DBSV ANNUAL REPORT 2020

1 |DBSV Annual report 2020

DBSV ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Compiled by: Jamuna Parajuli


Table of Contents

Program, Project, Activities Summary table ......................................................................................... 3

1. Craigieburn Women’s Engagement Project .................................................................................. 4

2. International Women’s Day (IWD) ................................................................................................ 6

3. Be Safe: Nepalese Young Women Project ..................................................................................... 7

4. COVID - 19 Crisis Support Program for International Student 2020 ............................................. 8

5. DBSV TEEJ 2020 – an Alterantive to Celebration ........................................................................ 12

6. Mernda Women’s Engagement Project: HARIOM ( Holistic and Reflective implementation of

Meditation) program for Self-Care ...................................................................................................... 15

7. Hula-Hoops fitness” key to unlocking gender inequality and social isolation ........................... 16

8. Reach the Sky: Women’s confidence and capacity building program – Funding approved in

Knox ...................................................................................................................................................... 21

9. Week without violence (October 19-25 and 16 days activities Nov.25 to Dec 10) .................... 21

10. Suruwat Aafai Bata (It starts from me) short movie shooting completed ............................. 22

11. Holi celebration ........................................................................................................................ 22

12. DBSV AGM and New Year Eve picnic 2020 .............................................................................. 23

13. Other activities .......................................................................................................................... 24


Programs, Projects and Activities Summary table

Programs, Projects and Activities Date Number of Participants

1 DBSV Craigieburn Women’s Engagement Project

2020 60

2 Holi Celebration by DBSV Wyndham unit

Feb 2020 100

3 Public speaking training to EC members

March 15

4 International Women’s Day Celebration Each for equal (be safe young women project launch, drama show on FV, Zumba, multicultural event celebration, Poem citing and speeches in relation to the day)

March 2020 200

5 Be Safe – Nepalese Young Women Project - Launch and activities carried out

Throughout the year

150

6 International students support program

March to December 2020

1,600

7 Teej – supporting victim survivor of Family violence - fund raised and $ 4000 handed over to AAWAJ on the occasion of 16 days Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

September 2020 Live streaming

8 HARIOM – Self Care program for Women in Mernda

October 2020 25

9 Unlocking gender inequality through Hula Hoops Fitness- funding approved

To be completed by June 2021

10 Reach the Sky project- women’s capacity and confidence building in Knox – funding approved

To be completed by September 2021

11 Paribartan aafai bata Movie shooting script and shooting – completed

Shooting completed

To be screen in March IWD

12 Week without violence and 16 days activities – various sensitization and awareness raising activities done

October 19- 25 November 25- December 10

Live streaming


online- through social medias, Facebook, emails. Viber

13 Women Leadership program done in 2 sessions by qualified trainer – via Zoom from Indian Care

November 2 and 9 14x2

14 Annual Family Picnic December 2020 70

1. Craigieburn Women’s Engagement program Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria (DBSV) has been facilitating Nepalese women’s group residing in

Craigieburn areas since 2018 in strong partnership with Northern Community Legal Centre

(NCLC). The group has been running through the weekly meetings every Monday evening

between 6pm and 8pm. However, after Covid-19 restriction was placed, the mode of meeting

changed to online via Zoom. During the crisis of pandemic, the weekly meeting has helped

the women to stay connected rather than being isolated. Besides, weekly group activities as

yoga class and meditation class have encouraged women to stay active and healthy

throughout the pandemic.

Number of participants: - 15 (approximately)

List of Activities:

Library partnership program with Craigieburn library – opening of Nepali section

International women’s Day Celebration with three groups, Indian women group,

Syrian women group and Nepali women group

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Yoga class

Make up class

Sewing class

Zumba class

Photography training session (using smart phones)

Financial Literacy class

Family violence and gender based violence information session

Reflection of participants

By Apekshya Sharma

"Hello and Namaste to all Excellencies and my friends. My name is Apekshya Sharma Regmi from Craigieburn

Community Women’s Group. I am very grateful and excited to share my experience regarding participating in

women engagement project organised by Northern community legal centre and Didi baine samaj victoria. I took

part in almost all the session like Zumba, where we learn few steps of Zumba and how to be fit, sewing class

