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ADWAN & FAN
RECAP 2024 and FUTURE FORWARD
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Dear Friends of ADWAN,
Namaste!
As we close 2024, we reflect on a year of extraordinary progress at Friends of ADWAN Nepal and our sister organization, ADWAN (Association for Dalit Women’s Advancement of Nepal). Since its inception in 1998, ADWAN has championed the empowerment of Dalit and marginalized communities, especially women and girls, through advocacy, education, skill development, and financial independence.
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Impact Highlights from 2024
ADWAN now works with 6,263 women from 253 groups, benefiting over 153,000 people in Nepal. These women are transforming intergenerational challenges like caste discrimination, gender-based violence, and illiteracy into dignity, empowerment, and self-reliance.
This year, ADWAN successfully:
• Formed 30 new women’s groups in Palpa and Rupandehi districts under the Learning Promotion Program.
• Trained 337 women in vocational skills such as tailoring, sustainable agriculture, and beauty services, leading to significant income growth.
• Registered 22 groups with local governments, securing funding for small businesses, agricultural initiatives, and collective savings programs.
• Positively impacted 2,250 people from these programs.
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The Association for Dalit Women’s Advancement of Nepal (ADWAN), under its Blue Shirt Campaign, successfully distributed school uniforms to 740 students across six schools in Gorkha and Chitwan districts in 2024. This initiative aims to promote education, equality, and confidence among marginalized children, especially Dalit students, by addressing one of the primary challenges faced by students in rural areas — lack of proper school attire.
The campaign reached the following schools:
1. Jal Devi High School – Gorkha District
2. Chandika Primary School – Gorkha District
3. Sidhasthani High School – Gorkha District
4. Sahid Lakhan Thapa Primary School – Gorkha District
5. Sinjali High School – Gorkha District
6. Rashtriya Adharbhut School – Chitwan District
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Impact of the Blue Shirt Campaign
The distribution of school uniforms under the Blue Shirt Campaign directly benefited 740 students, enabling them to:
• Attend School with Dignity: Many children in rural areas often lack proper uniforms, leading to feelings of embarrassment and exclusion. The new school dresses fostered a sense of pride and belonging among students.
• Reduce Financial Burden: The initiative relieved families of the financial strain of purchasing school attire, particularly for marginalized Dalit families facing economic hardships.
• Promote Equality and Inclusion: Uniform distribution symbolizes equality, breaking barriers of caste and socio-economic disparities within the school environment.
• Boost Educational Engagement: When students have the essentials to attend school, their attendance and participation improve, furthering ADWAN’s goal of promoting education for all.
ADWAN’s Blue Shirt Campaign has made a measurable impact in advancing educational opportunities for Dalits and marginalized students in Nepal. It has supported more than 25,000 students since its inception in 1998. By providing school uniforms to these needy students, the campaign not only addressed an immediate need but also reinforced the values of dignity, inclusion, and equal access to education. Moving forward, ADWAN remains committed to continuing its efforts to empower underprivileged children and eliminate barriers to education in Nepal.
| Ongoing Projects and Achievements | |
BMZ Learning Champion Program (2022–2026)
Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, this program promotes financial literacy and access for women in Palpa and Rupandehi districts of Nepal.
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South Asian Young Women Leadership and Mentorship Program
With support from the Global Fund for Women, 20 adolescent girls have driven community reforms like anti-violence campaigns and street dramas, impacting over 5,000 people.
Community Safety Net Campaign
Supported by TEWA, this initiative has reached 560 beneficiaries in Baglung district, focusing on disaster management and gender equality.
Day Service Center
Backed by Funds for Child’s Poverty, this center supports 14 girls, indirectly benefiting nearly 100 family members.
Scholarship Program
Through the Ambitious Girls Fund and Educational Support Program, ADWAN provided scholarships to 49 students this year, empowering girls to pursue higher education.
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USAID Koshish Project (2022- 2024)
This transformative program empowered 1,024 women and girls in Gorkha and Chitwan districts with skill development, collective savings, and business training, enabling sustainable livelihoods.
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Thanks to ADWAN's Silver Jubilee Sponsors!
On behalf of Friends of ADWAN Nepal (FAN), we extend our deepest appreciation for your generous contribution towards the success of ADWAN’s 25th Anniversary Gala Event held in Jersey City, NJ, USA on 2 December, 2023. We are pleased to acknowledge your donation received which will go a long way supporting various initiatives undertaken by ADWAN in Nepal. With boundless gratitude, I thank you for your commitment and support.
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We are thrilled to share the joyous moment of ADWAN's Silver Jubilee celebrations, marking 25 years of unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equal society for Dalits, marginalized girls, and women in Nepal. The historic event took place in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 25, 2023. This momentous occasion was an opportunity to reflect on the organization's impactful journey and to celebrate the countless lives positively touched through its socio-economic, advocacy, livelihood, and education programs.
Read ADWAN's Milestones
| Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond | |
ADWAN’s Commitment
ADWAN and Friends of ADWAN Nepal champion a grassroots approach to development. In our view, eradicating caste- and gender-based oppression is an integral part of building a just and flourishing society. When Dalit women gain a voice and socioeconomic standing, they transform their communities for the better.
Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ADWAN remains steadfast in eradicating poverty and discrimination through:
• Advocacy against gender-based violence.
• Sustainable livelihood programs.
• Educational support and financial literacy training.
• Leadership development and rights awareness campaigns.
Through transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness, ADWAN will continue driving positive social change and empowering Dalit and marginalized communities.
Thank You for Your Support
None of this progress would have been possible without your unwavering support. As we move forward, we invite you to stay engaged in our mission to empower Dalit and marginalized communities in Nepal. Together, we can create lasting change.
With gratitude,
Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar, Hon. DLitt.
President
Friends of ADWAN Nepal
Founder
ADWAN (Association for Dalit Women’s Advancement of Nepal)
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