anonymous
Feedback on Episode 55 I listen to this program from Radio Ramaroshan. It is really good as it talks about local-level issues. I think it would be better if this program could link the adolescents and local-level government's collaboration. —Padam Prasad Dhungana, Achham
I am from Bhagawati Radio Listening Group. We heard the episode about modernization in agriculture and its challenges. We heard discussion of our district and the effort of the level representatives to introduce different schemes in agriculture. We are happy for it. —Isha Laxmi, Bhagawati Radio Listening Group, Argakhanchi
I always listen to the central and local versions of SB. After listening to this program, I got to know about the functions of 'Krishi Gyan Kendra,' the local level government's role and responsibilities. I hope we will get more information on these issue in future episodes. —Anonymous
Feedback on Episode 56 This program has benefitted us a lot. We are getting information regarding social accountability tools, policy advocacy, and good governance. I understand that social audit is a powerful community monitoring process that is often used to look at the utilization of resources in the public. —Bhim Bhandari, Bajura
This program is so relevant, and it has provided information on local-level roles and responsibilities. It inspired me to ask questions to representatives and oversee them, if they are doing their duties or not. —Suresh Bhandari, Bhaktapur
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Feedback on Episode 57 I like this program so much. This program has helped me a lot. I am informed about the free education facilities provided by the local level. Everyone should have access to education, and government should provide such facilities to ensure the rights of the citizen. —Dipsikha Thapa, Bhojpur
We are getting education facilities from the local level, but the local government finds it hard to manage the education sector due to various provisions. Local elected representatives are in a dilemma over managing the education sector. —Anonymous
Feedback on Episode 58 I am regular listener of this program. After listening this episode, I got to know about the responsibilities of the judicial committee. It has the role of conducting oversight and they should offer a solution to the social conflicts. —Bhusan Kumar Gautam
This program is so informative that I am thankful for raising this issue. I got information about the judicial committee's roles and responsibilities. We were unaware of these issues, but after listening to this program, I understand about citizens' rights and the duties of the judiciary toward citizens. —Anonymous
Activity 3.3.8: Listening, discussion, and action groups (LDAGs) to engage citizens in social accountability
As strengthening of CS:MAP outreach to ensure the effective mobilization/integration of LDAGs is one of CS:MAP’s key focuses for the current year, EAI carried out a series of visits during the reporting period to support CSOs for reactivation and reformation of LDAGs. These visits covered Kathmandu, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Achham, Doti, Dadeldhura, and Baitadi districts. As per the assessment of the groups done in the previous Quarter, there were 38 active (A), 26 potential (B), and 34 inactive (C). During the reporting period, 21 LDAGs were reformed/reactivated, six relocated, and two new ones formed by the CSOs with support from EAI. As a result, 55 LDAGs are active, and 35 are potentials. However, 15 LDAGs that need to be reformed will be taken as priority for next quarter.
CS:MAP also conducted joint visits to the districts to facilitate a series of joint meetings for all CS:MAP actors based in the district. The visits conducted in January 2019 to Kathmandu, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Achham, Doti, Dadeldhura, and Baitadi districts allowed the team to directly engage with local stakeholders through common assembly, Sajhedari Manch, and interactions with the local media and civil society members. These meetings were well received by the CSOs and helped strengthen rapport among key actors for CS:MAP as well as important stakeholders at the subnational level.
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During the joint visit of FHI 360 and EAI in January, EAI shared information about Mero Palika: Mero Chaso campaign and MeroReport. EAI engaged with CSOs to prepare plans to amplify the advocacy issues on HEAD at the subnational level and reactivate LDAGs. This visit helped build mutual understanding of the project objective, activities, intended results, role of the media, and EAI’s role in the CS:MAP. After a series of interactions, LDAGs implemented activities to make their local governments accountable (examples below).
LDAG actions to promote social accountability
Drabya Shah LDAG of Drabya Shaha municipality Ward 5, Gorkha, gave a memorandum to Ward Chairperson Ghanashyam Thapa Magar and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) on January 7 to replace wooden electricity poles with steel poles. The memorandum described possible vulnerable incidents might be occurred by supplying electricity through wood poles. LDAG members reminded the chairperson of his commitment in his election manifesto to replace the wooden poles. LDAG members had also collected data on the number of wooden poles. Ward Chairperson Thapa Magar said, “We were not sure how many wooden poles were in our ward. Now LDAG members have provided the data to us, so I will proceed to replace them with steel electricity poles.” A mutual understanding was reached between the ward chairperson and LDAG to collaborate in the future.
Ugratara LDAG of Amargadhi municipality-8, Dadeldhura, lobbied to have a citizens’ charter placed in the Ward office. LDAG members raised the same issue in CA. The charter was placed in the Ward office in March 2019. Likewise, Bageshwori LDAG of Badhaiyatal gaunpalika-2, Bardiya, submitted a memorandum to the Ward office to manage wires hanging too low from electricity poles, creating risks for accidents. The ward chairperson committed to managing the wires. LDAG members plan to follow up with the chairperson in this regard.
Mahadev LDAG of Gauriganga municipality-9 organized a speech competition on “the role of the public to minimize corruption” on January 23, with support from Ward office. Their idea for the activity was inspired by a program about budget transparency on the radio. Roshi LDAG of Roshi gaunpalika-7, Kavre, were successful in their appeal to the head teacher of Roshi Secondary School and the School Management Committee (SMC) to have extracurricular activities reinstated at their school.
Mero Palika: Mero Chaso (SMV) campaign promotion
Mero Palika: Mero Chaso campaign, launched through CS:MAP radio series (SSMK and Sajha Boli), was further promoted through subnational community fairs in Nepalgunj (March 4–5) and Kanchanpur (March 7–8). In Nepalgunj, activities were conducted in collaboration with Interface Nepal, IHRC, and HRPLSC; in Kanchanpur, in collaboration with Sanjeevani Nepal. Audio content and information, education, and communication (IEC) materials (leaflets, roll-ups, and PSAs) were distributed. Coordination with local journalists and CSOs helped the events run smoothly and result in local media coverage.
Other CS:MAP networks and activities such as youth group (Samaj Sewa Sanstha Nepal) from Kohalpur municipality, and Banke and Sajha Sabha meetings held at Krishnapur municipality, Kanchanpur, were also platforms for ongoing campaign promotion and provided opportunities for interested people to make practice calls or demonstrations to participate in the campaign.