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https://bishwosandesh.com/archives/19321?fbclid=IwAR2prRSLZwVAKpM8sEE3KsMJ0aIpKk3sIKwkUTi6zE4ktLrDxi9GWsr3TSc


which was carried on my our sis Sobhaa paudyal and Parbati pahari sis, other classes like financial literacy

workshop, in between that we got information about Gender Equality by Sanjana Shrestha sis, other like T shirt

painting which reflect women/ domestic violence and now we are having beautician class and we all sister are

enjoying all the session. I personally participated in visit to Hot Spring Peninsula with DBSV, which was very

entertaining, informative and empowering where we talk and exchange knowledge about family/women

violence. With the help of this project I got chance to show my skill. I got opportunity to choreograph dance for

my sister this was a great chance for me to step ahead. I realise that this project has inspire me a lot and helped

me to build my confidence and believe in myself and eagerly waiting forward for upcoming activities to be

participate. Thank you NCLC and DBSV for organising this project. On this auspicious event of women’s Day I

would like to express my word and salute to all the beautiful and courageous ladies who have contribute to the

family and society. Lets unite to fight against violence, spread the awareness of women empowerment their roles

and responsibilities, for that we together can start with the empowerment right at home, let's encourage and

praise the ladies at home our mother, daughter, daughter in law to pursue their dream and excel in their career

and make the world a better place to live. Thank you for listening to me".

By Rama Kandel -

"It was my great privilege to got chance to participate in various program organised by northern community

legal centre and Didi BahiniS victoria for Craigieburn community women. As my other sisters said, We had Zumba

class ,financial literacy program, domestic violence awareness session, gender equality program ,dancing class,

makeup class and coming more fitness and learning classes . All of the sessions were really productive,

informative and empowering. After coming every week and participating in these program has made lots of

positive changes in our community. We have built our confidence, as well learnt so many skills. We were able to

recognise our hidden talents. It was great opportunity to socialise and connect with new sisters in our community.

As we have gained some skills and knowledge through seminars and trainings I would like to commit some time

and effort towards women empowerment, family violence and any social issues Thank you so much Didi Bahini

Samaj Victoria And Northern Community Legal Centre for bringing this project to us. at the end happy women’s

day to you all my beautiful sisters and all the woman’s around the world. Let’s spread our love and kindness

towards humanity. Let’s hope for each for equal."

By Manisha Koirala Poudel

I would like to thank Didibahini Samaj Victoria and Northern Community Legal Center for bringing this project to

us. We got to do many activities through the project like Zumba, financial literacy class, domestic violence

awareness session, sewing, makeup class, gender equality class and many more. The visit to hot spring peninsula

was the highlight. It was very empowering, informative, refreshing and entertaining. A day filled with lots of fun

and laughter. A day to be me. Got to know other sisters and build friendship. The thing I realized when learning

about the family violence is that we should speak up and break the culture of silence. Our women’s group in

Craigieburn is committed to work for gender equality and I am happy to be part of it Project like this vital.

Reaching out in the community, helping women to build up their confidence and strength, their inner talent. I got

the opportunity to be a part of it. Thank you once again DBSV and NCLC for the project.


Future plan

Forming another sub group in the Hume

Conducting activities that boost physical and mental health and wellbeing and

confidence building of participants

Extensive family violence and gender based violence-training session

Making a documentary about Nepalese women’s group running through NCLC

Making short informative videos regarding family violence by the women’s group with

the purpose to aware whole Nepalese community about the issue and available

supports

Developing a booklet that contains general information about gender, inequality and

violence

2.International Women’s Day (IWD)

IWD celebration is one of the signature programs of DBSV. We have been celebrating this

program each year since its establishment with different themes and related activities

towards reducing gender inequalities through women empowerment, harbouring and

encouraging women leadership for the contextual change in our society where women and

men enjoy the same opportunities, outcomes, rights and obligations in all spheres of life.

This year we celebrated IWD on the universal theme of the day ‘Each for Equa’l. In the

celebration we have launch Be Safe Young Women Project, drama show on FV, Zumba

dance on women empowerment song, Poem citing and speeches in relation to the day by

dignitaries and president of DBSV.

About 200 men, women and children participated in the program for about 4 hours.

Children activities were also organised and the very authentic Nepali food were served by

our volunteers. The program concluded with lots of enthusiasm, optimism and happiness.


IWD was also celebrated by DBSV Eastern unit and DBSV Craigieburn unit. Craigieburn group

had celebrated with other two multicultural groups, Indian and Syrian with huge crowd of

people.

