In coordination of NNDSWO, Dalit Civil Society Organisations, CA Members Representing Dalit Community, and Leaders of Dalit Sister Organisations of Political Parties, Mr. Bhakta Bishwakarma, National President of NNDSWO handed over a Memorandum to Rt. Honorable Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on 4 June 2009.
INTRODUCTION
NNDSWO was established in 1982 when it was not allowed to even pronounce the term ‘Dalit’ and claim rights, by Dalit rights activists with a passion to end ‘caste-based discrimination’ and ‘untouchability practices’ from the society. It is a non-profit making, non-partisan, secular and independent social development organization with nation-wide outreach from the grassroots to the national level.
Though NNDSWO was officially registered with District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu in 1982 and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council (SWC), it has been working under different names since 1951 when the Dalit movement against caste based discrimination and untouchability was initiated by Late Bhagat Sarbajit Bishwakarma and Saharshanath Kapali. The registration of NNDSWO was itself a milestone in the history of the Dalit movement in Nepal. After registration, the decades-long organized efforts of Dalits against caste-based discriminations and untouchability got legitimacy. NNDSWO, as the first registered Dalit organization in Nepal, became a voice of Dalit community
.
NNDSWO envisions an equitable and prosperous Nepal free from all forms of discrimination, exploitation and poverty where human rights, social justice and dignity of all are respected.
Mission:
NNDSWO, committed to eliminate caste-based discrimination and untouchability, advocates for the rights and in the interest of Dalits, builds their capacity and confidence to claim and exercise the rights, promotes their better access to quality education and sustainable livelihoods and raises awareness on healthy living.
Goal :
To ensure civil political, socio-economic and development rights of Dalits including their proportional representation in the state structures and mechanisms, and equitable access to all resources and opportunities;
Objectives:
Strategic Objective 1:To promote human rights and social justice as well as participation of Dalits in all spheres of state structures and end caste based discrimination and untouchability practices in the society.
Strategic Objective 2:To build capability and confidence of Dalits to explore their full potential and live a productive life by enhancing their access to quality education, and health services including water and sanitation.