Activity 3.3.9: Engage youth in social accountability
Three youth-targeted SSMK radio episodes were produced and broadcast from Radio Nepal and more than 60 local FM radio partners during this quarter. Themes were selected from feedback
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sent by listeners, suggestions received from the field, and CAG meetings conducted by Sajha Boli radio program. The episodes focused on public service delivery and the role of youth in oversight through the application of social accountability tools such as public hearing, social audit, and right to information.
The first episode (916, January) focused on public hearings including audio of youth from different districts speaking about their involvement at the local level. Local representatives— Geeta Satyal of Lalitpur metropolitan city, Narulal Chaudhary of Ghorahi of sub-metropolitan city and Saraswoti Rijal Khadka of Kritipur sub-metropolitan city—were included. They expressed their views on how youth and local governments are practicing public hearing.
The second episode (920, February) focused on social audit and how it is helpful for analyzing challenges faced in one fiscal year and planning for the next. Program hosts of Sajha Boli and SSMK discussed how youth can apply social audit for oversight of local government. Bimala Sharma, deputy mayor of Dhulikhel municipality, Kavre district, and Apsara Karki of SOCH Nepal described how they practice social audit at the local level. Youth from different cities spoke about their involvement in social audit related to local government.
The third episode (925, March) focused on RTI and proactive disclosure. Yasodha Devi Timisina, information commissioner/spokesperson of the National Information Commission, provided details about RTI and its importance in democratic governmental structures. Ghanshyam Magar, chairperson, and Tek Bahadur Thapa Magar, member of Drabya Shah Radio Listeners’ Group from Gorkha district, were also featured. They are carrying out oversight of local government to help ensure development works are accountable and transparent. They have identified the problems of their village and are working jointly with local representatives to find proper solutions.
Youth engagement via social media, IVR, and SMS
During this quarter, a total of 425 responses were received for CS:MAP theme-based SSMK episodes.
Table 2. Responses for CS:MAP-based episodes
Month Episode Issue Facebook IVR SMS Total Percent January 916 Public hearing: 83 42 13 138 32.5% involvement of adolescents and youth February 920 Social audit 130 30 10 170 40.0% March 925 Right to 62 37 18 117 27.5% Information Total 275 109 41 425 100.0% Percent 64.7% 25.6% 9.6% 100.0% 0.2%
Audience responses to SSMK episodes on CS:MAP themes
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In this Quarter, qualitative responses via social media, IVR, and SMS increased (328 to 425) from the previous quarter (see Table 2). The nature of the responses indicates that youth are taking interest in social accountability tools such as RTI, public audit, and social audit. Some representative responses follow below:
SSMK episode 916:
I listened to episode 916. After that, I think we should have participated in the public hearing program in our local level ward and gaunpalika. If we participated in this program, we would know about budget allocation and expenditure on the local level with transparency. —Juna Rai, Bhojpur
I am watching SSMK Facebook live from Sindhuli. I have already participated in public hearing program four times. There is dialogue with stakeholder regarding public concern issues so I am interested to participate in this type of program. I got information related to public hearing through the radio program and Facebook posts by the municipality as most local municipalities post information related to public hearing on social media. We are hopeful that our nation has entered into a federalist system. Thus, to know whether local representatives are working or not? Are they accountable or not? We even know how much budget is allocated and for what activities the budget is allocated by asking them; even how that budget is implemented at the local level and make sure that the budget is not misused. Most of the local level representatives don’t even know about how to allocate the budget. So, I advise them to allocate budget on youth issues and activities. —Sarala Sunuwar, Sindhuli
SSMK episode 920:
Our rural municipality has allocated budget for education, health, communication, electricity, drinking water, street construction, cultural festivals, and street drama. Similarly, training for women, old allowance, and children for poverty. In our rural municipality, for monitoring budget utilization there are formed consumer committees with coordination ward chairperson. —Masaili Tamang, Kathmandu
After watching SSMK Facebook live program, I feel that youth should be informed about budget allocation and utilization process at the local level. They should be aware of local governmental bodies and expenditure of budget at the local level. —Local representative
Youth engagement through ICT tools
EAI continued its 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. Radio programs informed youth about important issues such as social accountability tools like project information board and public audit. The SMV campaign invited youth to initiate actions as a measure of ensuring social accountability and public service oversight.
IVR poll questions launched
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SSMK radio initiated two poll questions from this quarter through IVR and social media. Both questions were related to the use of social accountability tools by local level representatives and youth to gain oversight of the activities implemented to make local representatives accountable and transparent.
Of 133 responses received Figure 7. Facebook poll question screen shot to the social media poll and IVR poll questions: 48 votes for Facebook question and 85 for IVR question. Most listeners voted on correct answers, which shows that youth are familiar with social accountability tools and are showing concern about local-level budget implementation and use of social accountability tools.
The IVR poll question was also related to use of social accountability tools. Youth were asked about the types of tools being used by local level representatives for accountability and transparency. Among 85 responses, 43 answered on public hearing, 21 answered on social audit, and remaining 21 answered on public audit.
Figure 8. IVR poll question on use of social accountability tools
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
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The SMV campaign aims to increase interest and concerns of youth (15 to 29 years of age) on irregularities and issues of corruption in government, use of public resources, and service delivery. The theme of the campaign for year IV is Mero Palika: Mero Chaso (My Local Level Government: My Concern). Youth use ICT tools such as smart phones, social media, and radio to make their respective local governments and agencies more transparent, accountable, and responsive.
With the use of ICT tools, youth show their concern for application of social accountability tools including social audit, public audit, public hearing, right to information to make local level governments more responsive and accountable. Every year, budget allocation occurs at all levels of government—federal, provincial, and local. But local people do not show much concern about the allocation of budget to its use. They do not even show concern on whether the budget was used in the allocated title or not.
The SMV campaign, launched in Q1 will continue for nine months. It has six phases each lasting one-and-a-half months. A question related to budget is asked in each phase and disseminated via Sajha Boli and SSMK radio programs and their Facebook pages, MeroReport and its Facebook page, IVR, SMS, and Makhaandina Facebook page. Responses are received through these channels. At the end of this Quarter, the third phase was ongoing; youth showed concerns about allocation of budget in sectors such as education, health, and agriculture at the local level. Local level governments/representatives are responding to the concerns raised by youth.
