NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) has conducted a five-day Training of Trainers (TOT) onFederalism, Inclusive Democracy and Participatory Constitution Making at regional levels involving some 300 regional frontline CSO activists, NGO activists and media representatives. Considering the total numbers of districts and the volume of participants, ten TOT programmes were planned that aimed to accommodate at least four participants from each district in the training.

The participants in the trainings (representing both NFN member and non-member NGOs) were selected from each district based on the criteria of equitable participation of Dalits, Janajatis, Madhesis, persons with disabilities, and the geographically excluded, where at least 33% participation of women was kept mandatory.

The first three days of the training dealt with conceptual issues and approaches vis-à-vis inclusive democracy, federalism, human rights, advocacy and participatory constitution making. The last two days were allocated to the participants to develop a concrete strategy and plan of action to implement activities at district and regional levels.

The training was moderated by a team of experts comprising NFN central leadership, staff and thematic experts who aim to produce competent social activists with sound knowledge of social mobilisation and participatory constitution making process. The trained participants will now be mobilised to coordinate and facilitate regional and district level events, forums and debates on participatory constitution making. The trainings at different levels are believed to discuss ways to enhance people’s participation at regional and local level political processes.