Janchetana Jagaran Abhiyan (JJA)

A Nepali organisation working with women and marginalised groups to promote gender equality and a better status for women in poverty-stricken areas. The organisation runs programmes to mobilise women in the peace process and in income generation.

Overview

Janchetana Jagaran Abhiyan (JJA) is a gender resource organisation working with Dalits (untouchables), women, children and other marginalised groups to promote gender equality in the social, political, economic and development sectors. JJA was established in 1995 and is based in Bara district in the Terai.

JJA work with Dalits and other marginalised groups, in areas characterised by vulnerable communities living in extreme poverty. This poverty is a result of the under-development of social, economic and human resources.

JJA is actively engaged in peace programmes supported by the Canadian Cooperation Office and the British Embassy. It's peace and development programme emphasises women’s empowerment within the context of peace. These programmes successfully demonstrate positive and continuing achievements.

JJA aims to:

• Develop JJA as a gender resource organisation;
• Develop women's overall status;
• Develop the capacities of women in leadership and the peace process; and
• Support the current peace process

JJA is currently launching two peace initiatives in Bara district. Both initiatives focus on conflict-affected women and other vulnerable and poor women to raise their overall status in the community and to get them involved in the current peace process. JJA has learnt that unless women meaningfully and equally participate in the current peace process, sustainable peace will not prevail in the country. For that reason, women's overall status has to be developed.

JJA has a strong record for working with conflict-affected people in 18 Village Development Councils (VDCs) of Bara district. In the past three years it has helped to gradually increase the standard of living (economic, literary, and political) of the conflict-affected people in these VDCs. People in the VDCs have gradually become more aware of political activities and the current peace process, and have got involved in income generation activities. JJA programmes particularly focus on supporting conflict-affected, vulnerable and poor women. It has formed women's groups and mobilised them to raise income, to become aware of the impact of conflict and of domestic violence and women's rights. The groups further mobilise to build up the capacity of women to take part in the current peace process and political sphere.

Altogether, JJA has enabled the formation of 27 women's groups working in the most conflict-affected VDCs. The groups have included poor, vulnerable and conflict-affected women. Before launching its programmes, JJA conducted research into which people were the most affected by the Maoist conflict. The research showed that women in the Bara district were seriously affected by the conflict, and also showed that it was vital to address the impact on women immediately.

What Services are Provided?

• Group formation and mobilization;
• Awareness campaign;
• Training; and
• Income generation program.

Geographical Area of Operation

Bara district in Narayani zone.

Funding Resources

• British Embassy;
• Voluntary Service Overseas;
• Action Aid;
• Canadian Cooperation Gender Resource Organization; and
• Canadian Cooperation Office

What Further Information would you like?

Information about NGOs and INGOs working in conflict and peace.

What New Contacts would you like to make?

People who have contact with the above sectors.