A total of 2,722 callers had participated in the campaign as of March 25. Concrete and qualitative queries, concerns, and responses have been received: 30 in first phase, 63 in second phase, and 76 in the third phase which ended April 15. Table 3 presents results.
Table 3. SMV phases, callers, gender, and youth participation
Phases/questions Number Callers responding to gender question Youth participation (15–29 years of callers of age) Phase I/Question: Did you show your concern on the allocation of budget in your Ward? Dec. 8, 2018 – Jan. 976 225 mentioned gender, among them: Out of total callers, 218 mentioned 15, 2019 124 (55%) male their age group, 194 (89%) were 71 (32%) female under this category 9 (4%) others 21 (9%) don't want to disclose Phase II/Question: How is the budget allocated for your Ward being utilized? Jan. 16 – Feb. 28 1082 158 mentioned gender, among them: Out of total callers, 152 mentioned 80 (51%) male their age group, 121 (80%) were 56 (35%) female under this category 4 (3%) others 18 (11%) don't want to disclose Phase III/Question: How the local governments are informing people (you) about the utilization of budget? March 1 to April 15 664 as of 163 mentioned gender, among them: Out of total callers, 162 mentioned March 25 78 (48%) male their age group, 128 (79%) were 61 (37%) female under this category. 6 (4%) others 18 (11%) don't want to disclose
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Queries and responses
Phase I/Question: Did you show your concern on the allocation of budget in your Ward?
We have the budget for our Ward, but we do not know how much of the budget is allocated in different areas of our community. When we go to our Ward office and show concern on the budget, Ward members deny providing information and scold us. Sometimes, conflicts occur and fights as well.
—Inoj Kunwar, Nuwakot
In our village, water supply was brought 10 years ago; however, it is located some 400 meters down from our village. It’s far from our home. From morning to evening, most of our time is consumed collecting water from there. We are facing difficulties and not able to spend enough time in our study. I would like to request Ward members to solve this problem soon.
—Amrit Shrestha, Bhimsen Thapa municipality-3, Gorkha
Phase II/Question: How is the budget allocated for your Ward being utilized?
I am a Ward member of Baitadi district. A total NPR 91,50,000 is allocated for different sectors including road, maintenance of temple, drinking water, sanitation, and targeted groups. The budget is being utilized properly in these sectors.
— Kalpana Rana, Dasarathchand municipality-4, Baitadi
In my Ward, budget is allocated for agriculture, health, education, and road construction. In agriculture, 2 lakh is allocated, 3 lakhs are for education, 5 lakhs are for health, and one lakh each for road construction.
— Badimalika municipality -7, Bajura
Phase III/Question: How the local governments are informing people (you) about the utilization of budget?
What kind of self-employment activities or plans are made for youths in our municipality? It has been a year but public hearing has not occurred and the information board is missing. There is no Internet facility. So, why it is not introduced? I want to ask municipality chair.
—Caller from Mangal municipality-1, Bajhang
My question is for my Ward chair. Have you maintained audit of all the activities that were carried out in our Ward? What kind of plans have you made so far?
—Prakash Pun, Sano Bheri gaunpalika-3, Surkhet
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EAI is promoting the campaign through Sajha Boli and SSMK radio programs, their Facebook pages (Makhaandina, RadioSajhaBoli, and SSMK radio), and CS:MAP outreach activities in the districts. Short video clips of local and provincial level representatives were developed and promoted via social media. Likewise, promotional PSAs and promos of the campaign were produced and aired from Sajha Boli radio program, SSMK radio, and 39 local FM stations.
EAI conducted orientations about the campaign for FHI 360, CSO representatives, and CARs in January. As previously noted, the campaign was promoted in other ways (see Activity 3.4.3 for detail). EAI will make short videos featuring youth celebrities with messages on anticorruption to post in social media in the next Quarter.
Activity 3.4.2: Organize public service delivery photo exhibits
A three-day refresher training on photo journalism was Figure 9. Gender distribution of conducted March 27–29 for 30 CRs of CS:MAP districts in photography Refresher Training for Nepalgunj to ensure capacity building on techniques and CRs (n=30) creative uses of photos for ongoing oversight on public service delivery mechanisms. Uma Magar, deputy mayor Male of Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city; Rupa Gahatraj, vice- 17% chairperson of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ); and the FHI 360 capacity building manager expressed their views in the opening session. The training focused on understanding of the photo story, photo editing, caption writing, and creative ways to carry out advocacy through Female photography. Other topics included roles and 83% responsibilities of CRs, radio formats, audio editing, review, and reflection on radio program.
Table 4. Caste/ethnicity of photography refresher training for CRs (n=30)
Caste/Ethnicity # of Participant Percent
Hill Brahmin/Chhetri 20 67
Hill Mountain Janajati 5 17
Newar 1 3
Hill Dalit 1 3
Terai/ Janajatis/ Adivasis 3 10
Total 30 100
A production session on MeroReport was also included in the training. Participants visited the community to carry out a practical session on photography and location discussion.
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Activity 3.4.3: Update online collaboration platform (MeroReport) MeroReport is used to engage citizens in media and ICT to strengthen public participation and oversight. The number of participants in the discussion forum and blog posts has increased this quarter. Page views this Quarter totaled 21,983, exceeding the target and last Quarter. Social media has helped reach a wider audience (see Figure 10). Google analytics shows 74 percent of users accessed MeroReport through social networking sites. The Facebook page Figure 10. Top channels of MeroReport has 1,809 fans (19% female) and Twitter has 3,658 followers (10% female). The majority of fans and followers of the social media page are between 25 and 34 years of age. The posts shared have reached 27,517 people, of which 3,148 engaged directly by commenting, liking, reacting, or sharing the post.
At the end of March, MeroReport had 2,192 members, of which 15 joined this Quarter. The 564 new blog posts from 34 CS:MAP districts are an increase from 442 the previous Quarter. The highest number of posts were from Surkhet district (59); the lowest from Rukum. The maximum number of posts are from districts where CRs, CSOs, and trained journalists are active while the lower number are from districts without this activity.
Figure 11. Tree-map chart of the blog posts from 34 districts
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Along with social media pages for MeroReport, EAI has also used Sajha Boli radio program and MaKhaandina campaign social media.