3. Be Safe: Nepalese Young Women Project

“Be safe: the needs-based newly arrived Nepalese young women's capacity and confidence-

building program”.

Be safe Project was designed to build newly arrived young Nepalese women’s capacity and

confidence through information, training and engagement. The main aim of the program

was to empower and develop resilient among newly arrived young women on how to be

safe and establish a self-support group and also be aware of the risks and challenges at work

while being safe. Therefore, young women feel safe to exploits full opportunities and use

their full potential to adjust in this new country with proper integration and inclusion. This

project was funded by the Inner North Foundation.

The project was Launch on 9th of March 2020 with a big event where, about 200

participants attended the program. The program was designed and planned to conduct from

23rd of March but unfortunately, due to COVID 19, everything had to be suspended with

restrictions and lockdown. We hold the program for a few months. But along the track, the

issue of food security and other safety issues have emerged with COVID situation. Then as

per the changing needs, we had to modify our plan and engaged on to those issues which

were more important to them along with COVID safe plan (see the list below). Most of the

activities were done digitally. Most importantly along with food security needs, our

engagement facilitator was able to contact these women in one to one basis to deal with

their specific issues and provide assurance.

Activities before COVID -19

- The program designed and plan

- Recruitment of women for the program via social media and words of mouth

- Program Launch completed on 9th of March

- Information dissemination to start the program from 23rd of March

Activities after the second wave (Digital)

- Formed a self-support group in Viber as well as in the emails - 300 young people


- Continuous interaction with the groups with their concerns re job, COVID info,

resources available to meet their needs, referrals and linkages by engagement

facilitator.

- Interaction with social workers, emerging issues and supports and networking

- Yoga and meditation on the zoom x 8 sessions

- Accessing mental health services by Mental health worker Neami National

- Mental health and coaching session by a Psychologist.

- Info sessions on legal issues especially about their rights, rental and utility and

family violence by Lawyer from NCLC

- Day to day need-based informal talks to develop their resiliency by engagement

facilitator and social worker.

- Women leadership talks/ training by qualified Leadership trainer (consultant from

Indian Care)

-

4. COVID - 19 Crisis Support Program for International

Student 2020 DBSV has done this program to respond to the immediate and urgent needs of the people not

only international students but also refugee background people, the victim of domestic

violence and single mom and dad, who were impacted by the COVID-19. There were several

COVID-19 related issues identified during the crisis time of the COVID-19 such as food

insecurity due to no income and no job or lost the job due to COVID-19 pandemic, lack of

knowledge on support services: COVID-19 information, housing, employment, health and

mental health within the new environment and social isolation, loneliness, loss of proximal

family and social connection. Majority of the people, who were employed in the hospitality

industries, lost their job. On the other hand, receiving support from back home was also

affected by a similar situation in Nepal. This situation influenced toughly to the life of many

students living in our community. Thus, the objective of the program was to response to those

priority needs of the people.


The following were the five strategic program activities that have been implemented through

the Care Coordination HUB (point of contact) with the DPC funding via digital due to

restriction of the COVID-19.

Need identification and prioritise

Accessibility of affordable materials and services

Sharing available resources and referral

Mental health and social wellbeing

Recovery, competency and capacity building

Before the DPC funding, through enhancing and strengthening the existing built networks

with individuals, communities and agencies; DBSV continued to advocate for the needs of

international students to Councils, Churches and other appropriate organisations since the

beginning of this crisis support program.

Total 1600 students were supported and with total funding of $55,809.00 including $5809.00

generated fund. Direct support of the relief via DBSV volunteers in a monetary value was

$40,000.00.

Major Activities

Daily interaction for burning needs and issues

Self-support group formed on viber

Facilitated on the Yoga, Prana yam (breathing exercise) and Meditation session via

zoom (every Thursday for 8 weeks started from 12/10/2020) 200 people directly

joined to the Zoom, did yoga with GURU (app. 25 people weekly)

And live on Face book (views 4000 (app 500 people views weekly for 8 weeks) and

sharing many more.

Rapid response to COVID-19 positive cases, people who had mental health issues, a

victim of domestic violence. Total 12, 4 each of them)

Referral to GP clinic, emergency relief support services for voucher and assisted to

access the hotel accommodation of COVID-19 positive cases.

Organised a session on accessing the Mental Health Services and direct community

engagement support program via zoom by Resika, Community Social worker on

Mental Health via ZOOM

Online sessions in partnership with Gulmi Samaj on UNDERSTANDING MENTAL

HEALTH and BUILDING RESILIENCE workshop.

