“We believe we are UNIQUE organization as we try our best to bring Women, Children, Community, Culture and Innovation together to create a brighter tomorrow. We also believe that when marginalized women, young girls and children are UNITED through education, their families and communities will flourish.”
VISION
To make a meaningful impact in the lives of disadvantaged and sitgmatized women and children by increasing access to healthcare, civil rights advocacy, quality education, and employment opportunities.
MISSION
To strengthen our community’s most disadvantaged and underserved populations (women & children) through powerful programming that brings culture and innovation together to enrich learning opportunities creating a brighter tomorrow.
GOAL
By 2023, we aim to improve living conditions and create opportunities for at least 10,000 marginalized and stigmatized women and children through our powerful programs and services.
The organization operates through its central office in Pokhara, Nepal
OUR WORKING AREAS
Currently, we operate in four districts (Kaski, Syangja, Okhaldhunga, and Jajarkot) within Gandaki, Koshi, and Karnali Provinces of Nepal.
OUR TARGET GROUPS
We prioritize three population groups: Women & Girls, Children & Youth, and Persons with Disabilities.
We recognize that within these key groups, people are further marginalized if they are Dalits or are Indigenous.
How do we work?
Through our inclusive and participatory approach, we try our best to address Micro, Mezzo, and Macro issues faced by the communities: by identifying needs and priorities, promoting community-led and community engagement initiatives and advocating for rights and policy changes that promote social and economic equity through education and community development.
Organizational Structure
UniCoN is structured with a 7-member Board of Directors (BoD) and a 5-member Senior Management Team. By-laws underpin the function and roles of its members. The BoD provides strategic guidance and oversights, while the day-to-day operations are managed by management team.
The organization has established several program-specific departments, Human Resources, Admin and Finance, Program and Research. These departments prioritize community engagement and participation so that ownership and sustainability of development initiatives is ensured.
90% of UniCoN’s staff and volunteers are from marginalized communities. We therefore have a nuanced understanding of the needs of our target groups ensuring our initiatives are localized, targeted and effective over the short and long term. This also means the team have a deep understanding of the local areas cultural, socio-economic, and political context. Furthermore, 70% of women are in leadership positions challenging gender stereotypes.
OUR TEAM
Binod Neupane
Founder & Executive Director
Binod Neupane
Founder & Executive Director
His community development career began in 2010 when he started as a Community Worker, deeply engaging with the people he served. He witnessed their struggles, heard their stories, and found profound joy in their small achievements. During this time, his leadership skills began to flourish as he learned to 'lead by leading,' marking the inception of his extraordinary journey.
Over the years, Binod gained extensive experience working with various national and international non-profit organizations. From his early role as a Project Assistant to later becoming a Project Manager, he continually honed his expertise in community development, evolving into a versatile leader who remained committed to making an impact. His experience across different organizations equipped him with a wide array of skills, enabling him to lead diverse projects that brought meaningful change to the communities.
In 2020, Binod's dedication and potential were acknowledged when he was selected for the Community Solutions Fellowship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and facilitated by IREX. As part of a brilliant cohort of global change-makers, Binod participated in a year-long professional development program in the United States that further nurtured his personal and professional growth and significantly enhanced his leadership skills.
During his fellowship, Binod made the major decision to found UniCoN, uniting women, children, and communities through innovative ideas and cultural engagement to create a better tomorrow. Under his leadership and guidance, UniCoN stands as a testament to the power of compassionate leadership and collaborative action in shaping a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Deva Fernández
Technical Advisor
Deva Fernández
Technical Advisor
With over seven years of hands-on experience in both HR and the social sector, Deva has been instrumental in defining and implementing social intervention projects and work placement workshops. Her approach is always informed by a gender perspective, aimed at empowering vulnerable individuals.
Deva's commitment to positive change goes beyond her professional work. She actively engages in fundraising, extracurricular activities, life skill training, and social media management, contributing her skills to various causes.
