Biggest Day in Nepal's History

After 240 years of monarchy rule in the country, as of today, Nepal has become a republic. This is a historic day for Nepali people and a day that is seen across the country as the end of a bloody fight for democracy and the beginning of personal and national prosperity. The reality is that the country will have many challenges ahead. The road is long, but they are on the right track. It is an honor to be here on this day to see the people of Nepal so proud and opptomistic. As a foreign national and a member of the development community, it is quite a sight to see. Whether or not I believe this will change things for the better and the leaders will hold up their end of the republic bargain, this is still a historic day.

The following article was written by the Editor of The Kathmandu Post in celebration of the new Federal Republic of Nepal.

We take joy and pleasure in congratulating all the citizens of Nepal. Turning Nepal into a republic is the biggest achievement of the people in the history of this country. Formally, from may 28, 2008 onward, we Nepalis are no longer subjects of the Shah Dynasty that fooled the innocent people for over 240 years, pretending that the king was a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. All the kings in the past, without any exception, considered themselves the masters, despite the fact that they survived and led luxurious lives on the money the people paid in taxes. Instead of improving the economic and social conditions of the people, the monarchy only prompted feudalism, corruption, nepotism and favoritism. Members of the royal family and their cronies looted the country of its resources, making this one of the poorest in the whole world. So, irrespective of whether anyone is a republican, this is a day of joy for all Nepalis. On this joyous occasion, we can not fail to pay tribute to the known and unknown martyrs of the republican cause of democracy.

The first and foremost credit for the republic goes to none other than the Maoist. Though the Post never agreed with the violent methods the Maoists adopted, it would be unjust not to recognize their role in bringing this day about. The role of Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, Madhav Kumar Nepal and the other political leaders cannot be underestimated at the moment. Had not the political parties agreed to the agenda of the Maoists, the latter's violent methods alone would not have been sufficient to achieve the goal. Similarly, civil society leaders, lawyers, human rights activists, journalists, academics, artistes and other members society who wholeheartedly supported the republican agenda also deserve due recognition.

However, there are many hurdles confronting the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The first and foremost issue would be the formation of a government. The amendment of the interim constitution is another issue that needs careful handling by all the parties concerned. Though the Maoist leadership has committed itself innumerable times to respecting pluralism and democracy, it will require a Herculean effort by the other parties to make them practice what they pledge. We have more or less settled the issue of republic but the question of a federal structure is going to bog us down bad. As a commitment has already been made to federalism, we cannot escape delineating the country into a number of federated units. However, delineation of the states in the federation in terms of ethnicity alone will ultimately ignite ethnic strife in the country. Let us hope all the parties pushing for an ethnic federal structure will reconsider their stance before it is too late. Finally, the drafting of the new constitution and its endorsement by the 601-member Constituent Assembly is another challenge. But for now, we can relish the achievement of the republic. It the unity and understanding among Nepalis continue, no challenge ahead will be impossible to tackle. Let us all stay together to build a New Nepal.

Product Preview!

After five months of creating the Global Daughter name and working with women artisans, we are proud to give you a sneak peek of some of our products. These products, along with many more, will be featured at our on-line fair trade boutique- http://www.globaldaughter.com/. This website is currently in construction and will be coming soon. If you have questions or would like to arrange for pre-orders, please contact us at: info@globaldaughter.com.

"Parsley Garden" Gift Set (photo album, journal, photo box, gift bag)

"Sakura Dream" Journal

"I leaf you" organic nettle cushion cover

Kiddie slip-flops

"On the Hunt" Photo Frame

Pink Onyx Dangles

Himalayan Organic Tea Sampler

Erin Interviews Nepal's Minister for Women & Children

I took this interview with two of my colleagues from Women in Good Governance at the Minister's office just after her election win. It was conducted in Nepali and has been translated into English for WIGG's monthly journal, "Women's Voice." I tried to ask her several questions in English, but she replied that she does not speak English because she is "from the jungle." I know she is well-educated and can speak English, but I also know the games that the Maoists play so I obliged and she responded in Nepali. She came across very collected and did not raise her voice or wave her fists like many of her male Maoist counterparts. She is the highest official in the country to protect women's rights and, as she explains in the interview, she has not been given the tools to do her job effectively. She does say some provactive things in this interview (compared to other Nepali politicians) and shows more passion and conviction in her responses than other women leaders I have interviewed. Keeping in mind her party carried out an insurgency in the country that has killed over 13,000 people and terrorized an otherwise peaceful nation.

