Bahini Educare Foundation, established in 2014, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of children, with a particular focus on girls and single mothers.
Preamble
Bahini Educare Foundation, established in 2014, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of children, with a particular focus on girls, and single mothers. Through a comprehensive program, the foundation addresses the fundamental needs of its beneficiaries, including nutrition, education, vocational training, communication, and social mobilization, aiming to prevent human trafficking and all forms of abuse and exploitation.
The gender equality, disability and social inclusion policies of Bahini Educare Foundation are crafted with several key considerations. Firstly, the foundation operates in collaboration with various organizations to uphold the rights of girl children and single mothers. Secondly, these policies are aligned with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), and other international human rights and women rights standards. Lastly, these policies are rooted in Bahini Educare Foundation's mission, vision, goals, objectives, and values, as well as relevant laws.
Preamble
Bahini Educare Foundation, established in 2014, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of children, with a particular focus on girls, and single mothers. Through a comprehensive program, the foundation addresses the fundamental needs of its beneficiaries, including nutrition, education, vocational training, communication, and social mobilization, aiming to prevent human trafficking and all forms of abuse and exploitation.
The gender equality, disability and social inclusion policies of Bahini Educare Foundation are crafted with several key considerations. Firstly, the foundation operates in collaboration with various organizations to uphold the rights of girl children and single mothers. Secondly, these policies are aligned with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), and other international human rights and women rights standards. Lastly, these policies are rooted in Bahini Educare Foundation's mission, vision, goals, objectives, and values, as well as relevant laws.
Definitions
- Gender Equality: Gender equality encompasses the equitable distribution of respect, influence, and opportunities between women and men. It guarantees their equal access to all dimensions of human development, including economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights.
- Gender Equity: Gender equity entails the fair allocation of responsibilities, outcomes, and benefits among women and men (girls and boys), acknowledging their distinct capabilities, needs, and influences.
- Disability: A multifaceted concept encompassing physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental impairments that may hinder a person's full and equal participation in society. Types include physical disabilities (mobility/physical functioning), cognitive disabilities (learning, intellectual, autism spectrum), sensory disabilities (vision/hearing loss), and mental health disabilities (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder).
- Social Inclusion: The principles of inclusion assert that a truly democratic society cannot be realized without recognizing and nurturing all characteristics and capabilities related to class, gender, ethnicity, language, and culture.
- Mainstreaming of GEDSI: Integrating gender, disabilities and social inclusion concerns into the development, execution, oversight, and assessment of all policies, plans, and programs.
Definitions
- Gender Equality: Gender equality encompasses the equitable distribution of respect, influence, and opportunities between women and men. It guarantees their equal access to all dimensions of human development, including economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights.
- Gender Equity: Gender equity entails the fair allocation of responsibilities, outcomes, and benefits among women and men (girls and boys), acknowledging their distinct capabilities, needs, and influences.
- Disability: A multifaceted concept encompassing physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental impairments that may hinder a person's full and equal participation in society. Types include physical disabilities (mobility/physical functioning), cognitive disabilities (learning, intellectual, autism spectrum), sensory disabilities (vision/hearing loss), and mental health disabilities (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder).
- Social Inclusion: The principles of inclusion assert that a truly democratic society cannot be realized without recognizing and nurturing all characteristics and capabilities related to class, gender, ethnicity, language, and culture.
- Mainstreaming of GEDSI: Integrating gender, disabilities and social inclusion concerns into the development, execution, oversight, and assessment of all policies, plans, and programs.
Values & Principles
- Equality: Bahini Educare Foundation prioritizes the integration of gender and social inclusion concerns across all its programs and activities, guided by the principles of equity.
- Empowerment: The foundation is dedicated to safeguarding, nurturing, and empowering children, youth, and women from marginalized groups.
- Non-Discrimination: Any forms of discrimination, exploitation, or abuse rooted in factors such as caste, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, geographic location, language, ability, or economic status is deemed unacceptable.
- Zero Tolerance: The foundation maintains a zero-tolerance stance against gender-based violence.
- Do No Harm: The organization adheres to the principle of doing no harm.
- Right to Privacy: The privacy rights of women and children beneficiaries and members are safeguarded in accordance with the organizational policy.
- Meaningful Participation: Bahini Educare Foundation ensures the meaningful involvement of children and women in decision-making processes.
- Partnership and Cooperation: The foundation collaborates with individuals and organizations that unequivocally endorse principles of gender equality, disability and social inclusion.
Values & Principles
- Equality: Bahini Educare Foundation prioritizes the integration of gender and social inclusion concerns across all its programs and activities, guided by the principles of equity.
- Empowerment: The foundation is dedicated to safeguarding, nurturing, and empowering children, youth, and women from marginalized groups.
- Non-Discrimination: Any forms of discrimination, exploitation, or abuse rooted in factors such as caste, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, geographic location, language, ability, or economic status is deemed unacceptable.
- Zero Tolerance: The foundation maintains a zero-tolerance stance against gender-based violence.
- Do No Harm: The organization adheres to the principle of doing no harm.
- Right to Privacy: The privacy rights of women and children beneficiaries and members are safeguarded in accordance with the organizational policy.