Delivered health resources and communication via viber group, FB group, text, emails

and direct communication that are tailored to individual needs and communities

needs


Delivered culturally appropriate food relief ( staples food items that last for a month)

to those affected by COVID crisis. Majority of recipients, who received the relief

support, expressed their gratitude to DPC grant via DBSV.

Established Care coordination team amongst DBSV members to provided tailored

supports to individual students and people in needs.

5 direct community engagement programs organised

- Getting to know Coronavirus infections, prevention, symptoms and where to

be tested

- Getting to know mental health issues and building resiliency

- How to access community mental health services

- How to access community legal services

- Yoga, pranayama (breathing exercise) and Meditation

Outcomes

DBSV recognized as a point of contact in the community for any information that is

required for this vulnerable group at the time of crisis.

Received positive feedback from Yoga participants – they are more connected within

the group, feel supported, improved health and wellbeing - 48 years expressed that

had feeling of young, One of the students informed to the yoga session that her neck

pain and back pain relieved after doing yoga with guru , other expression were like

reducing fatigue, feeling more energetic.

Through our regular interactions and information, people become more aware of

symptoms (cough, high temperature, sore throat, sneezing, breathlessness, the

experience of unwell etc) and attended for testing as required

Increased knowledge of how to access community mental health services among the

groups.

Increased knowledge of students’ legal supports and how to access those services

when required through NCLC (Northern Community Legal Centre)

Increased awareness of mental health-related issues after the online 3 sessions on

understanding mental health and building resilience workshop

This project has addressed the emergency needs equally to all gender, disadvantaged

and culturally and linguistically diverse community members, international students,

single dad and mom and multicultural community including Arabic Refugee and

Burmese background students, Swahili speaking refugee background, and Pilipino

elderly women have received support.

Students support group formed and they started helping each other by sharing issues

and resolving their issues themselves.

12 students got the job and working including in Farm with the effort of the DBSV

members.

This project promoted the single woman entrepreneurship


Connected to the various employers' farm work, individual messages, organisational

advertisement, personal linkages via online viber group. 10 (app.) no clear data.

Two students went into Mildura and working in the farm now as a result of the DBSV

effort to connect them with the farm-related employer.

Three of the students, who have been suffered from mental illness working with

landscaping person now and meat shop and reported improving their health.

Acknowledgement of the volunteer’s ceremony on December 31, 2020 minimum

50 depending upon the restriction

Most significant changes that occurred due to the project

People who were unable to afford their daily living due to being unable to purchases

food received culturally appropriate staple food for one month (about 900

individuals).

We unexpectedly received a request from regional Victoria and outer LGA ( about 70

individuals), so we had to provide them voucher rather than direct food delivery

Less stigmatisation of Corona infection, isolation, seeking help, and accessing mental

health support as a result of continuous education and interactions.

Individual developed their confidence to seek help as it was clearer for them that it

won't affect their Visa when using mental health services.

Individuals are more connected with our community engagement projects and now

more confident to seek and access support and feel supported each other

Students support group formed for long term supports

Behaviour changes started to occur to maintain their health and wellbeing

The future strategy

Continuation of Viber support group of international students to help each other among

themselves

Monitoring and evaluation of the crisis support program by research


5.DBSV TEEJ 2020 – an Alternative to Celebration ‘Preserving Culture-Raising Hope’

DBSV has been celebrating Teej every year since 2013, however from 2015 we started to

celebrate more creatively with the theme of ‘preserving culture raising hope’. What it means

is we are celebrating our culture here in Australia and at the same time we are making efforts

to support women in Nepal who have been the survivor of sexual assault (rape). Secondly, we

had been taking Teej as a platform for women to boost their confidence through staging

dance performances. Many women who never have performed before showed their best

performance on the stage. Overall, we have been creating a win-win situation through our

Teej celebration.

We are so proud that through our last five Teej events we were able to support 75 women in

the mid-western region of Nepal. The fund we raise from each Teej event would bear the

cost for the provision of safe short- term accommodation, and support for other essential

services such as medical treatment, legal advice, counselling, family and social mediation

process. For the provision of these services; we are closely working in partnership with

AAWAJ (a profound local NGO working in family violence in the Mid-Western Region of

Nepal). Our support has been critical as it enables these women to recover, to heal and to

empower. (Please see the attached recent report from AAWAJ).