The Sajha Boli Facebook page has 14,709 fans (36% female), the majority are between 18 and 24 years of age. Posts shared on the pages have reached 18,148 people of which 2,255 engaged directly by commenting, liking, reacting, or sharing the post.
MaKhaandina page has 13,342 fans (24% female), the majority between 18 and 24 years of age. Posts shared on the pages have reached 29,625 people of which 2,562 engaged directly by commenting, liking, reacting, or sharing the post.
Activity 3.4.4: Orientation on Sajha Sabha apps
Ten orientations on Sajha Sabha apps were organized this Quarter by CS:MAP partners IRDC, CDC-Nepal, RWDC, FMDC, IHRC, DEC-Nepal, and HURADEC. DEC Nepal conducted a one- day orientation for CA and LDAG members and the general public in coordination with Neelakantha municipality, Dhading. The objective was to increase awareness of the municipality’s efforts on ICT tools through the development of Mero Neelakantha Mero Mobile, Facebook page, and web site as part of the Open Local Government Digital System (OLGDS). Participants were oriented on the use of Sajha Sabha app, the municipal apps, web site, and Facebook page, and on the process for handling issues and complaints for decision-making or responses. CS:MAP CRs also shared information on how to access and utilize the MeroReport web portal.
HURADEC held a one-day workshop on ICT March 22 in Sindhuli district. The objectives were to educate and teach civil society actors the importance and application of ICT in advocacy through social media and to orient them on the use of mobile apps such as Sajha Sabha and MeroReport. The 21 participants included the executive committee members, executive director, program coordinator, district coordinator, CAR, CR, and LDAG facilitator.
Activity 3.4.5: Technical support to open local units’ (municipality/gaunpalika) annual Municipalities Recommended for Implementation of budget and plans to the public OLGDS Bardiya Badhaiyatal gaunpalika To increase citizen participation, Kailali Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city inclusion, transparency, and Dhading Siddhalekh gaunpalika accountability, CS:MAP worked with Jajarkot Bheri municipality the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Surkhet Lekbeshi municipality Doti KI Singh gaunpalika General Administration (MOFAGA) to Nuwakot Meghang gaunpalika expand OLGDS, which was initially Achham Sanfebagar municipality implemented in Neelakantha Dadeldhura Amargadhi municipality municipality in Dhading and Dailekh Narayan municipality Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city in Dang Ghorahi sub metropolitan city Banke. MOFAGA posted a notice
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about this application and asked local governments to replicate this in the previous quarter. During the reporting period, CS:MAP collected the requests of local governments from CS:MAP working districts and recommended 11 of them to MOFAGA. MOFAGA will decide when implementation will begin. Additionally, CS:MAP supported Neelakantha municipality in Dhading and Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city in Banke to update the system and make it more user friendly. 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
ISO partners NNSWA, NEPAN, and MITRA Samaj continued coaching and mentoring of 14 CSOs on OCA-IIP and provided support as they carried out activities outlined in the IIPs. The CS:MAP capacity-building team scheduled their visits to CSOs with ISO partners to strengthen institutional capacity. (Details on mentoring are described in Activity 2.1.1.1 above.)
Activity 4.1.2: Conduct annual organizational capacity assessments with partner organizations and adjust IIPs
Eight staff members from three ISOs participated in refresher training on the OCA tool March 15–16 in Kathmandu. The purpose was to ensure the team had a common understanding of OCA and its process. Seven domains and 39 subdomains were reviewed. Simulation sessions were conducted to equip and orient new staff on ISO-MITRA Samaj. A schedule for the third round of OCA was prepared.
In this Quarter, ISOs completed OCAs for three CSOs. Assessment of the remaining CSOs will be completed by April 2019. The CS:MAP capacity-building team assisted with the process to strengthen the facilitation capacity of ISOs and determine the status in each domain and subdomain.
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
This activity is planned to be conducted in Q3.
Activity 4.2.2: Conduct biannual group trainings in financial sustainability
CS:MAP capacity-building team coordinated with ISOs and CSOs and tracked their efforts on resource mobilization and status of new funding. Based on the financial sustainability plan, out
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of 14 CSOs, 12 submitted 16 proposals (eight to government) and received new funding from 13 sources—eight from government, four from INGOs, and one from the private sector.
Activity 4.2.3: Conduct open houses to expose CS:MAP partners to new donors
This activity is planned to be conducted in Q3.
Result 4.3: Improved capacity of CSOs and media organizations to advance local solutions on priority development issues across sectors and to promote peer-learning opportunities
Activity 4.3.1: Train and provide TA to selected CSOs and media partners to improve technical and organizational development capacities
This activity will cover the result of 4.1.1.
Activity 4.3.2: Strengthen the local marketplace of capacity development services
The CS:MAP capacity-building team supported ISOs for strengthening the marketplace of capacity development services, especially of the OCA tool and minimum standards for internal governance in seven districts. The ISOs helped CSOs hold meetings to share information about the OCA tool with non-CS:MAP CSOs. ISOs MITRA Samaj and NEPAN supported seven CSOs in Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Kavre, Surkhet, Dhading, Kapilvastu, and Gulmi districts to share information about the importance of organization assessments, tools, process, major areas to assess, and post-assessment plans to address gaps.
Of the 88 non-CS:MAP CSO representatives who participated in the event, 13 sent requests to CS:MAP CSO partners to conduct their OCAs. ISOs will facilitate OCAs of non-CS:MAP CSOs from Q4 FY2019 after completing OCAs and ARIs for CS:MAP partner CSOs by Q3 FY2019.
Association of Dalit Women Advancement of Nepal (ADWAN) was among the CSOs requesting an OCA. With support from NEPAN, SOCH Nepal conducted a three-day OCA on February 19– 21 and provided a summary report with score, major strengths, and gaps. Activity 4.3.3: Facilitate peer learning among partner CSOs and media organizations
CS:MAP planned to conduct peer learning among partner CSOs and media organizations prior to the biannual summit, but decided to do it jointly along with the national advocacy partners and use the summit as a peer learning and sharing platform. CS:MAP has also conducted monthly and quarterly review and reflection meetings with its partners separately. In addition, the MeroReport portal has been used increasingly by CS:MAP partners for learning and sharing experiences. Please refer to Section 7: Monitoring and Evaluation for detail.
