True gender champions

Thami couple awarded as Gender Champions. Photo by: Bipana Dhimal/Oxfam “No work is small or big for me, if I eat, I must wash my plates,” says Bhagyaman.

hagyaman Thami (44) and Dhanchari Thami (45)

Bof Sindhupalchowk have been recognized as Ideal Couple and amidst a programme organized by Oxfam in Nepal. When the Reflect facilitator discussed about an ideal couple at the Bhumesthan Community Discussion Center, everybody suggested their names. They are known to take decisions together and take an equal share of work. Bhagyaman supports his wife in household chores and also encourages her to be a part of community discussion center. As a result, Dhanchari became an active member.

“No work is small or big for me, if I eat, I must wash my plates,” says Bhagyaman. His wife smiled as he shared this to the audience. He said that the community discussions that Oxfam conducted with partner organizations have played an important role in realizing the importance of gender equality.

Oxfam in Nepal introduced concepts of Ideal men, Empowered Single Women, Ideal Couple, Ideal Motherin-law and Daughter-in-law through the Gender and Protection Programme in Sindhupalchowk and Nuwakot district. Communities are encouraged by this concept and they regard these ‘Ideal’ people as role models.