To facilitate dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders to identify and address Muslim issues through problem-solving and experience sharing- to support Collaborative Governance Pilot (Sahakarya)
The Nepal's 2015 secular constitution guarantees religious freedom, making it a multi-religious and multicultural country. Muslims represent 4-5% of the population, primarily residing in the Terai and Madhesi regions. Despite this, Muslim communities face persistent challenges, including socioeconomic exclusion, limited political representation, and religious marginalization.
The Muslim Dialogue initiative in Rautahat and Sarlahi districts was aimed at fostering religious harmony, promoting inclusion in education, and enhancing political participation. The platform provided a space to address critical issues such as social justice, education, human rights, and economic inclusion. Participants highlighted the need for national-level advocacy to address Muslim-specific concerns, such as implementing a quota in government jobs. Dialogue members urged RDC Nepal and International IDEA to continue supporting inclusive dialogues, focusing on education, political representation, and preserving religious traditions. This initiative aspires to create a more inclusive and peaceful society in Nepal, where all communities can coexist harmoniously.
Key Acheivements:
· Identified 26 key actors from Muslim communities in Rautahat and Sarlahi, including local leaders, youth, politicians, and CSOs, with 8 female participants.
· Formed 4 clusters: 2 in Rautahat and 2 in Sarlahi.
· First-Layer Dialogue: Conducted initial meetings with selected stakeholders to discuss key issues such as social, economic, and educational challenges faced by the Muslim community.
· Second-Layer Dialogue: Held follow-up discussions with all selected members to prioritize issues for advocacy, including poverty, education access, employment opportunities, and political representation.
· Identified key issues for lobbying with provincial and national governments, such as advocating for Muslim quotas in government jobs and improving education and economic inclusion.
Strengthened understanding and collaboration among Muslim community members to promote social justice, religious harmony, and human rights.