Ms. Pampha Bhushal is a central committee member of Communist Party Nepal/ Maoist and a newly elected member to the 601-member Constituent Assembly to draft the country's new constituion. She currently holds the portfolio of Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare. In the following interview (excerpts) Ms. Bhushal expresses her views on the future government's programmes and policies, women's rights and other contemporary issues.

Q: The coming government is likely to be headed
by your political party, CPN-Maoist. What
programmes and policies does the party plan on
implementing in the new constitution?

The chief program on our agenda is to have the
country declared a republic at the first meeting of
the CA. The second important task is to prepare the
new constitution, because the election was held for
that purpose. Since the Nepali people have endorsed
the programs and policies we have laid down in our
party manifesto, we will frame a constitution which
will put an end to monarchy and feudalism. The
constitution will abolish a unitary feudal system of
governance, replacing it with federal states where
the underprivileged and exploited masses, tribes and
religions will enjoy rights to self determination.

Q: In your opinion, what are the major challenges facing the
country right now and how does your party plan
to go about overcoming them?

In terms of socio-economic development, as
compared to other nations in the world, we have
gone backwards by nearly 300 years. Thus, our party
has presented a 10, 20 and 40 year vision for all-around
development and economic
and social prosperity in Nepal. The
coming government will formulate
policies and plans based on this
vision and work towards providing
instant relief and implementing
changes for the people. We will
focus on controlling soaring prices,
curbing corruption and managing
shortages, which will in turn,
strengthen good governance, peace
and security.

Q: The relief in which you speak of, what kind
of relief will you provide the people once the new
government is formed?

Right now, the people are weighed down by spiraling
market prices. Taking advantage of the political
situation, black marketers are creating artificial
shortages to hike prices even further. The new
government will take immediate action against such
trends and search for avenues to create employment
opportunities. The new constitution might take 2 to
2.5 years to complete, but we will implement relief
programmes for the people as soon as possible.
At the moment, the national vaults are empty. Both
at the national and international level there are certain
people and organizations unwilling to assist us.
However, we are confident that the mandate given
to us by the people is enough to pull the country
through these hard times.

Q: Some political parties are still reeling after
their defeat in the elections. Some say the CPN/ Maoists
overwhelming victory was unexpected.
Do you agree?

No, I don't. Nobody familiar with the abc's of politics
would think so either. The last 12 years we were
engaged in an armed conflict. A total of 12,000
Maoist freedom fighters lost their lives. A total of
5,000 are still missing and more than 10,000 were
maimed or crippled. The CA Elections became a
reality only because of the sacrifice of our soldiers.
Until quite recently, the mere
mention of CA was enough to label
a person a terrorist. Demanding a
Constituent Assembly dragged the
party into difficult times.
Despite facing hurdles and having
targets on our backs, the Maoists,
supported by the Nepali people,
were able to push their demands
for a CA. The CA Elections,
therefore, were realized and backed
by the whole nation and as such,
the results can not be called "unexpected." In fact,
the election outcome corroborates the truth that we
actually came forward, armed with a victorious
campaign, to create a prosperous republican Nepal.

Q: Some political parties are being criticized for
not wholly supporting their female candidates
during the election process. Do you feel that your
party, CPN/M, extended full support for your
campaign?

Organizational discipline in our party is very strict.
We call it the "Iron Rules" and take care to abide by
it diligently. Thus, everybody agreed and supported
my candidacy. There was no opposition whatsoever.
Although I had a positive experience in this regard,
as a central committee member of the party I was
more privileged than some women candidates in the
Madhes region, for example. Some women were
asked to garner financial means and resources by
themselves, without the party, which is a very difficult
task for women in politics to accomplish.

Q: As far as your current role as Minister of
Women and Social Welfare, what are you doing
to address women's issues, which inherently cross
political party, ethnic and regional lines?

Nothing much can be done with the Ministry in its
present condition. Women's problems are common
throughout the country and we can vouch that CPN/M
is the only party which is genuinely concerned.
CPN/M believes in securing equal rights for women
by means of special provisions in the constitution.
Our party sent the maximum number of women
candidates to the elections. We also seek to provide
relief to women in practice, not merely in words.
We will see to it that the constitution ensures
opportunities for women at all levels of policy
function. Since women were the hardest hit during
the conflict, a special relief package must be designed
for them.

