Subhi Quraishi

VSLA stands for (Village Savings and Loan Association), a community-based financial model designed to empower individuals in rural or marginalized areas by providing them with a platform for savings, credit, and financial education. VSLAs operate on the principles of self-help and collaboration, allowing members to pool their resources and create a source of accessible financial services within their community. Key features of VSLAs include regular meetings, contributions, and a transparent record-keeping system. Members contribute a fixed amount of money during each meeting, and these funds are then used to provide loans to members in need. VSLAs are known for their simplicity, flexibility, and adaptability to local contexts, making them an effective tool for promoting financial inclusion and socio-economic development in various regions around the world.

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CLIMATE JUSTICE, A BY PRODUCT OF THE STRUGGLE FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE AND DEMOCRATIC NEPAL: INTERVIEW WITH TASHI LHAZOM In my latest piece (https://lnkd.in/dkzN_GKB) for The Himalayan Times, I interviewed Tashi Lhazom. Tashi Lhazom was one of the two guests at the course on climate organized by Planet Pulse Nepal and The Good Leadership. I wanted to know more about Tashi Lhazom, including her work as documentary maker describing the climate related threats faced by her village in the Limi Valley located in the Humla district. "No Monastery, No Village" (here the trailer: https://lnkd.in/dD4t5GAq) is an internationally acclaimed story financed by the Agha Khan University through its Voices from the Roof of the World. Yet what was supposed to be a conversation on climate change, ended up into a fascinating conversation on the status of democracy in Nepal, on the fact that local and national politics are not nearly enough inclusive and diverse. That's how Tashi Lhazom got into the issue of climate governance as she sees it as a sort of "dereliction of duties" by the state that is uncapable of providing support/assistance to citizens living in remote villages like hers. The piece wrapped up in this way: "The fight against climate action, Tashi told me, goes through a process that should be empowering for all those citizens that have been left out of decision-making. "Because poverty of power is the root cause of all forms of marginalisations," she told me.She concluded our conversation with the following statement: "By embracing this approach, we have a unique opportunity to transform Nepal and address the challenge of global warming, empowering marginalised groups like mine to have a meaningful voice and, yes, power."

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Funders, join us at NFG on May 16th for "Understanding Militarism and US Funding of the Genocide in Palestine," organized by my amazing colleague Neda Said. More details and registration in the link below: As we continue to witness the US-funded and facilitated genocide in Palestine, we are filled with horror, and also steadfast in our commitment and action toward a free Palestine and the self-determination of all oppressed people. NFG recognizes that the occupation of Palestine is not new and has been ongoing for decades. As philanthropy begins to interrogate its grantmaking and investment practices, we are compelled to name the importance of deepening support to BIPOC-led community organizing, especially Palestinian movement leaders organizing (from within the belly of the beast, no less) against US militarism’s violence. Because philanthropy participates in and benefits from America’s exploitative economy, US-based funders in particular must recognize that the extractive nature of our war economy has implications domestically and internationally. While BIPOC communities bear the brunt of the carceral system, lack of public resources, precarious work, and scarcity of affordable housing, communities abroad also stagger under the weight of both US-driven and funded imperialist extraction through direct occupation, military aid and arms sales (resulting in mass manufacturer profits), military-led “development” projects, and resource theft. Join us to build our collective understanding of current organizing to end the genocide in Palestine. We will discuss how to organize as philanthropy to not just continue resourcing and supporting BIPOC-led community organizing, but to also be sure to include the movement groups rising up against US imperialism, particularly Palestinian-led organizing efforts in the US attempting to end the genocide. Speakers: Iman Abid, Director of Advocacy, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Maisa Morrar, Member & Co-Founder, Palestinian Feminist Collective Leena Barakat, President & CEO, Women Donors Network Rana Elmir, Director, Rise Together Fund