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5. Cross-Cutting Interventions
5.1 Gender equality and social inclusion
In this Quarter, CS:MAP partners reviewed the draft bill on Social Organization from a GESI perspective and prepared a summary of recommendations for ensuring GESI integration and submitted it to the Nepal Law Commission during an event held by the commission to share the draft bill among concerned stakeholders. Samjhauta and MAG organized an interface between members of Parliament and CSO representatives to share CSO concerns.
Partners also observed the 108th International Women’s Day with a storytelling event under the #Ma Bolchhu (I Will Speak) Campaign, in which women from different walks of life were invited to share their experiences of exclusion and inequalities faced, challenges encountered, and efforts and success in dismantling patriarchal structures that promote disparity, discrimination, and division, leaving the audience inspired to break silence and speak up against gender biases in both public and private spheres of life. MAG organized an interaction with parliamentarians to raise issues of discriminatory provisions against women in terms of granting citizenship to their children in the proposed Citizenship Bill despite the constitutional provision ensuring women’s equal lineage right without gender-based discrimination. Research on cases documenting the positive impacts on overall institutional performance as a result of GESI integration efforts by CSOs and the media is under way.
Handover of CSOs’ recommendations for ensuring GESI integration into the draft Social Organization bill
The recommendations from CS:MAP partners Samjhauta and MAG on ensuring GESI integration into the draft Social Organization bill were presented to the Nepal Law Commission.
The recommendations are: Ensure adoption of GESI policy in the very process of registration. For example – Whether or not the constitution of the organization clearly states and reflects adoption of GESI policy? Number of women and men, diversity within women and men Ensure implementation of GESI policy while forming organization and its structures, state definite number Ensure adoption of GESI in executive committee as well as general assembly Make GESI an important aspect while assigning number in categorization/classification of organization Ensure all registered and operating organizations adopt GESI policy Carry out GESI audit of organization Ensure adoption of GESI policy in code of conduct of organizations Ensure mainstreaming of GESI policy in programming GESI to be a basis of program approval. For example – What percentage (as per GESI concept) will benefit from the budget allocated for a program? Participation in program, subject matters, and human resources Mention of GESI approach in all three levels – federal, provincial, and local
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The chairperson assured they would take the recommendations into consideration while finalizing the bill.
The recommendations were drafted after review of relevant documents including the landscape report for CSO registration, renewal, and operation developed by GoGo foundation, assessment of the legal environment for CSOs and media in Nepal developed by ICNL, Association Registration Act 2034, and the new Social Organization draft bill. The recommendations were shared with CSOs and media coalitions to collect their comments for use in finalizing the document.
Interface between CSO leaders and parliamentarians on CSOs' concerns about registration, renewal, and operation
The interface between CSO representatives and parliamentarians to share concerns about the provisions on registration, renewal, and operation in the draft Social Organization bill, held January 25, was attended by 49 participants including members of parliament, media personnel, and representatives from Nepal Law Commission, AIN, NGO Federation Nepal, Federation of Nepali Journalists, and organizations working for Dalits, sexual minorities, gender equality, and human rights.
Vice-secretary of the Nepal Law Commission provided information about the lawmaking process and presented the provisions related to registration, renewal, and operation in the draft bill. CSO representatives expressed concerns and urged policymakers to develop laws and policies for CSOs with the intent to facilitate rather than regulate and suggested broadening the definition of CSO taking into consideration their multidisciplinary nature and increasingly important contribution to the development and transformation of different sectors of society. They also urged that participation of the chairperson of the network in the council be compulsory. A representative from AIN raised concerns over the Social Welfare Council conducting monitoring and evaluations and charging the expenses to I/NGOs. He stated SWC should manage the expenses from the amount deducted from the fund of I/NGOs during registration and at the time of entering into a project agreement. He also raised the issue of the competitive bidding process, saying it would only degrade the quality of work. Another representative questioned the special provision for organizations with annual budgets less than NRs one million not having to conduct an audit; he sought a mandate for making audit compulsory for all organizations in order to maintain financial discipline. He also suggested mobilizing the Parliament Development Fund through CSOs in the case of government’s unsatisfactory budget expenditures. He recommended introducing a separate law or policy for the registration of a foundation named for a politician to avoid politicization during registration and operation. A representative from Nepal National Dalit Social Welfare Organization pointed out the problem faced by CSOs in obtaining a Tax Clearance Letter. He requested the provision be removed and also stressed making the council inclusive.
In response to the concerns, members of Parliament said the bill is just a preliminary document with scope for change. They suggested clarifying the chain of command of the registrar and
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include a code of conduct for CSOs. They opined the bill should contain provisions allowing organizations having the necessary capacity and adequate human resources to extend their work area without additional charge. They also expressed dissatisfaction over the provisions requiring CSOs to register in Value Added Tax (VAT) despite their nonprofit nature and on awarding a contract to the lowest bidder as it would promote the role of CSOs as contractors and, further, hamper the work. In regard to the provision for executive committees of CSOs to be 33 percent women in the draft bill, an MP assured that she would lobby for making women’s participation in decision-making mandatory.
Acknowledging the important role of CSOs in social development and transformation and also during times of emergency and appreciating the initiative to hold a discussion on the draft bill, members of Parliament asked to collect feedback at the provincial level and assured they would take CSOs’ concerns to Parliament. They urged CSOs to promote good governance and ensure accountability, transparency, and delivery of development outcomes.
Celebration of the 109th International Women’s Day
On the occasion of the 109th International Women’s Day, a storytelling event was organized under #Ma Bolchhu Campaign. More than 100 participants joined women from different walks of life—singers, social activists, politicians, parliamentarians, differently abled, transgender, Dalits, and janajati—as they shared their experiences of facing various challenges and hurdles for being a woman and belonging to the so-called lower caste, sexual and gender minority. The women told inspiring stories of breaking gender biases and crossing barriers and realizing their potential and, further, urging all to speak up against gender discrimination and inequality while they continue their struggle until the goal of equality and inclusion is achieved.
Interaction with parliamentarians on the Citizenship Bill
MAG organized an interaction with parliamentarians. Issues were raised concerning discriminatory provisions against women in terms of granting citizenship to their children in the proposed Citizenship Bill, which go against the spirit of Article 38 of the constitution which clearly states, “Every woman shall have equal lineage right without gender-based discrimination.”
