Blog

From Beni in Kathmandu

Lou (Steps), Gomba (Mountain People), and I returned three days ago from a ’Health and Hygiene’ trip to the northern district of Dading. We received free use of a 4-wheel-drive-jeep (just paid for diesel) and kept ourselves in isolation at each village (own room, food, etc) so we did not spread the virus or bring it back.

At each village/town, we met with a health or school representative and held
a ’Corona Prevention and Treatment Workshop.’ Here, using Mountain People/Elevate two posters we led the health workers through:

1. Prevention of spread
2. Home and hospital treatments.

The representative will hold workshops at the school and health post for
the local people – using our posters – and distribute the face masks.

Many had the virus, but called it influenza, as they feared going to the
health post. With health workers, we visited groups to inform them of
the importance of visiting the health post for a diagnosis, vaccine, and treatment.

Today we talked about women’s right to talk at the national level, the right to chose the right person [for marriage] and the right to speak what we think. Legal advise meetings are conducted on a regular basis.

It was decided in the meeting to establish a joint vision and working groups to bring positive change in the local community. Women at the meeting showed great energy and desire to work together. 5 goals were established during the meeting:

1- To stop alcohol abuse, which can lead to domestic violence and fights amongst men.
2- To stop sexual violence and improve women’s safety, particularly at night.
3- To stop forced marriage and early marriage
4- To stop polygamy. Although it is acceptable for men to take a second wife in Nepali society, this leads to a number of financial and welfare issues for the women, who have little legal recourse, and responsibility for the children.
5- To improve health by ensuring the cleanliness of living areas.

Sub-committee discussion

Sub-committee discussion

Sub-committee discussion