Celebrating Womanhood: Navadevi Awards 2008

Overview

Why and How...
Celebrating Womanhood Award Themes
Awards Concept
Objectives
Regional Awards 2008

Why and How..

Celebrating Womanhood Navadevi Awards is the only awards for Nepali women that recognizes and honors real life heroines who represent all sectors of society from different regions of the country. It was established in 2002 by Creative Statements (CS).

We at CS believe that the key to women empowerment is highlighting and promoting the positive role and strengths of women. For too long the focus has been on projecting women as weak, downtrodden, violated and in need of rescue, assistance and protection. The print and electronic media also base their reporting on sensation or tragedy more than achievements. In comparison to innumerous publications on the pathetic state of Nepali women, reports brought out on the contributions made by women are minimal in number.

We understand and agree that the status of the women in the South Asian region is shocking. But we also believe that the time has now come to address the issue in more innovative ways. At CS, we believe that positive images lead to positive outcomes by generating positive thoughts, attitudes and actions. Positive and achievable examples are crucial to stimulating positive changes.

Celebrating Womanhood is an endeavor to inspire women to aspire to follow the examples of strong, accomplished women from similar backgrounds who have achieved successes. Celebrating Womanhood has grown in strength by building on its network of women from different parts of the country who touch the lives of others less fortunate than themselves.

A book containing the life stories of 29 recipients has been published in Nepali. The book is designed to facilitate the access of these inspiring stories to women who would not otherwise dare to dream. We are working for the dissemination of this book at village schools so that children are encouraged to learn and be inspired by the stories of real life heroes who have developed into path breaking leaders.

Celebrating Womanhood also incorporates creativity, originality and talent by ensuring that different forms of performing arts take center stage. Celebrating Womanhood experiments with different art forms and has had a different theme each year to promote the richness and diversity of art forms and artistes.

Celebrating Womanhood Themes

Celebrating womanhood has successfully completed its sixth year in Nepal encapsulating and honoring the contributions of 61 women and 2 men.

2002	Stages of womanhood The first year’s theme focused on the stages of womanhood – from birth to death. It portrayed her connectivity to the five elements and peace. 40 individuals participated in this extravaganza of music, fashion and dance.
2003	Women Down the Ages Celebrating Womanhood 2003 was based on history and culture. A special item was prepared and performed by 4 senior female dancers above the age of 50. Each dancer represented a special aspect of Nepal - the mountains, the rivers, nature and heritage. One of them, Sarita Shrestha had not performed for years and was initially hesitant. She credits Celebrating Womanhood for inspiring her to go on stage after a long gap. Since then she has performed a number of times at special functions.
2004	The Highlights of Nepal The third year's edition of Celebrating Womanhood was opened by a special musical program presented by the girls from Maiti Nepal. It was the first public performance of the girls who are all survivors of trafficking. The program was followed by a special fashion show showcasing designs inspired by birds, flowers and traditional wear and artifacts of Nepal.
2005	2005 An Ode To Women From the chanting of traditional mantras to songs in English & Nepali, all songs were dedicated to women and womanhood. A special highlight of the evening was the father and daughter team of Vijay and Akansha Lama singing together for the first time. A first of its kind book in Nepal compiling the biographies of the Celebrating Womanhood award 2002/2003/2004 winners was launched at this function.
2006	Women & Culture Celebrating Womanhood Navadevi Awards was supported by the Ministry of Women, Children & Social Welfare in 2006. Presentation of the awards preceded a cultural program put together by senior Nepali artists.
2007	Social Inclusion The Danish Cultural Grant was the main supporter of 2007's edition of Celebrating womanhood Navadevi Awards. The theme for the year was; Social Inclusion. A special dance item based on the theme was presented on the occasion. Celebrating Womanhood also honored 2 men working for women empowerment for the first time.
2008	Unity in Diversity Celebrating Womanhood is currently in the process of organizing its seventh National and First Regional Award Function.

Concept of Celebrating Womanhood

Nepal is a country of myriad cultures, people and beliefs. Intercultural exchanges are practiced and revered when it comes to worship of different Gods and Goddesses. Hindus and non Hindus alike are aware of and revere the female divinities; Laxmi, Saraswati and Durga as goddesses representing wealth, knowledge and power. Ironically it is in these very sectors that Nepali women find themselves deprived of in terms of access to basic rights and opportunity. The Celebrating Womanhood Awards are named after nine Goddesses representing nine different areas. More than for their religious significance, it is for the attributes of the Goddesses that we have done so. It is our belief that it is more important to acknowledge and respect real women than to just worship symbols of these deities.

