Until 2005, Nepal was a Monarchy, but a peace accord in November 2006 and the elections of a Constituent Assembly, charged with the task of drawing up a permanent Constitution and leading the country in elections that will vote on that constitution, in 2008, has fast-tracked Nepal’s political processes and made Nepal one of the youngest democracies in the world. As the international diplomatic and humanitarian community roots vocally for Nepal’s stability, Nepal’s own politicians are creating the systems that will establish the legitimacy and build the foundations of a peaceful Nepal.
Equal Access, as a media organization, is playing an important role in the peace process, in teaching Nepal’s citizens the hallmarks of governance and inspiring them to participate in the New Nepal and to hold their elected officials accountable in sustainable and democratic ways, to join together to raise their oft-marginalized voices with empowered and knowledgeable civic participation to affect change.
Equal Access’ innovative media programs reach out to the country’s general audience, while at the same time providing targeted training to community and local leaders. Recognizing that collective action is often the strongest form of redressing political grievances, Equal Access’ innovative projects do more than just broadcast information. Equal Access brings elected officials, community leaders, local journalists and everyday citizens together in forums, town hall meetings and community dialogue groups to discuss issues and achieve collective solutions, increasing the effectiveness of local governance. When supported by targeted, informative media and public forums, a more informed citizenry can hold leaders accountable, while newly trained leaders are able to understand the importance of being responsive to their constituents.
