Asia - MATCH International Programs
Nepal
It is hoped that after so many years of internal conflict, the Peace Accord of November 8th, 2006 will bring lasting peace to the people of Nepal. It is important to follow the development towards democratization of the country since the traditional military power and the monarchy can still hinder the path to a democratic government.
Once democracy is fully restored MATCH's partners "Women's Awareness Centre Nepal" and "Women's Rights Forum Nepal" will have an easier and more secured environment to work in the rural areas. This small and beautiful Asian country, located between India and China has been engaged in armed conflict since 1996.
Women's Right Forum Nepal (WRFN)
WRFN is a non-governmental organization located in the district of Kavre. It was established in 1998 for the purpose of reforming the social and economic situation of women living in poverty. WRFN's Women's Programme has been working in two municipalities of Kavre district. There are two women's cooperatives and informal groups meet to promote women's rights. The programme's primary objectives are to strengthen rural women's cooperatives and build the capacity of rural women's organizations.
Nari Chetana Kendra Nepal - Women Awareness Center Nepal (WACN)
WACN works towards the full participation of women in all spheres of development. WACN believes that unless the poverty of women is addressed many socio-economic problems will remain. Women are encouraged to participate in cooperatives to carry out micro enterprises. WACN facilitates programmes that actively challenge women's subordination in decision-making and economic activities.
Sri Lanka
Women's Education and Research Centre (WERC)
This women's organization has been working against a background of violence that underlines almost all actions in every sphere of life, whether social, political or economic. Within this context WERC is currently working on a project to "Enhance and Develop Women's Capacities"? by reducing structural gender inequalities at the social, political, cultural and legal levels.
Lawyers for Human Rights and Development (LHRD)
This organization was started in 1986 by a group of lawyers working on the continued development of women living in poverty. LHRD operates a Women's Desk to assist women victims of violence, discrimination, sexual abuse and other rights violations. It also works with women migrant workers on issues related to workers in free trade zones and the garment industry. To address these concerns The Women's Desk conducts legal awareness programmes for women, trains activists as paralegals and provides legal aid services to women.