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Collaboration means multiplying the power, prosperity, and productivity! I'm thrilled to share that Pourquoi Pas Coaching International and Vectors Institute have formed a strategic partnership to empower the leaders of tomorrow through our Nonprofit Leadership Growth Program! 🌟 Our program is designed to expose nonprofit leaders to modern leadership concepts anchored in coaching skills. Participants will gain practical knowledge in strategic planning, financial management, reporting, and more. 💼 Here's what you can expect: 1. Virtual, interactive workshops 🖥️ 2. Individualized coaching 💬 3. Part-time weekly instruction All offered to Canadian NGOs at a minimal cost to them! Our goal is to develop effective nonprofit leadership and create a lasting community impact. 🌍 Interested in unique, low-cost solutions for your organization? Reach out to us at [email protected]! ♻ Sharing is caring - please repost so more non-profits can benefit and generate funds for their impact. Don't forget to follow Vectors Institute and Pourquoi Pas Coaching International for more updates! #PartnershipAnnouncement #NGOSupport #Collaboration #TransformativeChange #VectorsInstitute #PQPCI

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The Environics Institute for Survey Research in partnership with Diversity Institute , alsaha - السّاحة , and Canadian Arab Institute, hosted a public event in Toronto to showcase the Institute’s research on Syrian refugee lived experiences in Canada, as the basis for a broader retrospective consideration of the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Initiative and what we can learn from it. The event featured the premiere screening of the new Syrian Refugee Lived Experience Project documentary, followed by a panel discussion. 🎬Watch trailer here: https://lnkd.in/gTi_mE_a 🌱I will reflect on what I have seen and heard for a while, but the main point is this: 📝There is no system that is perfect, but we as Canadians need to be careful and conscious when talking about Canadian exceptionalism with regard to refugees and immigrants—yes, we are very nice, but we are not so great, considering the immigrants' lived experiences. We can and we should do better; therefore, we need to be tremendously vigilant with regard to policies and politics that impact the lives of ALL Canadians. 📌"We're wasting talent, and this is not only a moral but also an economic issue." — Dr. Wendy Cukier, founder and academic director, Diversity Institute It was an insightful event that provided tremendous value to me, as someone supporting internationally educated professionals. #Grateful to everyone who put effort and funds into organizing it. 🌱 #neverstoplearning #checkyourblindspots #openyourmind #beculturallycurious #hireimmigrants #beawareofyourbiases #hr

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THE GOOD LEADERSHIP: REFLECTION ON THE JOURNEY WITH OUR COMMUNITY OF PRACTITIONERS This is a piece (https://lnkd.in/dUPzC3Nc) over a journey that stared over 10 months ago, thanks to the collaboration with Youth Action For Sustainable and Eco Nepal led by Dikshya Subedi and Sagar Koirala (He / Him / His). It soon evolved into an independent, autonomous climate campaign, Planet Pulse Nepal led by anusa karki, Swornima Khatri, Mansingh Aidee, Maya Kandel. What am I talking about? I am referring to our Community of Practitioners who got into action las January. The Phase 2 was based on organizing a course, something that Planet Pulse Nepal did brilliantly that also saw some special guests like the brilliant, actually amazing climate activists like Tashi Lhazom and Pema Wangmo Lama that enriched the whole experience. Among the participants there were great young professionals like Sandipa Lamichhane to mention just few of them. In this piece, some reflections and some open questions: "This is a truly leadership challenge: increasing the number of youth climate activists by making it easier to join the cause. How can we involve more youngsters, how can we create a real level playing field so that it is much easier for youths from vulnerable groups to step up?" "We need citizens like them, we need young people to elevate themselves and campaign, create knowledge and new insights. Yet this is also a multi-speed, multi- layer work that can unfold in different but complementary ways. First at the grassroots level: we need to create tons and tons of awareness in the schools on sustainable development with climate and biodiversity action.Then it is paramount to get deeper for those interested to know more. From creating awareness in the simplest terms, slowly you add more information, more details and technicalities to the issues". A big thanks to all those who made this experience so enriching and transformative.

