Terms of Reference (TOR) To implement “Hum SathSath Chhi- हम साथ साथ छि” Campaign

Terms of Reference (TOR)

To implement “Hum SathSath Chhi- हम साथ साथ छि” Campaign in Sarlahi District, Madhesh Province

1. BACKGROUND

Gender inequality and social exclusion are among the biggest and most persistent challenges across the world. This means the fruits of development are spread unevenly across ethnic, religious, gender, geographic, and other categories. In Nepal, vulnerabilities and inequalities are further exacerbated by geographic, economic status and environmental factors. Existing socio-economic and physical conditions and barriers of certain groups, such as women, children and youth, people with disabilities, senior citizens, sexual and gender minorities, those living in poverty, and socially marginalized groups such as Dalits, Muslims, and indigenous people, make them more vulnerable than others.

According to the 2021 census, Nepal's overall literacy rate for those aged five and above is 76.2 percent. However, a concerning gender gap exists. The male literacy rate stands at 83.6 percent, while the female rate is significantly lower at 69.4 percent, translating to a gap of 14.2 percent. The literacy rate of Madhesh Province is 49.72 percent, and the gender gap in literacy is highest among the Madhesi other caste groups, with men three times as likely to be literate as women. The Centre for Education and Human Resource Development (CHERD) claims that of Nepal’s 77 districts, 61 districts are fully literate while 16 districts still need to achieve universal literacy. All eight districts of Madhesh Province – with 73 municipalities, 59 rural municipalities, and 1,271 wards – are yet to be fully literate. The 2021 census states that the literacy rate of Saptari District is 65 percent, Siraha 58.05 percent, Dhanusha 50.44 percent, Mahottari 47 percent, Sarlahi 89 percent, Rautahat 47 percent, Bara 52 percent, and Parsa District 80 percent.

A critical driver of gender inequality in Nepal is household care work, which is often viewed and treated as the sole responsibility of women. In Nepal, women carry out 85 percent of daily unpaid care work, spending a total of 29 million hours a day compared to 5 million hours spent by men. Deeply rooted patriarchal norms and attitudes are the main causes of gender inequality in Nepal, affecting the country's various ethnic, caste, religious, regional, and socioeconomic groups in different ways. Men and women have distinct roles in household and farm work, control over household income, access to land and resources, decision-making positions in society and community groups, and even in making national policies and plans. These gender roles influence their rights, responsibilities, opportunities, and abilities, including access to education and treatment in schools. The traditional expectations for girls and women also shape how they see their roles in society, homes, and decisionmaking.

Considering this, UNDP Nepal is initiating a targeted campaign entitled 'Hum SathSath Chhi- हम साथ साथ छि' (together we are) to continue our efforts to address gender inequality and discrimination in Nepal by challenging traditional gender norms and encouraging internalization of change. The targeted beneficiaries for the proposed programme will be youth, especially students in grade 8 enrolled in community schools. The primary goal of the campaign is to change perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors towards women, men, LGBTQI+ individuals, gender roles, household chores, mental health, and other social behaviours among students, contributing to laying a foundation for a more equal and inclusive future among youth. This campaign will be launched in five community schools within UNDP’s Community School project in the Sarlahi district of Madhesh Province.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The primary aim of this campaign is to promote Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) friendly behaviors among youth in Madhesh. The specific objectives include:

• Developing a comprehensive curriculum, including a self-assessment tool on GESI, household chores, sports, and mental health for students in grade 8.
• Enhancing students' knowledge and understanding of GESI and the negative impacts of harmful gender stereotypes.
• Encouraging students to analyse and challenge traditional gender roles and norms and identify biases through practical behaviour changes in daily life.
• Providing platforms for students to express their visions of a more equal and inclusive society through art, videos, sports, and storytelling.

Click on the link below for detailed TOR:

ToR_Hami SangSangai campaign

Deadline: 26-Aug-24 @ 07:15 AM (New York time)

For additional information and documents and for further application procedures, click on the link below:

Procurement | United Nations Development Programme (undp.org)