Her Master's project delved into understanding the cultural context and challenges faced by women with addictions in Nepal. This research ignited her deep interest in Nepal's social issues and fueled her ongoing pursuit of knowledge within the NGO sector.
In her capacity as a Technical Advisor at UniCoN, Deva leverages her diverse background and experiences to advance the organization's mission. Her global perspective and profound understanding of gender equality issues empower UniCoN to make a meaningful impact on the communities it serves.
Deva's unwavering commitment to positive change, her cross-cultural competence, and her expertise in gender-sensitive interventions make her an invaluable asset to UniCoN's team, propelling the organization towards its goals of social transformation and empowerment.
Bishnu Kumar Malla
Co-Founder & Program Coordinator
Bishnu Kumar Malla
Co-Founder & Program Coordinator
Bishnu started his career in 2010 as a Social Mobilizer. Over the years, he has honed his expertise in the field of community and social development.
One of Bishnu's notable strengths lies in community-based project planning, with a special emphasis on community education, child rights, protection, and holistic development. His proficiency in these areas has allowed UniCoN to make significant strides in addressing critical social issues. His extensive background in sociology equips him with the analytical skills necessary to design and implement programs that address the unique needs and challenges of the community.
Furthermore, Bishnu is well-versed in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), leveraging technology to enhance program effectiveness. Additionally, he possesses a creative flair as a skilled graphic designer, adding an artistic touch to UniCoN's communication materials.
Bishnu's leadership philosophy revolves around collaboration and empowerment. He believes in harnessing and sharing his strengths, skills, and knowledge with the team. His ability to blend personal interests and passions with his professional responsibilities has not only contributed to his own success but has also inspired and elevated those around him.
His dedication, vision, and leadership guides programs, helping UniCoN achieve goals and impact on communities and society at large.
Sundevi Shahi
Finance Manager
Sundevi Shahi
Finance Manager
Sundevi started her career in 2010 as an audit trainee, where she laid the foundation for her journey in the finance industry. In 2014, she secured the pivotal role of Finance Manager at a non-profit organization. Now, with over a decade of hands-on experience, Sundevi has successfully managed the financial systems of numerous non-governmental organizations, earning her recognition as an indispensable expert in the field.
As the Finance Manager at UniCoN, she oversees all financial activities with unparalleled expertise. Her strategic approach to budgeting, audit management, and the production of insightful financial reports has been pivotal in UniCoN's success. Sundevi plays a pivotal role in the organization's financial stability and growth. Her expertise empowers UniCoN to make informed financial decisions, driving the organization's mission of creating a positive social impact through effective financial management.
Sundevi's dedication to continuous professional growth ensures she remains at the forefront of financial best practices and industry trends. Her unwavering commitment to excellence makes her a sought-after expert in finance.
Debendra K.C
Aviation Expert & Resource Person
Debendra K.C
Aviation Expert & Resource Person
His journey in aviation started as a young aviation professional (Air Traffic Controller). He served different airports of Nepal as an ATC and Airport Chief. He got opportunities to participate in important trainings workshops and seminars nationally and internationally. He is a certified instructor of Aviation Security and Air Traffic Services. He served in Civil Aviation as a Deputy Director General of CAAN, Civil Aviation Academy Chief and retired from the post of General Manager of Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu. He played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the aviation landscape in Nepal. His unwavering commitment and dedication to ensuring safe and efficient air travel have left an indelible mark on the industry.
In his current role with UniCoN, Debendra KC leads the Aviation Education Project, where he serves as a resource person. His mission is to inspire and educate the next generation of aviation enthusiasts and professionals. Through this project, he conducts aviation sessions in community schools, targeting secondary level students. These sessions not only introduce students to the fascinating world of aviation but also provide them with valuable insights and knowledge about the industry.
Debendra's expertise is invaluable in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications in the aviation sector. His interactive and informative sessions empower students to explore career opportunities in aviation and foster a deeper understanding of the industry's significance in Nepal and beyond.
