The Work of One World Foundation

Activism at Suite101 spoke with Abhipraya Subedi, founder of Nepal-based grassroots organization One World Foundation, who described the organization’s work and aims, and the situation for women and girls in Nepal.

Background of One World Foundation Nepal

One World Foundation (OWF) is a volunteer-based grassroots organization in Nepal. OWF focuses on children's education, scholarship, human rights, children's rights and women’s skill development programs. OWF’s mission is "working together to achieve equality.”

OWF aims to become a leading example of women participation and multicultural cooperation in Nepal. OWF works to provide opportunities for member leadership in the local communities where they live and work. Some of OWF’s goals include:

• Providing formal and non-formal education for children out of school;

• Introducing Information Technology to poor, rural areas;

• Raising awareness of youth issues in Nepal and globally;

• Promoting indigenous knowledge, traditional skills and culture; and

• Opening a resource library center to benefit students, teachers and researchers.

Abhipraya Subedi said that with few opportunities for women and ethnic minorities in Nepal, promoting equal opportunities for members to facilitate projects and lead training events increases the likelihood of sustainable infrastructure development.

Patriarchy in Nepal

Abhipraya Subedi said that patriarchy is a constant societal structure in Nepal and it is a huge barrier for the development of women. He said that a preference for sons over daughters continues in Nepal. “These kinds of negligence have created less opportunity for girls,” said Abhipraya Subedi.

According to OWF, enrolment in primary schools is much lower for girls than for boys, and there is a larger ratio of girls being absent or dropping out from school. “The higher workload for girls, 1.4 times greater than boys, results in a lack of time for other necessities,” said Abhipraya Subedi.

According to OWF, research has found 44 per cent of women are married by the age of 19. “Limited access to education, early marriage, household chores, discrimination and the workload are the barriers that limit the women's opportunities and the quality of life,” said Abhipraya Subedi. Abhipraya Subedi believes ending discrimination in Nepal will take many years, but he hopes that One World Foundation and other organizations can help to change people’s perceptions in Nepal.

One World Foundation’s Work With US and UK Organizations

Though a young grassroots organization, OWF has already received support from organizations in the US and the UK, as well as worked in partnerships with other organizations working for women’s development in Nepal. OWF received small grants from US-based organization Children’s Fund to run school training programs for primary-level students and distribute stationary and books to the students.

OWF also welcomed 15 visitors from the United States in 2007 through their partner organization, Women Empowerment Nepal. Women Empowerment Nepal works in women's skill development programs, girl’s education and training programs. OWF and Women Empowerment Nepal have held a strong partnership for two years, and Women Empowerment Nepal has overseen One World Foundation’s working areas, followed up with their past programs and shared stories. OWF and Women Empowerment Nepal look forward to working together in the near future.

Abhipraya Subedi and Roshni Rai, Project Director from Women Empowerment Nepal, were also invited to the UK through OXFAM and People & Planet to present their work to the organizations, with the help of Tom Allen, OWF’s UK-based member. One World Foundation is currently seeking funding from supportive individuals or organizations to run more projects in Nepal.

Get Involved With One World Foundation Nepal

Abhipraya Subedi said OWF welcomes new supporters. “Regardless of where you are in the world, you can still be a great help to the One World Foundation and its projects,” he said.

If you are interested in getting involved with OWF, you can volunteer to work on projects helping women and young people, join in online brainstorming discussions with OWF members, or become an active member of OWF by contacting them about how you would like to help.

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