Durga Sob speaks on Nepal dalit women at McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Nepaldalitinfo report
Montreal, Canada, September 29- Durga Sob, President of Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO), Nepal spoke at the McGill Centre for Research and Teaching on Women and the Centre for Developing Area Studies (CDAS) of the McGill University, Montreal, Canada on Friday, 28th September 2007. Ms. Sob talked about her work as President of FEDO and the rights of Dalit women in Nepal under the topic, “Fighting Against Caste and Gender Discrimination: FEDO (Feminist Dalit Organization)”. The background paper, “Dalit Women in Nepal“, on which Ms. Sob’s presentation was based can be downloaded below (in 8 pages):
During her week long visit to Canada, Ms. Sob had interactions with representatives of Ottawa based Canada Forum for Nepal as well as Nepaldalitinfo in Canada, in person or over the telephone, in addition to her scheduled engagements with various agencies in Canada.
FEDO has been advocating for the creation of an equitable society and works against discrimination, injustice and the practice of untouchability. It runs various programs which aim to empower women, especially Dalit women. Mrs. Durga Sob as the president of FEDO, has long been active in the struggle against discrimination and untouchability and for equal rights of women and Dalits in Nepal. She was previously Secretary of the National Dalit Commission of the then His Majesty’s Government of Nepal.
Reactions from McGill University academics:
October 4, 2007-
The presentation was very well received and there was an excellent turnout. The audience (and CDAS) are quite concerned about issues of social justice and inclusion, particularly the efforts by the excluded to define and defend their rights. We also very much appreciated Ms. Sob’s personal account of the movement she created and would welcome future presentations of this nature.
Dr. Philip Oxhorn
Associate Professor and Director
McGill University
3715 Peel Street
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1X1
Tele: (514) 398-8970
Fax: (514) 398-8432
Email: philip.oxhorn@mcgill.ca
http://www.mcgill.ca/politicalscience/faculty/oxhorn/