Debendra KC's dedication to education and his passion for aviation make him an exceptional asset to UniCoN. He exemplifies the organization's commitment to empowering communities through knowledge and skill development. Debendra's legacy in the aviation field continues to soar as he works diligently to shape the future of aspiring aviation professionals, one student at a time. UniCoN is honored to have him as a part of its team, contributing to the educational growth and empowerment of young minds across Nepal.
Martha Hitang
Program Officer
Martha Hitang
Program Officer
Pratikshya Rana
Office Assistant
Pratikshya Rana
Office Assistant
As an Office Assistant at UniCoN, Pratikshya plays a crucial role in the organization's day-to-day operations. Her responsibilities encompass skillfully managing the reception area, ensuring efficient handling of visitors and phone calls, and maintaining a high level of professionalism throughout. Simultaneously, she takes on a wide range of official tasks, showcasing her multitasking abilities and strong work ethic.
Pratikshya's journey with UniCoN stands as a testament to her commitment to the organization's mission and goals. Her youthful energy, adaptability, and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable asset to the team as she continues to grow and excel in her career.
Nabina Gurung
Community Facilitator
Nabina Gurung
Community Facilitator
Nabina is not only a committed professional but also a proud member of the community she serves. As a mother of two children herself, she understands the challenges and aspirations of local families, which allows her to connect with them on a deep and personal level.
In her role as a Community Facilitator, Nabina plays a crucial role in enhancing educational opportunities for children in her community. She facilitates both before and after-school sessions, creating a supportive learning environment that fosters academic growth and personal development. Beyond that, she leads eco-friendly bag production training sessions, imparting valuable skills that promote eco-conscious practices and economic empowerment.
Nabina's commitment to community development, her deep understanding of local needs, and her dedication to education and sustainability make her an invaluable member of the UniCoN team. She represents UniCoN in Fedikhola, working tirelessly to create positive change in the lives of the people she serves. Nabina is a true inspiration, exemplifying the spirit of empowerment and community upliftment that UniCoN stands for.
Salina Gharti
Volunteer
Salina Gharti
Volunteer
Chloe Dillon
Intern
Chloe Dillon
Intern
Chloe has previously worked as a support worker for people with disabilities, and as a youth worker for marginalised teenagers and young adults. She completed her first placement in community youth mental health as an outreach and residential worker and is currently writing her honours thesis about child and family service workers with lived experience of trauma.
She is primarily engaged with UniCoNs' Gender Equity Social Action program, and in researching ways to provide sustainable, community developed, local solutions to disaster response initiatives.
Chloe has always been passionate about social change. As a teenager, she volunteered with a group of people seeking asylum, and saw the value of community support, and the importance the community work plays in empowering marginalized people.
She is also a passionate musician, dancer, and artist and enjoys supporting her own community through cooking and co-ordinating community events.
Basanta Karki
Volunteer
Basanta Karki
Volunteer
He was drawn to study Social Work because of his love of engaging with people, strong leadership qualities, and relationships with communities. He feels Social Work is the right field for him, as he enjoys building relationships with new people, learning more about them, and exploring how they think about themselves and the world.
Previously he has worked with the Maina Devi Foundation organizing health campaigns, and with various community development campaigns raising awareness of topics such as waste management, sanitation, and bullying.
He is passionate about working with communities, and engaging with children, older people and Indigenous Communities. Despite growing up in Pokhara Urban City he is particularly interested to learn more about life in rural communities, cultural practices, and developing solutions to the challenges faced by people in rural communities which prevent them from accessing their basic human rights.
At UniCoN, Basanta works on delivering the Gender Equity Social Action Program.
Outside of work, he loves playing sports, watching football, adventuring and trekking, spending time with his dog Tony and feeding street dogs.
Yogendra Thakali
Coach
Yogendra Thakali
Coach
Santosh KC
Coach
Santosh KC
Coach
Dilip Gurung
Coach
Dilip Gurung
Coach
Suman Gurung
Coach
Suman Gurung
Coach
Aman Gurung
Coach
Aman Gurung
Coach