What we had been doing in the last five years was the entry fee that was collected in the Teej

event sent to Aawaj to support those affected girls and women. The amount was varying

every year with the highest at $ 4000 last year. This year, however, as we are very aware that,

with COVID pandemic and the current restriction imposed, it deemed impossible to celebrate

an event like this. Our EC meeting held on 4th of July expressed a high level of concerns and

proposed to discuss with unit coordinators and members to explore more ideas, on how we

can continue the support to these women who are even in increased need at this moment.

We explored three possible ways or options


- Fundraising request messages in social media and by individual emails

- Collect a small amount of donation from all the members including unit members (we

have 96 members in our units including EC members)

- Each of us to make at least one person donate for the cause and make that person

understand why we are doing this

- Hold a small household Teej and talk about our support and ask for a donation.

Eventually, we ended up doing only the first options as the restrictions were, even more,

tighter around Teej time. So we did

- Prepared donation request letter and sent to 127 community and business leaders

individually

- A Facebook message prepared in Nepali and English with infographics and posted

- Individual contact and words of mouth

- Spoke in local radio program – promoting fundraising and its causes

The donation request Letter

DBSV Teej 2020

#Preserving Culture Raising Hope

Re: Your Teej gift for us or Gift us in this Teej 2020

Dear Brothers, Sisters, Community Leaders, Business leaders and broader Stakeholders

We are reaching out to you with the special request to expand your generous heart to support

our commitments of helping women and girls who are victim-survivors of sexual

assault/family violence in the Mid-Western part of Nepal. As you are aware this year, we are

missing our beautiful Teej festival, but at the same time, we are feeling even more obliged to

fulfil our commitments to support. Those who are not aware, in the last five Teej programs,

the entry fee that was collected creatively used to support to meet the needs of those girls

and women. The amount was varying every year with the highest of $ 4000 sent last year.

This year we were expecting to send $5000, but sadly it deemed impossible to celebrate our

Teej due to the current restrictions imposed with COVID pandemic.

In the last five years, your generous and powerful support helped us to support 75 victim

survivors. The fund we raised from each Teej would bear the cost for the provision of safe

short- term accommodation, and support for other essential services such as medical

treatment, legal advice, counselling, family and social mediation process and vocational

training. Most importantly, our support has a direct impact on restoring women’s lives back

to normal by preventing further deterioration in their health and wellbeing and developing

their confidence and capacity. For the provision of these services; we are closely working in

partnership with AAWAJ (a profound local NGO working in family violence in the Mid-

Western Region of Nepal). Our support has been critical as it enabled these women to

recover, to heal and to empower. (Please see the summary as attached).


While we highly value your generous support in last five years, this year we are actively

trying to use an alternative source to raise funds and we are extremely confident that we

will receive your small Teej-gift to support for this noble cause. We enormously believe that

your little help counts a lot to raise new hopes in the lives of disadvantaged women and, we

admit that your support is crucial to make our efforts go even further. We would highly

appreciate and value your support and would acknowledge your contribution through our

website, social media, and events.

Please follow the following link here for your kind donation (Teej gift) for a genuine cause.

If you wish to do a direct transfer, please follow these details

Account name: Didi Bahini Samaj

BSB-063620 Acc-10766307

Thank you in advance for your kind contributions and your confidence in us to be able to

support women in genuine needs. We know together we can make a huge difference! Let’s

not forget we are more privileged despite the difficulties in the current context.

Thank you again

Yours sincerely

Jamuna Parajuli

President DBSV

The outcomes

We received many positive responses and donations and were able to raise about $

34,00.00 for the cause. About 50 people donated and each one of them was individually

thanked and given donation receipt. DBSV added about $ 600.00 and $4,000.00 sent to

AWWAJ during 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

We posted ‘Thank You’ Notes in facebook.

https://dbsv.org.au/donate-us/


6.Mernda Women’s Engagement Project: HARIOM (Holistic

and Reflective implementation of Meditation) program for Self-Care

Didi Bahini Samaj Mernda Doreen unit has successfully conducted six weeks holistic and

reflective implementation of mediation (HARIOM) program facilitated by Dr. Bimal Shrestha.

We were connected through video conference application zoom every Saturday from 6pm

to 7pm starting from 3rd of October. This program was as follows.

