Discussion With Family Members (DWFM)

Implemented in the village environment, DWFM draws on participatory methods, as well as the creation of what are intended to be fun learning environments, in order to engage men, women, boys, and girls in dialogues and action around the issue of human rights. SLISHA explains that, "[t]o bring improvement in the situation of women and children of any community, the male members of that community must be told the importance and need for such improvement."

Specifically, discussions, case studies, role plays, and demonstrations are designed to foster interaction and involvement of interested children (between 10 and 15 years) and their parents. SLISHA also facilitates the setting up of separate children's groups for those between the ages of 7 and 10. After completion of the programme, which is expected to last 2 or 3 years, organisers anticipate that 3 different groups will have been formed. Child clubs will be formed from children groups; their central role will be to work with village development committees (VDCs) and other bodies to address the issue of child rights. The other 2 groups will involve both men and women who will take the lead in handling various issues in their communities.

A core element of the initiative, according to SLISHA, is to work with the group/community and not for them. This involves not merely showing village members how to create healthy families and then just request that this change occurs but, rather, to ensure that the motivation for change comes from the community. To foster that commitment, from the beginning - even before conducting the discussions - SLISHA works together with the participants to create indicators. Every month, facilitators hold a meeting during which they discuss the situation, and develop lessons for coming month. For instance, they might explore how to communicate the fact that concrete knowledge about construction and use of latrines is more important than a potentially abstract discussion about why latrines are necessary.

SLISHA stresses that follow-up/monitoring is an important aspect of the DWFM process; home visits, cross-check (women - children - men), and participatory self-review programmes are designed to enable participants to analyse and reflect on where they are.

Children, Women, Rights.

From SLISHA's perspective DWFM is a tool; based on the situation, any topic can be integrated into the process of fostering child development and women's empowerment. For instance, if conflict arises, then conflict transformation or conflict resolution are added.