Evidence-based research: Success cases within CSOs and media after GESI incorporation
Evidence-based research to document success cases within CSOs and the media is ongoing. The research intends to capture positive impacts on overall institutional performance as a result of GESI integration efforts. The activity could not be completed as planned as leaders of some of the select CSOs for the research were out of the country to take part in the CSW session in New York.
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5.2 Youth Engagement
In recognition of the pivotal role empowered youth could play in combating discrimination, inequality, injustice, and exclusion, and creating a just, equal, and inclusive society and state, Samjhauta and MAG have been prioritizing and ensuring, to the extent possible, involvement of youth in all the dialogues, discussions, and interactions held under the CS:MAP project. As a result, youth constituted more than 20 percent of the participants in the interaction events with CSOs and media. Please refer to Activity 3.3. 8 and 3.3.9 for details on youth engagement. 5.3 Use of Information, Communication, and Mobile Technologies
CS:MAP continued to use ICT such as the radio program series, IVR platform, MeroReport, Sajha Boli mobile application, OLGDS and social media (Facebook, Twitter) to ensure participation of the target audience in project activities. Please refer to Result 3.4 for details on this.
6. Coordination and Collaboration
During the reporting period, the CS:MAP team coordinated activities with various stakeholders.
Government of Nepal
Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MOFAGA)—CS:MAP team worked with a MOFAGA team to finalize a civic engagement resource book. Published by the Ministry, it will be circulated to all local governmental units to be used as a guiding document for civic engagement.
National Planning Commission (NPC)—CS:MAP engaged with NPC regarding CSOs’ role and wider involvement in the drafting process of the 15th National Plan. NPC invited CS:MAP team to provide input on the CSO engagement section.
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MOCIT)—FNJ coordinated with MOCIT to ensure that the model law on mass communication drafted by FNJ will be considered positively by the Ministry and the Ministry will seek feedback from relevant stakeholders including FNJ.
Social Welfare Council (SWC)/Nepal Law Commission (NLC)—NFN collaborated with Nepal Law Commission to improve the draft of Social Organization Act 2075. NFN also submitted its concern paper to NLC. Samjhauta and MAG also coordinated with Nepal Law Commission on a regular basis. Coordination with the Nepal Law Commission during the drafting process of the Social Organization bill enabled the partners to obtain the draft bill in time to review and share with concerned stakeholders and, further, to collect and provide feedback. National Information Commission (NIC) and CSOs—CS:MAP coordinated with OGP experts and NIC while finalizing the content and design of the OGP handbook. NIC Chief Commissioner
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Krishna Hari Baskota provided input on the draft. Narayan Adhikari, from the Accountability Lab, provided input on content and presentation. Media Freedom Forum (FF) collaborated with media colleagues and shared the policy reviews. The review of the draft bills Advertisement Act 2075 and Information Technology Act 2075 was widely used by broadcasting, print, and online media with proper credit to Freedom Forum. Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN): NFN coordinated and collaborated with AIN during the quarter. The groups agreed to prepare a common position paper on the draft Social Organization Act 2075 and collaborate on policy advocacy efforts. A joint team is preparing the position paper. USAID implementers: CS:MAP has collaborated with other USAID projects, especially Niti Sambad (implemented by the National Democratic Institute) on OGP. Staff from the projects, along with Accountability Lab, have been meeting once a week. In addition, CS:MAP provided technical support to Niti Sambad for capacity building for deputy mayors in Province 2. CS:MAP governance advisor facilitated a two-day orientation organized by Niti Sambad in Bara. CS:MAP is also coordinating with USAID’s Public Financial Management Strengthening Project (PFMSP) on budget advocacy for better governance. Local civil society, media actors, and local government
Samjhauta and MAG have been coordinating with Gorkhapatra, Nepal Television, FNJ, CIN, NFN, KIDRAC, RRN, NNDSWO, and Read Nepal for evidence-based research. Monthly/quarterly review and reflections: For details, see Section 7 Monitoring and Evaluation.
Monthly CS:MAP bulletin: As per the approved FY2019 work plan, CS:MAP released a monthly bulletin during the first week of every month for project partners and other stakeholders. The bulletin included stories and activities from the previous month and documented CS:MAP and partner successes.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
CS:MAP has a robust system to track activities through multiple approaches such as periodic progress review and reflection meetings, field visits, surveys, and orientation sessions about the CS:MAP database management system and its linkages with indicators. The intention is to provide continual feedback and technical support to partners. During this reporting period, CS:MAP identified Foundation for Development Management (FDM) as a research organization to conduct a public perception survey. A monthly newsletter— a peer-learning document—was produced for distribution to partners, USAID/Nepal, and other relevant stakeholders through an email list-serve. The project continued to maintain a strong monitoring system for effective program implementation and captured learning for further
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improvements through on-site orientations on CS:MAP database management system, field data verification, and general data quality assessment (DQA) of its partners. Specifically, CS:MAP conducted the following Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) activities during this reporting period: Capacity-building activity related to MEL and CS:MAP database management system:
To establish a mutual understanding of the key concepts of MEL process in CS:MAP, and to enhance and build expertise around participatory MEL and the database management system, the M&E unit oriented partners through a multiple approach. During this Work Plan period, the CS:MAP M&E manager visited IRDS, Gulmi, Samudayik Sarathi, Kathmandu, and IHRICON, Lalitpur, to provide technical support on the database management system. The M&E team also highlighted the system and status of activity progress by CS:MAP partners during quarterly review and reflection meetings with ISOs and national advocacy partners. Overall objectives were to help partners understand the reporting timeframe and alignment of activities with the project goal and to expand their technical capacity to manage the database and update it periodically. CS:MAP’s database management system, created using Microsoft Office 365’s SharePoint platform, tracks events and participant details. Following its launch, the M&E team provided technical orientation sessions through trainings, one-on-one meetings, and virtual platforms. As of this quarter, CS:MAP partners have entered 713 event details with 18,980 participants.
Conduct periodic field visits for data monitoring and field verification:
During the on-site visits to IRDS, Samudayik Sarathi, and IHRICON office, CS:MAP M&E team reviewed data reported on the database management system with records and documents on hand at the partner level. This was done to ensure the quality of data reported in the system and was also considered part of regular DQA.
Conduct data quality assessment of CS:MAP partners:
During this reporting period, CS:MAP M&E manager conducted DQAs of Samudayik Sarathi and IHRICON. Suggestions were provided for making adjustments and corrections for the system and for careful documentation of meeting minutes, attendance sheets, photos, and visit notes as evidence of their efforts. These events included orientation sessions on Outcome Harvesting.