1. A brief introduction (5-10 minutes) of participants with a facilitator.

2. Bhajan songs (5-10 minutes, all to join)

3. Surya Namaskar Yoga (15 minutes)

4. Byayam Yoga (15 minutes)

5. Devotional songs (5 minutes, all to join)

6. Reflection and sharing thoughts (10 minutes)

We celebrated the closing ceremony of this program on the 28th of October in the park after

Covid restrictions were eased. It was a tremendous success that everybody enjoyed and

gained valuable insights in Yoga and meditation and learned a valuable lesson about

managing the stressful situation. It also helped us to socialize during this lockdown period

where we can’t meet physically. The instructor Dr Bimal Shrestha is going to provide 15

minutes guided meditation voice audio for the group to continue the meditation practice.


7. Hula-Hoops fitness” key to unlocking gender

inequality and social isolation Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria (DBSV); is a women-led organisation in the Nepali community

that is committed to gender equality and women empowerment to ascertain women’s

quality of life. DBSV is actively engaged to promote women’s participation by doing various

activities concerning to women capacity and confidence building, health and wellbeing; and

prevention of family violence since its inception in 2012 and very recently actively engaged

in supporting newly arrived young international students in COVID crisis.

Project ideas

“Hula-Hoops fitness” key to unlocking gender inequality and social isolation

The impact of COVID-19 is badly affected in the human being individually, socially nationally

and globally. Many people and families in multicultural communities are in sad motion. The

impact of this volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous situation is unlimited and

generated various social issues. Sudden job loss has disturbed family harmony in various

ways. Lack of social connections, boredom, social isolation, not being able to access social

support systems attributed high to increasing family violence-related issues that appeared

to be concerning amongst women. Health and economic impact of the COVID-19 is

unfolding, and it can be presumed that many women and girls in different migrant

communities have been badly affected directly or indirectly. Women are even more

affected as they have increased responsibilities with home-schooling. Perhaps an imbalance

in gender roles and the huge gender gap in our socio-cultural construct invites many hidden

issues and challenges in the family and society affecting women in various aspects in our

society today.

Introducing “Hula-Hoops fitness” as a learning and exercise project in the family groups in

their own homes and backyard would act as a means to break the social isolation and to

create a harmonious family environment during lockdown and post lock downtime. It also

adds the value to enjoy a better time together to learn new skills and to engage more


actively. At the same time connecting with other women and family digitally via Zoom

would eventually help to bounce back from negative emotion experienced due to the COVID

-19 crisis that consequently improves social cohesion, connection and support system.

Hula- hooping is unique modalities of dance with the simple piece of equipment that can

boost the fun factor in individual fitness and render mental, social and emotional wellness. It

also boosts individuals’ health and fitness physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually to flow

with positive energy.

When it comes to exercise, finding something enjoyable is key to making physical activity a

regular part of the routine. When training is fun then everyone looks forward to doing it, they

are more likely to stick with it and they are keep motivated to continuing it.

Many women and girls are not aware of the value of Hula-hops exercise and the benefits it

could bring in individual and family life. This project is developed to run on a family-based

approach where the woman leads the family unit to involve in the Hula- hoops fitness

practice. By the end of the project, all family members are expected to develop their Hula

hoops skills and demonstrate these skills in the larger group. While Hula hoops being the

central attractions, the project has mainly four objectives

Objectives of the project:

1. To provide the practical Hula-hoops training to women and women teach back to

their family member at their own home.

2. To educate Multicultural women and their families about the health, wellbeing, and

social benefits of Hula-hoops fitness

3. To create a platform for social connection, cohesion and the conducive family

environment through Hula- hoops

4. To form and develop a broader social network with a group of women and family that

to be continued beyond this project.

The target population: Nepalese migrant women residing in Moreland and surrounding LGAs

Activities of the project: How does this project align with the purpose or priorities of this

fund?

Our organisation acknowledge that women are the great change-maker in dark and

downtime. Hence this project would be led by women in the family and community with

enhancing community participation in a very creative way. The outcome of the project

strongly aligns with inclusive and community participation priorities with learning a new skill

to participate with COVID restrictions, therefore improve mental health and social wellbeing.

This project also provides the leadership opportunities to test new ways of communicating

and connecting to community and develop resilient among women and promote recovery.