The Celebrating Womanhood Navadevi Awards are categorized as follows:

Annapurna	The female divinity of grain and abundance, the divine aspect of nourishing care and prosperity and the seed of inspiration. This award is presented to a woman working in the field of environment, creative arts and leadership.
Bhagwati	The goddess of divine energy, she denotes self-awareness. This award is presented to a woman who touches lives through the medium of media and literary works.
Bhawani	The goddess of infinite, energy, Bhawani denotes power and absolute vitality. Like the connotation, this award is presented to a woman dedicated to the field of sports or to a task requiring great physical and emotional strength.
Durga	Durga is the great warrior Goddess whose energy becomes lethal when directed to the forces of evil. This award honors a woman in the public service sector.
Karuna	Karuna denotes compassion and sympathy. Karuna also denotes peace and order. The Karuna award is awarded to a woman who has dedicated her life to social work.
Laxmi	Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and good fortune. This is awarded to a woman entrepreneur.
Mahamaya	The supreme manifestation of the goddess as a creator of illusions, ethereal, bewitching and celestial. Like the name, this award is presented to a woman from the field of theatre, performing arts and glamour.
Saraswati	The Goddess of learning and the arts. The Saraswati award is given to a woman dedicated to imparting knowledge. Teachers and literary figures fall into this category.
Shakti	She is resolve will, vast energy, self-awareness and strength. This award is given to a woman showing extraordinary strength. We endeavor to search for someone who has dared to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Celebrating Womanhood not only honours and felicitates women for the one night but sets a precedent by retaining contact with the awardees for helping other women through mentoring, encouraging and identifying other women who want to achieve their own visions.

Objectives

Immediate Objectives

Research and identify women achievers from all sectors of society
Form a partnership with promoters such as print and electronic media
Utilize different forms of performing arts to promote the theme of the year.
Encourage the achievers by recognizing their contributions through print and electronic media.
Act as a catalyst to introduce these women achievers to society at large through interactions with each other and previous recipients as well as women focused organizations.
Compile the stories of the achievers in a booklet.

Development Objectives

Inspire and motivate women by sharing the stories of the trials and successes of women achievers who come from different social, cultural and economic backgrounds.
Document the stories of the women achievers in print, audio and video formats to preserve authentic, unbiased and well researched information about Nepali women.
Promote positive achievements to negate negative examples.
Establish a network of women achievers.
Encourage different art forms to highlight and motivate creativity. Promote the conservation of classical, traditional, folk and ritualistic forms of dance, music, literature, theatre and other performing arts.

Celebrating Womanhood Regional Awards

The first Celebrating Womanhood Regional Awards encapsulating the 8 SAARC countries is being organized in autumn 2008. The awards shall be presented on the same night as the Celebrating Womanhood Navadevi Awards.

Celebrating Womanhood is based on recognizing the strengths of women and celebrating their achievements. The Regional Awards aims to encourage sharing and learning from the experiences, skills, knowledge and wisdom of the women who have pressed on in their quest to create opportunities despite adversities.

Afghanistan is still suffering from the ravages of being war torn. The greatest challenge for the people of this country has been to maintain their cultural identity. Celebrating Womanhood is in search of a woman who has played a crucial role in maintaining the pride and dignity of being an Afghan. She will be presented the Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Cultural Conservation.

Bangladesh is a country beset with problems caused by natural disasters. Time and again people suffer the effects of drought, floods and famine. Yet women in Bangladesh persistently continue to counter the impacts of these disasters by implementing conservation initiatives. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Environmental Conservation will be presented to a woman actively involved in the field of environmental conservation to counter natural disasters.

Bhutan is the land of mystery that beckons tourists in search of Shangrila. Despite its reputation of being inaccessible and isolated, the people live happy, contented lives in an economically empowered society. Bhutanese women are entrepreneurs and in key decision making positions. The Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Economic Empowerment will be presented to a lady working in the field of entrepreneurship or economic development.

India is a land of diverse cultures, languages, peoples, religion and socio-economic difference. Yet women in India have played a major role in nurturing and instilling a sense of values to contribute to social harmony in the country. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Social Harmony will be presented to a lady who has worked to create social harmony.

Maldives: A free press is the single most important tool to maintain good governance and a sustainable democracy. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Media is being presented to the woman who has been successful in bringing about social change through media.

Nepal once known for being the country of smiles and peace continues to face the challenges of problems brought about by groups fighting for equal rights and opportunities. The biggest challenge Nepal is facing today is rebuilding the country from a state of chaos to harmony which is only possible through knowledge, education and awareness. Our quest is to choose from the many efforts made along these lines. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Education is being presented to a Nepali woman who has worked tirelessly to bring education to the homes and communities of the educationally disadvantaged.

Pakistan located along the Indus River is known as a cradle of civilization. With so many political upheavals in the past and present, Pakistan is committed to establishing a stable government and good governance. We would like to learn and share efforts being made in this sector. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Governance is being awarded to a woman who has ensured the equal participation of women in planned development.

Sri Lanka: Despite the ongoing war in Sri Lanka, the country has been successfully functioning in terms of economy and tourism. Many newpeace initiatives to end the war have been implemented and are being carried out. Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for Peace is being awarded to the woman who has been instrumental in promoting peace by preparing for peace by providing support for human dignity, justice and truth.

Categories	Country
Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for - CULTURE	Afghanistan
Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for – ENVIRONMENT	Bangladesh
Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for – ECONOMY	Bhutan
Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for – SOCIAL HARMONY	India
Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for – MEDIA	Maldives
Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for – EDUCATION	Nepal
Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for – GOVERNANCE	Pakistan
Celebrating Womanhood Regional Award for – PEACE	Sri Lanka

The recipients shall be chosen on the basis of their contribution to their respective area of work in recent years.

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