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"As philanthropy begins to interrogate its grantmaking and investment practices, we are compelled to name the importance of deepening support to BIPOC-led community organizing, especially Palestinian movement leaders organizing against US militarism’s violence. Because philanthropy participates in and benefits from America’s exploitative economy, US-based funders in particular must recognize that the extractive nature of our war economy has implications domestically and internationally. While BIPOC communities bear the brunt of the carceral system, lack of public resources, precarious work, and scarcity of affordable housing, communities abroad also stagger under the weight of both US-driven and funded imperialist extraction through direct occupation, military aid and arms sales (resulting in mass manufacturer profits), military-led “development” projects, and resource theft."

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Here is a free workshop to get a taste of what my comprehensive Feminist Youth Programming training will explore!

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Disability has consistently been an overlooked concern in developing countries like Nepal. My professional interest lies in understanding disability, particularly within the context of humanitarian responses. Addressing disability inclusivity during extreme conditions poses significant challenges. In this regard, I have delved into six comprehensive modules that provide detailed insights and a roadmap for integrating disability considerations into humanitarian efforts. To learn more , Please go to https://lnkd.in/dXXWB46d

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As part of my Policy Fellowship with Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, I had the opportunity to review the insightful report, "Demand for Impact of Mentoring Newcomer Professionals: The Case of TRIEC Mentoring Partnership" This comprehensive study highlights the significant positive outcomes of community-based mentorship programs for skilled newcomer professionals in Canada. The TRIEC Mentoring Partnership pairs internationally educated professionals with mentors to overcome job market barriers. Key findings show participants are 2.45 times more likely to find quality jobs in 3 months, with 85% finding jobs in 6 months. 80% report improved job skills, and mentees expand networks fourfold. The demand for such programs is growing, with a significant portion of recent immigrants in major Canadian cities being potential beneficiaries. However, the program is not enough, and additional mentoring activities are needed to address the nuanced needs of newcomers in various sectors and stages of their careers. More targeted and industry-specific mentoring can further enhance professional integration and success. read more link:👇 #NewcomerWomenServicesToronto #PolicyFellowshipProgram

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"The Nepal Demographic and Health Survey-2022 conducted by the Ministry of Health and Population, shows that overall, 14 percent of women aged 15-19 have been pregnant, including 10 percent who have had a live birth, while two percent experienced a pregnancy loss. Teenage pregnancy is highest in Karnali Province, at 21 percent, followed by Madhesh Province, at 20 percent, Koshi and Gandaki Province, at 13 percent, and Lumbini Province, at 10 percent, according to the 2022 survey". #EndGbv #EndChildMarrige https://lnkd.in/dyCdhZGM https://lnkd.in/dyCdhZGM

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COP 29, The world’s most prestigious climate conference organized by the UN is being hosted in Azerbaijan. A country known for its brutal human rights abuses and environmental destruction. A country run by a brutal Petro-dictatorship that has committed ethnic cleansing and genocide only a year ago. This cannot be the face of global climate leadership. Ahead of COP29, the International Community Must Advocate for the Respect of Human Rights and hold the Azerbaijani regime accountable for its human rights violations. The International Community Must Demand during the UN’s annual convention on climate change in Baku next month, that Azerbaijan free the Armenian hostages who have been kept in the prisons of Baku. Please share using these hashtags in your posts: #StopGreenwashGenocide #FreeArmenianHostages #FreePoliticalPrisoners #BoycottCop29 #COPout29 Say NO to Azerbaijan’s genocidal policies and NO to greenwashing at #COP29.

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It was great joining Nayeema Raza at SEMAFOR's The Next 3 Billion Summit yesterday to discuss the transformative power of digital public infrastructure in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals.  The world is changing, and we have to think bigger and take new approaches to development. DPI has the incredible potential to drive widespread participation in the digital economy, especially for women and low-income populations. This is where we will see the most long-term gains for both the private and public sectors.