Women play a central role in this project who receive a Hula-hoops made by another woman,

that also promote the small business of another woman. Women receive 8 sessions of one-


hour Hula-hoops training from an experienced trainer in Zoom. A family member at the same

time can watch the training sessions and they can practice in their own time. Alternatively,

the woman in the family teach-back to her family members. Subsequently, the project will

enable to develop women’s competency, confidence, and fitness at the same time. This will

further create an interesting social environment/platform to connect each other and to

discuss their social agenda, new opportunities, ideas and accessing support systems. This

project also creates a recreational environment where people will learn new skills of Hula-

hoops, which helps to develop confidence, health, fitness, and mental wellbeing. This will also

change a social environment with managing positive energy that supports a comfortable daily

life.

The concept of ‘Hula-hoops fitness’ project is indenting to bring desirable positive

transformative changes in an individual woman’s life, in their families and society as a whole.

Hula-hoops as being a magic instrument to play around with 50 women (therefore 50 families)

in a digitally coordinated way; in their own homes and backyard with their family members

while connecting with broader communities of women; are some major attractions and

uniqueness of this project. The expected outcomes are levelled up in three levels as portrayed

in figure -1

How will you show you have achieved success?

Project output:

Participants will gain Hula-hoops skills and improve their wellness physically,

mentally, socially and emotionally as they engage, learn and involve in the group

Involvement as a participant in the project will open doors to volunteer within the

project, thus enabling participation in society, meeting new people and feeling

that they are contributing in a meaningful way. They will enjoy social occasions

community participation, and other essential moments.

A network will be developed between participants and families and broader

networks that would continue even after the project.

Figure 1: Expected outcomes of the project


What community participation/collaboration will be involved?

Nepalese migrant women and their family members will be participants of this project. Apart

from the members of the organisation and coordinator, the following key person will be the

team members to make the project successful.

Jamuna Parajuli – Project coordinator and the other members of the organisation will be

supporting the coordinator

Tara - Hula hoops instructor/trainer from Women’s Circus

Diana - Hula hoops maker (women-led - small business)

May Haeder – MCC contact person

Hall- Uniting Church, Glenroy

DBSV unit committee- Glenroy

Individual level

'Woman leader'

• Develop curiosity - avoid boredome

• Enhance Health and wellbeing of woman and family

• Boost confidence

• Probe performance enhancing thoughts

• Manage positive energy

• Develop resilience

• Keeep up mood, motivation and mindfulness

Family level

• Creative and enthusiatic environemnt

• Strengthen relationship

• Promote connection

• Practice Hulla-hoops in the family

• Increase fun factor

• Promote gender equality

• More connection

• Change/ design behaviour

Societal level

• Social cohesion and connectedness

• Vibrant and proactive social environment

• Increased social wellbeing

• Information exchange: regarding job, education and social enterprise

• Social networks and self support systems

• Enhance can do mindset


Bijan Panta and Jeeban Panta – Volunteer support for helping the project in different ways.

The project will start as soon as funding support is available for the DBSV, most expected from

October onward.

The digital classes / (or face to face if restriction released) runs for 16 weeks

The instructor teaches every 2nd week, and every alternate week women teach-back and

practice with their family by joining in the bigger group.

The DBSV project coordinator will

Select the participants via FB, web page or phone call and form a digital group and

focus group for appropriate day and time.

Set up digital platform Zoom, Teams, or Google meet

Explain the concept of the project to the group and keep regular contact with them

about the project

Coordinate with the woman who makes Hula-hoops, buy and collect Hula-hoops

Organise trainer and maintain communication regularly

Communicate with funder as required

Evaluate the project

Make media coverage and news about the impact of the project

Write a report and do acquittal submission

Encourage women to discuss other social challenges and opportunities due to

COVID- 19 crisis

Refer them to appropriate support systems or network as required and as

appropriate

Project participants will

Sign up for the project

Install digital apps in their phone, iPad or laptop

Attend session in time and encourage their family member to attend or watch

the training

Teach back to family members about how to learn Hula-hoops

Can discuss their other social agenda, challenges and opportunities’ due to

COVID -19 crisis in the last 10 minutes of each session

Request separate time for discussion for their issues if needed

Coordinate with the coordinator for any feedback or improvement about

sessions delivery


Approved Budget: AUD 3,500

8.Reach the Sky: Women’s confidence and capacity

building program – Funding approved in Knox

The overall aim of the program is; to enhance women’s capacity and confidence to deal with

the situation that is challenging to them to be able to reach their dreamed goal, and also

promoting women’s participation in leadership in the social and cultural sphere of Nepalese

communities in Victoria.