The Ministry can only implement programs in
accordance with government policy and plans. Right
now, the Ministry is nothing but a show piece for
the international community. Presently the Ministry
has programs running in only 1,800 VDCs. The
CPN/M is determined to introduce economic and
social welfare programs to empower women in all
VDCs, as well as to give the people a true sense of
democracy.

Q: What, in your opinion, is holding women back in the country?

They are deprived of rights to property and resources
and lack rights when it comes to reproduction. It is
important that women have reproductive rights and
the right to terminate relationships. Having children
should be left to their will and discretion; they should
never be forced by anyone else to have children.
They must never be made into machines for
producing children for men. The compulsion to beget
multiple children in hopes of a male heir is hazardous
to a woman's physical and mental health. The burden
of responsibility in bringing up these children is one
prominent factor that discourages women from
entering politics or other professions.

In addition to establishing productive rights, we feel
it is necessary to open day care centres everywhere
to give women the time and opportunity to do what
they want. Once we embrace the fundamental rights
of women, we will give them confidence to emerge
from their domestic bonds and become politically
active and financially independent.

Global Daughter Creative Process

Working with Nepali women designers, painters, tailors, master cutters and jewelers is the most remarkable part of the creative process for Global Daugther. We try to take products that women here already know how to make and then we "tweek" them to fit western trends and styles. We don't want to come in and change the craft, we want to introduce new ideas and open the artist's mind to new things while preserving their traditional methods. There is a market for the things they already produce, but that market is not, what we think, sustainable for them in the future. Global Daughter wants to help them enter into new markets with greater economic potential and maximum exposure. We are not trained designers or artists and neither of us has a background in fashion, but we do know what will sell and we are confident in the skills of our women artisans. If the handicrafts look good, are well-made, and have a story, we believe there is a market for them.

The stuff they produce is just so beautiful. The problem with most Nepali items on the market, however, is the not-up-to-par finishing work. In western markets the consumer seeks a quality product and doesn't mind paying for an item that will last. With our stuff here, it is all handmade- that means no machines, no mass production, so the finishing touches are more difficult to perfect. We have to stress to the artisans that tight finish work is our priority and we will sell nothing but high-quality goods. It is hard because after seeing them make everything with their hands, in such detail, I totally understand the quality gap that may occur.

When I say everything is handmade, I mean everything! The handmade paper handles on our gift bags are rolled and pulled and stretched for about 20 minutes and then twisted precisely and glued onto the bag. One handle start to finish takes about 40 minutes. The women sit at the table in groups and manipulate this handmade paper all day long. When we first saw this we looked at each other and said, "This is real now. This stuff is certified handmade, certified fair trade, and these women are incredible. Let's share this with the world!"

We spend days on one product sometimes. From designing a concept, seeing it drafted, seeing a sample, modifying the sample, refusing the sample because it is not good enough (sometimes), and then starting from scratch. We have ideas, the artist has ideas, and we all have to be on the same wavelength. They don't know what will sell, but we do. We don't understand the techniques in the production, but they do. It is a process that, in Nepal, has to cross language barriers, cultural barriers, and market barriers before a decision can be finalized. It is time consuming and can be ultra-frustrating, but when a product comes out great it is all worth it.

We just had to send back 50 finished cotton handbags because the screen-printed words were slanted. It was slightly noticeable and we probably could have sold them, but we don't want just good enough. There is a standard we have in place and as much as we dislike it, we have to be firm with the people we work with. We respect them so much and have built friendships with them and their families, but for this to work we have to strengthen the business side of our relationship.

It is all a learning process for us and for our producers, it is a process that will build their capacity to work with other buyers. In the end, no matter what happens we believe in the products we are selling and we will work hard to get them noticed, appreciated and at your doorstep!


Erika fitting the organic cotton shopping bag with Rina


Erika with Ajit and Rina designing our kid's collection felt puppets


Erin trying to make a paper box and failing miserably


Erika going over logo sketches at home during our nightly power outage


Erin checking the progress of the handmade paper drying process


Lets join! Twisting and braiding paper handles for giftbags with the women


Erika finalizing the style and size of our Global Daughter tags and labels

Lord Buddha's Birthday

Worshippers decorate the main dome of the massive

Buddha Stupa in Boudhanath, Kathmandu

to mark the Buddha Jayanti.

