When 33-year-old Mina Devi Sunar looks at herself in the mirror, she sees a determined woman who dares to raise her voice when her fellow citizens’ rights are violated.
But just a few years ago, Mina hardly dared to introduce herself to other people.
“I used to be a very quiet and shy person. I never thought I would come this far.”Mina Devi Sunar
Today, Mina is a certified social mediator, helping others claim their rights.
You Need to Know Your Rights Before You Can Fight for Them
Mina lives in Gauriganga in southwestern Nepal with her husband and their three children.
Most of the area’s residents are from Dalit backgrounds, and it is these people Mina helps in her role as a social mediator. People from Dalit communities are often subjected to discrimination and social exclusion, especially Dalit women. They face restricted access to employment, education, and marriage opportunities. There are even temples they are barred from entering.
However, it is only recently that Mina and her fellow citizens have begun to fight for the rights of Dalit women in the area. As Mina explains, no one fought for their rights in the past because no one had told them they had rights.
This changed in 2018 when Mina participated in a training program supported by DanChurchAid and its partner organisation, the Dalit Women Rights Forum.
Through the training program, Mina learned about leadership, equality, and human rights. She also learned to stand up when her fellow citizens faced discriminatory behavior.
“After participating in the training, I dared to speak up. Coming from a marginalised background myself, I feel a strong urge to support those who face discrimination.”Mina Devi Sunar
Mina Bridges the Gap Between Citizens and Local Politicians
After completing the training, Mina decided to get involved in her community. In 2020, she became a certified social mediator.
“I feel incredibly proud to help people who face discrimination raise their voices.”Mina Devi Sunar
As a social mediator, Mina serves as a link between citizens and authorities in Gauriganga Municipality. She is the primary contact for people facing violence, harassment, or lack of access to their rights.
Citizens in the Gauriganga district can report their cases to Mina. She collects the necessary documents to escalate the case or connects them to the relevant authorities.
Typically, Mina handles about 15 cases a year. These include helping citizens obtain citizenship certificates, addressing domestic violence cases, and tackling discrimination against Dalit individuals.
Mina’s greatest motivation to engage as a social mediator has been the pervasive discrimination against Dalit women. She also realised that no one in her community was speaking out against the dehumanizing treatment they faced.
“It might not seem like a big role, but it undoubtedly makes a significant difference in individuals’ lives,” Mina says of her role in the community.
A Dedicated Space for Social Mediators
Like other social mediators in the district, Mina is registered with the municipality. She has also received a certificate that serves as an ID card, allowing her to document her role to both citizens and authorities in Gauriganga.
“Now I dare to pound the table in front of local politicians”
Mina is motivated by the difference she makes for others in the area. She is passionate about addressing the challenges faced by women and Dalit communities and is not afraid to raise her voice when needed.
But Mina hasn’t always been as confident as she is today. She recalls how shy she was and how difficult it was to speak up before attending the training program. Reflecting on her journey, Mina says:
“The first time I went to Dhangadhi to attend the training, I almost regretted it. I remember thinking, ‘What am I doing here? I don’t want to say anything; I don’t know anything.’ I had no confidence. But after participating in the training and learning so much about rights, I now dare to pound the table in front of local politicians.”Mina Devi Sunar
The training program not only gave Mina knowledge about leadership, equality, and human rights but also the confidence to speak up and advocate for her fellow citizens’ rights.
It is evident that Mina is proud of the work she does. She shares that the training program was a life-changing experience, opening up many new opportunities.
Mina’s commitment doesn’t stop here. She dreams of furthering her involvement in women’s rights in Gauriganga.
“In five years, I dream of holding a leadership position in Gauriganga Municipality, working for women’s rights.”Mina Devi Sunar
Caste Discrimination and Dalit Rights in Nepal
The caste system is a social hierarchy prevalent in Nepal. Adherents of the system believe that individuals are born into a specific caste, which determines, among other things, whom they can marry and their job opportunities. Dalits are positioned at the bottom of this hierarchy.
Approximately 14% of Nepal’s population comes from Dalit backgrounds. Despite laws prohibiting caste-based discrimination, it remains widespread, particularly in southwestern Nepal, where Mina lives. Dalits are often referred to as “untouchables.” Dalit women face dual discrimination based on both caste and gender.
In collaboration with the Dalit Women Right Forum (DWRF), DanChurchAid works to promote Dalit women’s rights through education and awareness programs like the one Mina attended.
About the project
- Title: PAHUCH: Promoting Access to services and resources, Human rights, Uplift voice and reach of individuals and Communities facing Hindrance
- Timeline: January 2022 to December 2026
- Partners:
Equality Development Center Nepal (EDC) Doti
Dalit Women Right Forum (DWRF) Nepal
Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) Nepal - Amount: 7,383,000 DKK
- DCA Theme: Fight
- People reached: NA
- Donor(s): Danida / Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