This program is focused on improving women’s capacity and confidence to voice their rights,

to become assertive, to speak in the group, to be able to contribute positively in their own

life, family and community and ultimately to showcase the women leadership.

Program is due to plan and implement in the group

Funding approved $3500.00

9.Week without violence (October 19-25 and 16 days activities Nov.25 to Dec 10)

Various sensitization and awareness-raising activities done online- through social media,

Facebook, emails. Viber on following

- Information about the week or 16 days activism

- Video release from EC members on value statements to sensitize the issues

indirectly - I value…., I appreciate …., I want….. Thanks to Tilak Pokharel for

supporting to develop this.

https://www.facebook.com/100004573898072/videos/1693480770814370/

- Media campaign orange the world

- Donation to AWAZ for victim survivor of family violence – live streaming on

Facebook –


- Daily posting in FB as relevant to the theme

- Information sharing amongst groups

- Leadership training o EC members focusing on by standard actions

- MNTV Interview by president Re: Family violence issues in Nepali community

- Video release on fb and website – what RESPECT mean to me … watch the video






10. Paribartan Aafai Bata (Change Starts with Me)

short movie shooting completed

The 2nd part of the Family Violence awareness-raising movie shooting has been completed in

December 2020 and its provoked to premier show in March 2020 on the occasion of

International women’s day. In the first part, the movie was able to raise awareness on types

and magnitude of violence against women in our socio-cultural context. And how

devastating effects of violence disclosed with small support from the group and empower

women to speak out about her rights and stand strong in the face of difficulties. Where in

the second part movie is focused on men’ behavioural change and is going to highlight the

issues on

- Impact on children

- Impact on men’s health

- Impact on family

- Role of a good friend

- Self-reflection – how important

- Positive behavior change –lesson learnt, realization - attitude shift

- Man, as a change agent for peace and harmony

Premier show on 20th of March.

11.Holi celebration DBSV west has celebrated Holi festival with full of joy and happiness. See the link below





12. DBSV AGM and New Year Eve picnic 2020 Date: Thursday, 31 December 2020

Time: 3pm- 8:30pm

Venue: Maribyrnong Blvd, Footscray Park, VIC 3011, Melbourne Victoria

Objectives:

To brief review and discussion about the programs/activities completed in 2020.

To allocate a date for the next planning meeting for 2021.

To provide a platform to interact, engage, share and celebrate the new year 2021 in a

family-friendly way.

Activities details:

The program has begun with the annual general meeting chaired by DBSV president Dr

Jamuna Parajuli and attended by 50 participants including DBSV EC member and general

member. After successful completion of AGM with interactions with the members’ quires

and discussion of plans and direction, the program took the next mood to Family picnic.

Approximately 70 people including children from Nepalese background /families

participated and enjoyed the picnic.

The DBSV member Kamala and Geeta have coordinated the fun play food and refreshment

activities of the day. The participants seem fully enjoying sharing food, playing games

dancing with music, and talking with a like-minded group. The additional attraction was

“Balloon play” for adults and “Apple, banana and orange” game for children and provision

of a gift for winners.

Similarly, children were fully engaged and enjoyed playing a ball game, Hoola hoops, chasing

and running around with similar age group children in a smaller and bigger group.

Group and individual photo shooting were carried out by Manoj Nepal.


Furthermore, global pandemic of COVID-19, months of hard lockdown and restriction with

the cancellation of NYE fireworks resulted in a reduced number of participants attending the

event as expected.

Key achievement/learning:

The program was well attended by nearly 70 adults and children. Despite very tough and

hard 2020 for Victoria with almost 6 months of various stages of restriction and lockdown in

response to COVID-19, global pandemic, DBSV has managed to utilize her philanthropic

activities in assistance of hundreds of international students, and vulnerable families.

Thank you, all-volunteer and families, and individual for attending and assisting in successful

organization and completion of NYE Picnic program.

Happy New year 2021, may this upcoming year bring new hope and good health for

everyone. Reported by: Kamala Homagain

13. Other activities Leadership training to EC members and Unit coordinators

Public speaking training to EC member

Social work student placement approved from Federation University

Second round funding application made

Various meeting with stakeholders including VMC attended

Partnership with other organisations strengthened than ever before

Documents

DBSV ANNUAL REPORT 2020