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Social Impact in the Regions couldn't happen without our conference partners. We refer to our first conference year, the year we worked out this was going to be a go-er as year 0. Following Year 0 I declared a 10-year minimum delivery of this event. Talitha Devadass (Taz) and Emilee Rigby were the first to throw their hands up and say COUNT US IN. Taz and Em are our Youth Stream conference partners. In 2023 they delivered a memorable program for the young people from Kempsey and Macksville High Schools - in 2024 we have nudged out the geography and the scope and these fabulous conference partners are now designing something utterly magnificent with young people across Australia. In future years this will grow. Our vision is to ensure we have a conference that is inclusive of and welcoming to young people from across Australia, that young people in the local community have the opportunity to influence the program and that each segment of the event is seen through a youth lens. Frankly, truly collaborative partnerships like this are the things that make this all worthwhile. Thank you so much Taz and Em. (and Deb S. for introducing us). If you have any interest in following stories on (1) next level collaboration and (2) opportunities for young people in the regions, you'll want to follow this story as it unfolds. #youthengagement #socialimpact #socialenterprise

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I'm excited to share these findings from a baseline study of first-time mothers in Bangladesh! https://lnkd.in/eCknUDwy. Here are a few that called our team's attention: ·     Migration shapes Bangladeshi first-time mothers’ transition to parenthood and their use of health services. Many travel to their maternal homes after delivery, and miss out on the relationships with community health workers and facilities that they develop during pregnancy. And many husbands migrate for work for extended periods, which impacts the support available to young mothers during this time. ·     First-time mothers experience high rates of depression and inter-partner violence. It is vital to strengthen health systems to effectively screen for violence and to provide mental health support. ·     Many young mothers do have contact with the health system. But we found important missed opportunities to counsel and provide information on family planning and the importance of health services across the continuum of care. We've also published the survey tool: https://lnkd.in/eZF4fBqT Endline findings from the broader RCT are anticipated early next year. Callie Simon Silvia Paruzzolo Meroji Sebany Rachel Dean

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Critical polio vaccination program underway in Gaza. These kids need to be protected against a polio outbreak that is directly threatening them, and which also could spread regionally. This program shows the high importance of: --continued innovation in vaccine technology which has led to the development and use of the new novel polio vaccine that is being used in this campaign --the necessity of skilled, rapid, effective on the ground vaccination programs - the vaccine does no good if it can't reach the people who need it --the importance of World Health Organization which is doing complex and dangerous work to protect these kids and prevent a polio epidemic

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✨✨✨ Hey Experts!!! ✨✨✨ Do you have a background in public policy, advocacy, gender, anti-corruption and/or private sector experience? Then check out these two consulting opportunities below!👇👇👇👇 #opportunity #consulting #publicpolicy #advocacy #genderspecialist #gender #anticorruption #jobopportunity #ngo #development

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📢 **Announcement: Workshop on Teenage Unwanted Pregnancies** Join us for an empowering workshop organized by Youth Empowerment for Social Development, focused on addressing the critical issue of teenage unwanted pregnancies. 🌟 **Theme:** Teenagers Unwanted Pregnancy: Empowering Youth for Informed Choices Through engaging activities, interactive discussions, and expert insights, we aim to: 1. Raise awareness about the risks and consequences of teenage pregnancies. 2. Provide comprehensive information on reproductive health and contraception. 3. Foster a supportive environment for open dialogue and peer-to-peer learning. 4. Equip participants with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual health. 🗓️ **Date:25th may 2024 🕒 **Time:9h00-13h00 📍 **Location:Mulimani city Don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself and your community to tackle this pressing issue. Together, we can make a difference! #YouthEmpowerment #TeenHealth #PreventUnwantedPregnancies 🌟

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