- Meaningful Participation: Bahini Educare Foundation ensures the meaningful involvement of children and women in decision-making processes.
- Partnership and Cooperation: The foundation collaborates with individuals and organizations that unequivocally endorse principles of gender equality, disability and social inclusion.
Policies
- Bahini Educare Foundation will prioritize the inclusion of children and address gender issues in all its programs, including advocacy, services, and support, with a particular focus on promoting equality and social inclusion.
- The foundation will consider the unique needs of girls and boys when working with children at risk.
- Recognizing the heightened vulnerability and discrimination faced by girls in Nepal, BEF will develop targeted programs aimed at protecting and empowering girls.
- BEF will strive to mainstream issues concerning children, youth, and women from marginalized groups, taking into account factors such as language, ethnicity, geographic location, parental economic status, social context, and ability.
- The foundation will ensure sensitivity to gender and social inclusion across all its activities, including advocacy campaigns, publications, studies, research, communication efforts, fact-finding missions, and visits.
Policies
- Bahini Educare Foundation will prioritize the inclusion of children and address gender issues in all its programs, including advocacy, services, and support, with a particular focus on promoting equality and social inclusion.
- The foundation will consider the unique needs of girls and boys when working with children at risk.
- Recognizing the heightened vulnerability and discrimination faced by girls in Nepal, BEF will develop targeted programs aimed at protecting and empowering girls.
- BEF will strive to mainstream issues concerning children, youth, and women from marginalized groups, taking into account factors such as language, ethnicity, geographic location, parental economic status, social context, and ability.
- The foundation will ensure sensitivity to gender and social inclusion across all its activities, including advocacy campaigns, publications, studies, research, communication efforts, fact-finding missions, and visits.
Internal Management
- Bahini Educare Foundation is committed to ensuring a workplace free from discrimination and abuse. Staff members will not face discrimination or abuse based on factors such as caste, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, geographic location, language, culture, attire, economic status, social background, or ability.
- The foundation will prioritize the recruitment of women and individuals from marginalized groups.
- BEF will prioritize the professional development of women staff and staff members from marginalized communities.
- The foundation will actively discourage and take steps to eradicate exploitation and sexual harassment within its workplace.
- BEF will place additional value on individuals with expertise in gender and social inclusion when appointing staff and volunteers.
Internal Management
- Bahini Educare Foundation is committed to ensuring a workplace free from discrimination and abuse. Staff members will not face discrimination or abuse based on factors such as caste, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, geographic location, language, culture, attire, economic status, social background, or ability.
- The foundation will prioritize the recruitment of women and individuals from marginalized groups.
- BEF will prioritize the professional development of women staff and staff members from marginalized communities.
- The foundation will actively discourage and take steps to eradicate exploitation and sexual harassment within its workplace.
- BEF will place additional value on individuals with expertise in gender and social inclusion when appointing staff and volunteers.
Code of Conduct
Neglecting gender and social inclusion issues within BEF's programs will be viewed as a violation of its core values.
In the event of any complaint from a staff member, child, or woman regarding discriminatory or harassing behavior, Bahini Educare Foundation will take appropriate action in accordance with its policies.
Bahini Educare Foundation will thoroughly investigate any complaints or reports regarding the involvement of its staff or affiliated members in discriminatory or harassing behavior and will take decisive action as per its established policies.
Code of Conduct
Neglecting gender and social inclusion issues within BEF's programs will be viewed as a violation of its core values.
In the event of any complaint from a staff member, child, or woman regarding discriminatory or harassing behavior, Bahini Educare Foundation will take appropriate action in accordance with its policies.
Bahini Educare Foundation will thoroughly investigate any complaints or reports regarding the involvement of its staff or affiliated members in discriminatory or harassing behavior and will take decisive action as per its established policies.
Implementation
- All stakeholders will undergo orientation on the policy.
- Bahini Educare Foundation will obtain written commitments to adhere to its GEDSI policy from all staff, members, and volunteers.
- Gender and social inclusion policies will be promptly implemented across all operational areas.
- The foundation will establish a dedicated department responsible for mainstreaming GEDSI within BEF.
- Comprehensive training on gender and social inclusion will be provided to all staff members, including newly appointed personnel and volunteers.
- BEF will address all complaints and issues raised by children, women, and staff members concerning gender equality, disability and social inclusion.
- Adherence to the outlined policies and codes of conduct is mandatory for all involved parties. Violations will result in disciplinary action in accordance with BEF's Administrative Policy.
Implementation
- All stakeholders will undergo orientation on the policy.
- Bahini Educare Foundation will obtain written commitments to adhere to its GEDSI policy from all staff, members, and volunteers.
- Gender and social inclusion policies will be promptly implemented across all operational areas.
- The foundation will establish a dedicated department responsible for mainstreaming GEDSI within BEF.
- Comprehensive training on gender and social inclusion will be provided to all staff members, including newly appointed personnel and volunteers.
- BEF will address all complaints and issues raised by children, women, and staff members concerning gender equality, disability and social inclusion.
- Adherence to the outlined policies and codes of conduct is mandatory for all involved parties. Violations will result in disciplinary action in accordance with BEF's Administrative Policy.