1 |DBSV Annual report 2020
DBSV ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Compiled by: Jamuna Parajuli
2 |DBSV Annual report 2020
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
3 |DBSV Annual report 2020
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
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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
5 |DBSV Annual report 2020
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.
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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.
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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
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- 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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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- 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).
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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.
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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.
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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
17 |DBSV Annual report 2020
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-
18 |DBSV Annual report 2020
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
19 |DBSV Annual report 2020
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
20 |DBSV Annual report 2020
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
21 |DBSV Annual report 2020
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 –
https://www.facebook.com/100004573898072/videos/1730180213811092/
- 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
https://www.facebook.com/100004573898072/videos/1735765436585903/
22 |DBSV Annual report 2020
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
https://www.facebook.com/100004573898072/videos/1482591395236643/
https://www.facebook.com/100004573898072/videos/1482566328572483/
23 |DBSV Annual report 2020
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.
24 |DBSV Annual report 2020
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