Chhahari
Chhahari - Shade of Tree (Pillar III)
The decade long conflict has resulted to a dramatic increase in the number of widows in Nepal. WHR strongly considers women to be "Agents of Change" and vital contributors to the development process. Hence, WHR along with its many single women members are at the initiation of a peace process.
The needs of the worst victims of conflict affected single women are not even realized so far. They have not been specifically targeted for rebuilding process and their voices are not listened. There are no social protection policies for such women. At present, there are thousands of single women who have been displaced and forced to work in informal sector. There is lack of provision for the protection or opportunity for services to single women.
Under these circumstances, WHR envisions to establish Chhahari, so that there is a place where single women from all backgrounds can call their very own. WHR believes that the single women passing through the doors of Chhahari will obtain the solace and strength for their lives.
Chhahari is haven of hope that enables the transformation to confident, independent women through various services, trainings and experiential learning. It is necessary as it provides immediate support service to single women, counseling for development of self esteem and confidence, prevent single women from forced prostitution and low paid menial jobs, provide the skill for basic need fulfilment, prevent them from psychological trauma, builds up confidence to lead dignified life and also reduces the drop out rate of children of single women from schools.
Chhahari represents a synthesis of many activities already carried out by WHR which provides temporary living space to enable the transformation to confident, independent women through several programs that provide counseling, legal and medical services empowerment trainings and experiential learnings.
Chhahari is in Action For:
Single women and their children
- Vulnerable single mothers and their children use this platform as a safe space where they get immediate services.
- The single mothers with their small children, who need a temporary shelter because of many circumstances stay in Chhahari and receive services and skills to reintegrate back into their own communities after certain period.
Healing Center
-This section helps traumatic victims in building self confidence and provides counseling from trained counselors.
Resource and Administrative Center
-This section documents the cases of single women and updates with the detail information of single women and their families through a database system.
Community Learning Center and Hall
- This section provides an access to education and friendly environment along with the support in the community development.
- It also serves as a vital source of information of single women and their children.
Economic Opportunity Center
- SWEG provides different vocational and non vocational skills to make single women economically independent.
WHR has already built Chhahari, "A Safe Space" in Jhapa, Surkhet, Dharan, Kavre and in Kathmandu. WHR is also planning to construct Chhahari as a Resource Centre for single women in outskirts of Kathmandu in the land given by Government of Nepal.
Who are in Chhahari group?
WHR has provided a safe home to cater these vulnerable single women through the Chhahari model. The sanctuary has improved single women's lives so that they can live with dignity and ultimately become economically empowered.
Various activities within Chhahari
Chhahari Catering Services
Chhahari food catering is one of the income generating activities which SWEG has initiated in order to improve single women's economic situations in society. Chhahari food catering provides breakfast, lunch, snack and catering services to various institutions, offices and organizations promoting sustainable economic development of single women as well as fulfilling the demand for prompt, affordable, hot and hygienic meals. It provides food services during conferences, workshops, seminars and meetings. It also provides processed foods such as pickles, dry food as per the order.
Chhahari Training Hall
Chhahari has a spacious training hall with the facilities of all the required equipments for the training. Food while trainings are being conducted is also arranged by Chhahari. Accomodation and logistics are also available as per the requirement.
Solar lantern
Single women have received trainings in assembling solar lanterns which are portable and can be easily recharged by placing them under direct sunlight. These solar lanterns are being supplied to individuals and organizations as per the order.
Chhahari Handicrafts Products
SWEG Chhahari has been producing items useful for individuals, households and official purposes; schools, hostels and hospitals and other various festive ceremonies. It has also been promoting the Nepalese handicrafts and products produced by the single women from various districts of the country, making use of local and sustainable resources.
How can you be integral part of this project?
-Through the financial and technical contribution for the building of whole Chhahari, certain component of the Chhahari or the particular room of Chhahari.
-Through the financial and technical contribution for the building of studio apartment or the dormitory for the senior single women
-Contributing continuously for the Basket Fund of Chhahari and sharing information about Chhahari with the networks and the allies.
For further information, contact us at:
Chhahari Services
Tukucha Marg- 96, Gairhidhara, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box: 8973 NPC 427
Phone: +977-1-4411429
Fax: +977-1-4413868
E-mail: chhahari@mail.com.np