Philanthropy
for
Equitable
Justice
and Peace
Tewa INTRODUCTION

Tewa means, “support” in Nepali. It refers to the kind of support used to prop up leaning walls and buildings before they are rebuilt.

Its Founder Rita Thapa initiated Tewa in September 1995. With its formal registration at the Chief District Office, Lalitpur, of the Government of Nepal, and the Social Welfare Council in April 1996, Tewa was formally established. It comprises of 28 due paying diverse women members of whom 11 are on the Executive Board, whose present Chair is Rama Laxmi Shrestha, a professional staff team and a gender balanced advisory committee, an active volunteer body, and other allies and supporters.

Tewa's philosophy is to develop community philanthropy, both in terms of minimizing social costs incurred in rapid transition, for self-reliant development, and for the empowerment of emerging groups of women in Nepal. With this philosophy in mind Tewa does local fund-raising, gives grants to women's groups from all over Nepal, and strengthens the human resources of Nepal through various programmes.

As an organization, Tewa's style is to be diverse and inclusive, non-hierarchical, transparent and accountable. Tewa works on the basis of a process-led approach, with ongoing reflection and analysis based on continuous appraisal, monitoring and evaluation, most of which is built into our various programmes. In all of this Tewa basically tries to "walk its talk" and aims at being frugal and efficient in all that it does.


VISION
A country without discrimination and injustice, in which all women and girls live a dignified life where they exercise their rights, freedoms and peace.


MISSION
Tewa supports all women to organize, raise their voices collectively for economic growth opportunities, strengthening women’s rights and transform discriminatory policies, systems, norms, and practices at all levels. Tewa emphasizes on community philanthropy, capacity development, movement building, networking and collaborations with likeminded organizations of self-reliance and creating an equitable society.

THEORY OF CHANGE
When women struggling with poverty, marginalization and invisibility organize collectively, they amplify their voices, strengthen their leadership, and overcome injustice. Our role as Tewa is to support such groups of women by funding their initiatives, enhancing their capacities, and connecting them to other relevant groups and national initiatives and processes.


PHILOSOPHY

  • Tewa will tap into the philanthropy and altruism inherent in Nepali culture by urging men and women to donate on a regular basis for its grant-making program.
  • Tewa will identify and prioritize emerging groups of organized rural women for the allocation and disbursement of Tewa grants.
  • Tewa will identify and annually train cadres of fundraising volunteers, who will work towards embracing and disseminating Tewa’s philosophy and help by raising funds for Tewa. In doing so they will expand their own knowledge of development and women’s issues.