Today in Nepal is the 2,552nd birthday celebration of Buddha. This day commemorates three important events of Gautam Buddha's life- his birth, his enlightenment, and his death, all three of which fall on the same day of the full moon (May 20th) in the Nepali calendar. Lord Buddha is considered the ninth incarnation of Vishnu, preserver in the Hindu Holy trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer. From early in the morning Buddhists flood the major stupas (temples) and religious sites in the country to chant holy mantras of peace and happiness. They will begin the sacred day by reciting "Gyanmala," or hymns songs in large groups.

Buddha was born in Nepal, contrary to the belief that he started his life in India. Actually, he was born in a town called Lumbini in Southern Nepal and found enlightenment under a pipal tree in Northern India. It is of great pride to Nepalis that Lord Buddha was born in their country around 543 BC. About 12% of the population, with high concentrations in the high Himalayan Mountain regions, consider themselves practicing Buddhists.

Erin Jumps off a Bridge

We went to the Tibet border to enjoy Sundance Music Festival at Last Resort Camp Grounds. Here they have the second highest bungee bridge in the world, 500 feet (behind one in South Africa). The music festival was great, but the best part was jumping off the bridge down into the raging Bhote Kosi River! Heart-pounding, nerve-rattling thrill! Can't wait to get on that bridge and leap off again. I think after two weeks the adrenaline is still rushing through my veins. I highly recommend doing this.

Erika Heads Home

After 5 months in Nepal, Erika is now heading back to Seattle to finally launch Global Daughter. This whole project could not have gotten off the ground without both of us living here and soaking up all the country has to offer. Her leap of faith to uproot and move here was both bold and courageous; I am so lucky to have such a strong and capable business partner. I couldn't imagine attempting this adventure with anyone else.

Living in Nepal and entrenching ourselves in the culture and the people can sometimes be exhausting. It is a beautiful thing, but when you are starting a business and you have to think like a businesswoman and not a global traveller, things get stressful. Business is conducted here in such an unusual and slow manner, everyday can be an exercise in stress management! We use only Nepali resources in everything we do to ensure this is a business and a social project, but sometimes it is so frustrating. It is hard to get people here to understand what we need and want. A language barrier exists in meetings and the mentality of some of our village-based artists is so different from anything we are used to. Getting everyone on the same page to get things done is, what they say in Nepal, "some process." Everyone experiences ups and downs when they first start a business. Finances, creative decisions, partnerships, plans and goals..it can get overwhelming for sure. But when you are working from the ground up in a least developed country like Nepal, the process puts even more pressure on you. It has been an amazing ride so far and we have learned to appreciate every angle of this thing.

While South East Asia is the fastest growing region in the world, Nepal is eeking by with a dismal economic growth rate. People are scared to invest in Nepal with its unstable government, stalled economy and corrupt business practices. The chances Global Daughter is taking here are great, but we are confident that our modest contribution will grow into an example of positive and socially responsible business in Nepal. Failure is impossible at this point. We have already seen with our own eyes the small impact our project has had. We are motivated to develop this no matter what is thrown our way. The implications of this business reach much further than an on-line transaction; many lives are improved and defined by the artist-consumer connection Global Daughter is creating.

When we started we knew it would be an experience like no other, that is why we try to take time to breathe everyday and remind ourselves that in the end, all the adversity will only make Global Daughter stronger. (Even if we feel like we are going to explode sometimes!)

So, Bye Bye to Erika! She will handle things on the Seattle front while I stay here to handle all the drama in Nepal. To make sure that we can deliver everything we promise in the business it is best that one of us is here and the other is back home. We will both be busy with different sides of the project, but we will no doubt reunite down the road when everything has been ironed out.

Through it all we have been so blessed. We believe that this place is magical and I hope that everyone who deals with Global Daughter feels the same way.

Women in Good Governance Staff- bye, bye!

Sad to say goodbye to the neighborhood kids

Little Aruna will miss you Erika sister

Into the Wild

The Beautiful Streets of Bhaktapur

In celebration of Nepali New Year we traveled to “Bisket Jatra” in the famous town of Bhaktapur, 30 minutes out of the city. The architecture in the town is classic “Newari” style. There are fantastic little side streets and alleys full of color, contrast and mystery. It is a great place to wander and snap shots. The height of the festival comes when on-lookers pull down the tall “lingam” structure (it looks like a cross). There is a tug-of-war between all sides, pulling every which way. When the lingam crashes to the ground it signifies the end of the old year and the beginning of the New Year. What a great way to celebrate our second new years. Now we have to come up with whole new resolutions. Actually, the resolution stays the same…"Resolve to see Global Daughter make a difference.”

MOMS DAY

Happy Mothers day from your "Global Daughters." Enjoy your moms today and spread the love.