Assessment of public perception about CSOs and media:
During this reporting period, CS:MAP M&E team led the process of reviewing proposals submitted by research organizations in response to the request for application (RFA) call published earlier: “to conduct a public perception survey to: (1) gauge public perceptions of civil society’s and media’s roles; (2) assess confidence in transparency, effectiveness, and
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governance; and (3) measure the extent to which women and minority groups feel civil society and media represent them.”
Table 5. Sample districts for perception survey
Individuals/ Earthquake-affected Individuals/ CDCS sample districts households sample districts households
Arghakhachi 106 Okhaldhunga 74 Kapilvastu 206 Sindhuli 130 Kailali 321 Kavrepalanchowk 182 Achham 109 Nuwakot 134 Surkhet 164
Dailekh 110 6 districts 1,016 4 districts 520 Total 10 districts – 1536 individuals/households
FDM has drafted the individual household survey questionnaires along with checklists for focus group discussion (FGD), key informant interview (KII), and community immersion in Nepali and English versions and has submitted an inception report outlining their plans for data collection, processing, analysis, and presentation. After review from FHI 360’s Office of International Research Ethic (OIRE), Figure 12. Process for analyzing data on public perception FDM will be exempted to conduct research in field. CS:MAP, through FDM, plans to conduct a perception survey of 1,536 individuals from 10 sampled districts as outlined in Table 5 above.
Through this survey, CS:MAP plans to establish mid-term reference values for several indicators, including: (1) percentage change in public understanding of the role of CSOs and media, (2) percentage change in public confidence in the role of CSOs and media, and (3) percentage change in GON stakeholder satisfaction with CSO and media self-regulation that will be compared with the baseline values set in FY2017.
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Conduct monthly/quarterly review and reflections:
CS:MAP has continued to conduct regular monthly and quarterly review meetings with its partners. Program leads from CS:MAP participated in monthly and quarterly reviews and reflection meetings conducted by the partners to see the differences that the activities and interventions have made on the ground and, if needed, make necessary changes in the upcoming month.
During this quarter, CS:MAP conducted two quarterly review and reflection meetings with its national advocacy and ISO partners to monitor the activities planned and track progress so far. During these events, CS:MAP partners presented their progress, the plan for the upcoming quarter, implementation strategies, and challenges faced. Afterward, CS:MAP team members provided feedback for necessary adjustments for effective implementation.
The CS:MAP team also continued meeting with the USAID AOR/Alternate AOR to keep USAID/Nepal updated on programmatic progress and to increase the effectiveness of activities.
Conduct biannual review/reflection workshops:
This activity is planned for next quarter and will be reported accordingly.
Facilitate peer learning among partner CSOs and media organizations:
To facilitate peer learning among partner CSOs and media organization, CS:MAP has considered MeroReport, Facebook groups, biannual review meetings, biannual summits, CS:MAP monthly calendars, and CS:MAP monthly newsletters as the platforms. In this quarter, CS:MAP produced three issues of the newsletter, shared with all partners through the email list-serve. These newsletters serve as the platform for all partners to share their work, both internally among other CS:MAP partners and also among external stakeholders, and to highlight key activities, events, and achievements from preceding months.
Further, the MeroReport platform is used to improve citizen engagement in media and ICT to strengthen public participation and oversight. MeroReport has been serving as a platform for sharing, learning, monitoring, and reporting on cross-cutting issues, which showcases a wide range of information and resource documents related to CS:MAP cross-sectoral priorities, the radio episodes of Sajha Boli (central and local version series), and the CS:MAP newsletters. Use of MeroReport as a common space for showcasing outstanding efforts made at the national and subnational level increased this period with more than 21,983 page views and 2,192 members including 15 new ones. Discussions—through 564 blog posts—included topics related to gaps and requirements within the local level public service delivery mechanisms.
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The analysis of uploaded content on MeroReport shows a wide variety of topics, including health, education, agriculture, disaster, women, youth, social accountability, governance, and local development. Compared to the previous quarter, the blogs are more focused on sub- themes of a larger theme such as public hearing, social audit, public audit, youth in agriculture, chhaupadi (menstrual taboo), judicial committees, among others. This reveals the current pattern of more in-depth reporting on MeroReport, based on facts and evidence related to existing gaps in policy implementation and the status of public service delivery mechanisms.
Conduct annual organizational capacity assessments with partner organizations:
This activity will be conducted in subsequent quarters and will be reported accordingly.
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8. Overview of Financial Performance
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9. Travel Update
Table 6. Travel planned and completed
Planned Travel Accomplished travel Traveler # of Origin- Purpose Trips Destination
Legal Advisor, 1 Washington, DC- Provide TA to CS:MAP coalition leads March 19 – 31, ICNL Kathmandu and national advocacy partners for 2019: Zachery enhancing policy advocacy work. Lampell Design, organize, and facilitate two policy advocacy workshops in Kathmandu.
Program 1 Washington, DC- Provide program-related technical March 29 – April Manager, Equal Kathmandu assistance, oversight, and attend meetings 7, 2019: Elisa Access with CS:MAP Team. Choi International
10. Activity Progress Summary
Please refer to Annex 5.
