Raj Khadka

Abstract: Abstract: Poverty, caste and gender inequities continue to challenge the creation of economically and socially just societies in Nepal. In such a context, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are emerging as important developmental actors in reforming social institutions such as belief systems, attitudes, and traditions, among others. International NGOs are internationally funded organizations that have been working towards building strong and just communities in Nepal since the 1960s. This study explored the International NGOs approaches to institutional reforms in Nepal. This qualitative study was conducted with ten International NGOs operating in Nepal in the areas of gender and caste equity. The data collected from interview, focus group discussions and secondary research were analyzed in terms of emerging themes and for external validity interpreted from human rights and development theories. The study found that the development emphasis is on the capacity building of women, dalits and their organizations, partnership with local organizations, participatory development and advocacy, social investment, awareness education, and social and economic empowerment. As a result, marginalized groups have been able to unite, organize and advocate for their rights and state accountability. This also reveals that International NGOs are adopting right based approach to development. This paper will look at how International NGOs are undertaking development policies as a way of reforming social institutions in a Himalayan country ridden by a decade-long conflict.

Abstract: The article highlights the non-violent people's movement of 2006 in Nepal, 'April Uprising' that was catalyst in restoring democracy and peace, and, ending the decade long Maoist insurgency.