                                               

WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY..yippppeee!

May 10th is World Fair Trade Day..

Otherwise known as the first day you start the rest of your life as a "progressive consumer!" Making the right choice is easier than you think. These days consumers have so many choices, including organic, enviro-friendly and fairly traded choices. Making the choice to support fair trade is making a choice with a far greater impact than just a transaction. The more demand there is for things made unethically, the more the supply. So by demanding that your goods are made and traded under best ethical practices- you will directly be apart of a conscious consumer culture that says “no” to exploitation and “yes” to empowerment!

The best part about being a part of the Fair Trade Movement is that not only do you get beautifully handmade and high-quality goods, you also get a piece of mind. Buying fair trade is a lifestyle..and just the beginning of what you can do to contribute to the future of our planet. Your fair trade products represent a connection to people and places across the globe. The story behind a cup of tea from women tea-pluckers in the highest tea gardens in the world in Nepal, is much more interesting and inspirational than the story behind your Lipton tea bag.

So be progressive. Be a part of someone else's story. Take the lead in the Movement.....for the "Global Good."

Inspiration through the Generations

(click to enlarge image)

The founders of Global Daughter, Erika and Erin (us!!) are fourth generation best friends. Really, best friends..all baby girls. Starting with Great Grandma Louise and Myrtle, the women in our families have not only been best friends, they have lived on the same streets, attended the same schools and colleges, and been bridesmaids in each others weddings. It was inevitable that our lives would be intertwined somehow. If you were a girl and you were born into these two blood lines, it was pretty much fated! (You can see the pressure we have to have our own daughters!)

The Global Daughter Project is a perfect way to honor the women in our family who faced adversity as immigrants, farmers, and mothers. We realize that it is very rare these days to find such a long line of friendship amongst two families. That is why we felt we had to do something on behalf of our generation to pay tribute to mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and great grand mothers across the globe. Each woman on our "Family Tree" is a part of who we have become; they represent the best in both of us, and have been an incredible inspiration throughout our lives.

We see Global Daughter as another part of the tradition between the women in our families and hope that their spirit, courage and beauty will show through in all that we do.

Open Fire Policy

When the Olympic Torch reaches the top of Mt. Everest, it might come at the cost of lives. Soldiers and police in Nepal have been cleared to open fire to stop any protests during China's Olympic torch run to the summit of Mount Everest. Nepal's Home Ministry said the use of deadly force is only authorized as a last resort. The troops will first try to persuade protesters to leave during the torch run and will arrest those who stay. If demonstrators defy all nonviolent means of restraint, troops have the option of using weapons.

Twenty-five soldiers and policemen have established camps on the mountain. Climbers will be banned from the mountain's higher elevations during the torch run.

An American climber has already been detained and sent back to the U.S when police found a Tibetan flag in his expedition pack. All backpacks, camping equipment and personal possessions are subject to check in the coming weeks. May is peak climbing season for expedition teams to summit Everest and the controversy surrounding the torch relay has already discouraged teams from around the world and created a buzz in the trekking community in Nepal.

Given that the Nepali police have used excessive force and brutality during protests around Kathmandu, it is likely that if there is a protest on the mountain, Beijing could experience yet another embarrassing moment leading up to the Olympics. Nepal vehemently supports a “One-China” policy and backs the Chinese government’s aspirations to quell any and all protests against Beijing.

The worldwide torch relay has been the target of demonstrators protesting China's human rights record, including its recent crackdown on Tibet. The climb up Everest is planned for the first few days of May.

Living here and witnessing this all unfold has been quite a life experience. Nepal is going through a political transition at the moment, not to mention a petrol, food and electricity crisis; this just adds to an already dramatic period for the tiny nation. The streets are full of protesters, rouge political groups and vehicles fighting for petrol. I would like to say that it is exciting, but in reality, it is unsettling and unfortunate. Maybe all this international exposure will shed light on the country’s problems and encourage steps towards a solution.

Inclusion

As you may have read, we recently had Constituent Assembly polls in Nepal to write the new constitution. The people elected 601 members, 191 of which will be women. This assembly will create, draft and implement a new constitution in the next two years. We are hopeful that with a strong representation in the CA, women's rights will be addressed and their voices will be represented. Although only one third of the members will be women, this is considerably more than the 5% of women;s representation back in 1990. Progress is being made, slowly and painfully, but this outcome is positive and we are hopeful that women's presence in the CA will push change.