Knowledge Production
There are limited works carried out on the part of knowledge production on Dalit issues. The existing work continues to reinforce and strengthen the dominant narratives build around Dalit. It is obvious that knowledge production is the key to fight and challenge dominant narratives and offer an alternative one. Having realized the gaps in the Dalit knowledge production; SAMATA Media Center-SMC conducts research on concurrent and emerging Dalit issues and produces its outcome in the form of books, journal, policy briefs and monograph etc. This further seeks to backstop Dalit lawmakers, leaders and the stakeholders with appropriate data, evidences and actionable insights to influence public policy in favor of Dalit community.
Policy Advocacy
Policy advocacy is challenging and complex task, particularly for those with limited access to power and resources. Therefore, Samata Media Center-SMC conducts series of actions to influence people,policies, structures and system to advance equality, social justice and respect for human rights of Dalit in Nepal. The new constitution of Nepal has acknowledged caste discrimination as a serious social crime and protected Dalit rights under fundamental rights section. Other legislations are also in place to this end. Therefore, our advocacy activities are directed at influencing public policies in favor of Dalit community and hold the state accountable for the implementation of constitutionally guaranteed rights and legislations as well as address Dalit issues adequately in policy, programs and resource allocation. It further runs campaigns on a crucial Dalit issues.
Human Rights
Caste discrimination is one of the most severe human rights abuses of the twenty-first century. This has led Dalit to powerlessness, exploitation, and violence. Therefore, SAMATA Media Center-SMC is working to empower Dalit to claim their human rights. To this end, we impart human rights education, conduct monitoring, and analysis, issuing public reports, and responding to the human rights violations of the Dalit. We also work to hold the state accountable to implement its human rights obligations and uphold the rule of law. We are also actively engaged in all international human rights mechanism and treaties applicable to Dalit's rights such as Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Convention on the Elimination Of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) etc.
We will use these mechanisms as a platform to share situations of Dalit in the ground through regular follow up. Dalit CSOs have formed a consortium to work collectively to this effect and SAMATA Media Center-SMC is an active member of this broader network.
Media Watch
Nepal made considerable progress on MDGs, but its performance among the people of Karnali Province,Sudoorpaschim Province and social group like Dalit was uneven. Building on the legacy of MDGs, Nepal has internalized the SDG framework and also prepared a country report. However, social disparities continue to remain unaddressed. Therefore, SAMATA Media Center-SMC works to raise awareness about SDGs among Dalit, raise their concerns into the mainstream discourse and inspire people to take actions at the grassroots level. SAMATA Media Center-SMC is also engaged in the review and follow-up of the implementation of the Agenda 2030 from Dalit’s perspective.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like Goal 1, 2,3,4, 5,8,10 and 16 are directly or indirectly related the marginalized communities especially Dalit.