11. Priorities for Quarter 3 (April 1–June 30, 2019)
● Prioritize work on the draft Social Organization Registration Act, including, but not limited to, legal analyses of subsequent drafts, review and analyses of model laws or advocacy positions suggested by NFN and/or AIN, discussing outreach/advocacy strategies, and any other technical assistance that would be beneficial ● Prepare a legal analysis of the draft IT Bill, focusing on how it may affect freedoms of expression or association ● Prepare a summary of CS:MAP’s accomplishments thus far – topics will likely include FNJ and NFN working together, adoption of the Civic Charter, the repeal of the CSO Reporting Directives, tabling of National Integrity Policy, and a revised/improved Online Content Regulation ● Support to local governments to develop and implement civil society and media-related laws ● Disseminate/share policy review to stakeholders and hold dialogue and discussion on laws and policy related to CSO and media ● Conduct public perception survey of media and CSOs in Nepal; initiate the study on civil society contribution in Nepal, work on producing a video on citizen engagement and role of civil society in Nepal, and finalize civil society engagement handbook ● Organize interactions to promote understanding of the role of CSOs ● Strengthen media and civil society collaboration to advance public interest
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● Roll out of self-assessment toolkit and development of action plans ● Conduct at least eight Sajha Sabha to share Sajhedari Manch and CA deliberations ● Continue to provide mentoring and coaching support to CA, Sajhedari Manch, and Sajha Sabha facilitators and to the investigative and advocacy journalism trainees ● Conduct a training for listening, discussion, and action group (LDAG) facilitators ● Carry out assessment of CSOs on understanding of PEAR ● Hold content advisory group meetings ● Continue production and broadcast of Sajha Boli and SSMK radio series, and promote audience interactivity ● Production and broadcast of PSAs ● Continue to promote and increase use of MeroReport platform, offering it as a resource site and a platform for mutual learning and sharing for all CS:MAP actors ● Continue the SMS My Voice campaign, publish investigative stories on public resource use and public service delivery from the journalists who attended weeklong study and exposure visit in Kathmandu quarter 2 ● Work with local civil society and government to conduct 25 public expenditure tracking systems (PETs), 10 community score cards, eight public hearings at the local level ● Conduct open houses to expose CS:MAP grantees to new donors
12. Success Stories
Please refer to Annex 6.
13. Challenges and Mitigation Measures
● The Government of Nepal’s position toward civil society and the media appears to be a preference to exert more control over these sectors. As a result, the draft legislations that have been released contains more restrictions to the freedoms of association and expression than our partners had hoped for after the election. In addition, the Government of Nepal continues to draft legislation without meaningful stakeholder input and then pass legislation without meaningful public participation or debate. These two aspects will make positive legislative changes more difficult. CS:MAP is working with its partners to create the best possible advocacy plans for this new context. Such efforts will include a multipronged approach, including education on international principles, identification of “champions” within parliament and ministries, the building of diverse coalitions, and calls for greater transparency in the lawmaking process. However, many steps of the legal reform process are outside the control of civil society. As such, expectations need to be tampered, but CS:MAP will work to ensure that its partners have the support and technical expertise needed to make the best possible case for positive legal reforms. ● Though CS:MAP is engaged with its partners and other stakeholders on a regular basis to convey the project’s message and goal for wider interest of CSOs in Nepal, the changes
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are not yet achieved on par with expectations. The stakeholders, during the meetings, are found to be interested and ready to act for the better enabling environment, but are reluctant to speak and be proactive. CS:MAP has continued its efforts in a multiprong way to deal with this, increasing one-on-one meetings along with commitment from the leaders of the sector.
● Some of these stakeholders are highly influential, have a role in the decision-making process, and could be more active in bringing about wider changes in policy and laws. Since most of them have some sort of political and social legacy, they are hesitant to act just to preserve their political and professional relations with the lawmakers and bureaucrats. Consequently, they are less engaged and the dividend of their relationship does not reach to the favor of civil society organizations. Since, this is a lasting challenge for CS:MAP, it will not be resolve simply by having meetings. Regular engagement and joint planning is needed. Joint work and plans should be developed immediately with the stakeholders during the meeting. Similarly, these stakeholders should be provoked regularly in favor of civil society so they will not marginalize the issue of civil society and media.
● CS:MAP’s comprehensive capacity building efforts were affected by staff turnover, especially capacity-building specialists in the ISOs. To avoid this hindrance in the future, CS:MAP capacity-building team and project managers of ISOs prepared themselves to take up the role to provide technical support to new staff in ISOs as soon as such situation arises.
● Limited ownership of CSOs to scale up advocacy efforts at the district level and mobilize board members and even the executive head of the organization for their support was the reason behind limited advocacy measures in the districts. CS:MAP has intensified the support of the advocacy advisor and the ISOs in the districts for convincing leadership of their roles in enhancing civic vigilance in the districts.
● In some districts, CSOs have not yet equally prioritized LDAGs as other CS:MAP structures. CS:MAP understands that CSOs have an important role for LDAG functioning. To translate the concept and the message, CS:MAP has conducted joint visits of the CS:MAP/FHI 360 team and CS:MAP Equal Access team to the districts.
14. Lessons Learned
● During formal and informal meetings, parliamentarians and policymakers constantly raised issues such as lack of transparency, accountability, and internal controlling mechanisms within CSOs along with reluctance to work in the areas of national priority. Further, they stated that these issues stimulated the government to develop strong regulatory oversight. Therefore, CSOs should take self-regulation initiatives and ensure effective implementation while they undertake advocacy efforts for CSO-friendly laws and policies.
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● Increased involvement of CS:MAP team in program delivery enabled the team to maintain program quality and helped to increase the participation of board and management in the project activities.
● FHI 360 and Equal Access held joint visits to five CDCS districts to build common understanding of the project objective, activities, intended results, role of the media, and role of EAI in the CSMAP. For effective interaction between the CS:MAP structures, journalists and CSOs, community reporters and CSOs, and CS:MAP implementing partners, especially teams from FHI 360 and Equal Access, need to conduct regular joint visits. ● Promotion of video in social media helped promote radio programs and increased audience engagement. For Episode 56 of Sajha Boli radio program on social accountability tools outdoor discussion was conducted at the office of Dasarathchand municipality, Baitadi. Both audio and video were recorded for use on social media. Sajha Boli production team made a short video (7 minutes) and posted it on Sajha Boli Facebook page February 9. The video was viewed by 1,500 people and had 22 shares. It also increased audience engagement in IVR with a total of 648 callers for Episode 56.
● Adding call-in sections to the Sajha Boli series enhanced audience participation, as this allowed the production team to get in touch with local level representatives, relevant government officials, and stakeholders to seek answers/solutions to the questions/queries from the listeners. Eleven program episodes with call-in sections were recorded this quarter, of which one was recorded at the central level, with two experts as studio guests: Yogesh Bhattarai, member of the House of Representatives, and Taranath Dahal, chief executive officer of Freedom Forum. 15. Annex
Annex 1- Bill to amend some Nepal Acts Annex 2- Bill to amend some Nepal Acts to harmonize with the constitution Annex 3- CSMAP SF425 Report_March 2019 Annex 4-List of stories followed by AMO trainee journalists Annex 5- Activity Summary Matrix_CSMAP Year4 QPR2 Jan-Mar2019 Annex 6-Success Stories
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