Vermicomposting materials exhibited during the seminar.
Worms and family strengthening might seem to have little connection at first sight, but Global Peace Women (GPW), working with Household Waste Management in Nepal, have linked them in a series of innovative one-day community-level programs in the city of Kathmandu.
Worms are the key actors in a process known as vermicomposting, which uses worms and other microorganisms to digest organic wastes such as kitchen scraps. Mr. Shree Ram Ghimire, Program Officer for Environmental Initiatives, GPA Nepal, explained the difficult waste management situation in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu, and encouraged the women to help in reducing waste starting in their own homes.
The worm-digested compost produces an especially rich fertilizer. “Aside from reducing the wastes generated, this can also be a source of income for women,” said Mr. Ghimire.
Global Peace Women presenters emphasize that the deep foundations for a peaceful world are laid in strong, harmonious families.
When the women of a community gather to discuss how to manage their homes, it is the perfect opportunity to also speak about raising families. GPW emphasizes that the deep foundations for a peaceful world are laid in strong, harmonious families.
“When we have a peaceful family then we’ll have a peaceful society, nation and a peaceful world,” said Mrs. Sumitra Ghimire, Program Officer of GPA Nepal, as she spoke about what makes a strong family, sharing some inspiring stories of families in Nepal that she had experienced.
“GPW doesn’t just focus on social issues. We want to tackle the root cause of those issues which is family breakdown,” said Mrs. Bambie Panta, Program Coordinator for GPW Nepal.
“Children tend to follow their parents’ actions, so parents should be the role models and mold their children to become responsible citizens,“ she added. Ms. Meena Shrestha, one of the participants, reflected at the end of the program, “I came to realize that how we deal with people, we learn from the family, so every family should be a role model.
“Family not only plays a role in peace building but also in conserving the environment. Starting today I will be a good example in my family and I will inspire other people to do the same,” she said.
Mrs. Mina Pandey added, “Though we know the things that were discussed today we never really thought about it in our daily lives. So, this program is like a reminder to us women on how to contribute to world peace.”
GPW doesn’t just focus on social issues. We want to tackle the root cause of those issues which is family breakdown.
The program was held several times in July and August and was supported by Women’s Dreams, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Environment Friendly Women’s Group Nepal, Grand Vision Multipurpose Co-operative LTD. and Housewives Association Nepal.
GPW plans to expand its family education and waste management program into other regions of Nepal.
