Completed the institutional social Audit program of the WAM

Surkhet: A social audit for the Women Association for Marginalized Women (WAM) Surkhet has been completed. The Social audit program was chaired by Devi Paudel, president of the organization. The organization conducted the social audit in Birendranagar on Monday (28 October 2024) to review programs implemented during the fiscal year 2080/081. Facilitator Govinda Khatri presented a report compiled through studies, monitoring, and interactions. The report highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement in the organization’s activities.

According to the report, the organization’s projects have actively promoted self-help, neighborhood cleanliness, waste management, and tree plantation efforts within the community. Psychosocial care training has contributed to positive mindset development and an increased interest in addressing community-level psychosocial issues. Additionally, awareness about disaster preparedness, response, and precautions has led community members to incorporate these practices into their daily lives.

Participants in the financial literacy classes have started practicing financial discipline, reducing unnecessary expenses, and saving. Some youths from Dailekh and Baitadi have initiated businesses with either third-party financial support or their own investment, resulting in new sources of income. Awareness sessions on psychosocial care, drug abuse, and safe pregnancy at the school level have also raised awareness and encouraged students to adopt positive behaviors.

In terms of areas for improvement, stakeholders recommended further activating the community safety network, strengthening relationships with disaster management committees at various levels, and enhancing collaboration in preparedness initiatives. Youths engaged in business suggested more training and exposure visits on business operations, while stakeholders encouraged the organization to expand its campaign-oriented programs.

Executive Director Madhurani Dhakal shared that the organization is currently running four projects across six municipalities in Surkhet, Dailekh, and Baitadi districts. She presented the achievements, challenges, and learnings from these projects. Admin and Financial Officer Vijay Chand provided details on the organization’s financial transactions for the past fiscal year. Participants also suggested focusing on income-generating activities to empower women in the future.

Organization chairperson Devi Paudel committed to incorporating the feedback into future planning. The event’s chief guest, Dilli Prasad Pandey, a member of the District Coordination Committee, highlighted the importance of empowering marginalized women and acknowledged WAM’s significant contribution to this effort. He emphasized the need for future programs to further women’s economic empowerment. The social audit program included participation from the District Police Office, Birendranagar Municipality, various organizations, journalists, beneficiaries, and general members of the organization.