Strengthening Democracy, Accountability and Social Harmony in Buddhabhumi

From May 29 to June 7, 2025, Buddhabhumi Municipality, Kapilvastu witnessed the successful completion of 10 Government-Citizen Dialogue and Theatrical Performance events, reaching over 1,743 community members across eight wards and also engaging 69 accountable person representatives from different institutions. This innovative initiative was designed to strengthen democracy by fostering good governance, promoting social accountability, and sustainable peace and development through participatory, creative, and inclusive citizen-government engagement. By bringing together accountable institutions and responsible citizens, the program created an open platform where local voices could be heard and meaningful dialogue could take place.

Central to this initiative was the integration of 1.25 hour theatrical performances that highlighted urgent community issues, including child marriage, dowry, sanitation, gender-based violence, drug abuse, challenges faced by farmers due to released livestock, struggles of single women, barriers to education, forced foreign employment, and the quality of public infrastructure construction as well as role and responsibility of the Judicial Committee in dispute resolution. Performed by eight committed local citizen actors, these performances captured the complex realities of Buddhabhumi’s communities, evoking empathy and awareness that paved the way for honest and constructive conversations. Following each performance, government-citizen dialogues were skillfully facilitated by Mr. Babu Ram Poudel, Executive Director of Pro Public, who guided the participatory discussions between citizens and local officials in a respectful and inclusive manner.

Throughout the series, 69 panelists, including the Mayor, ward chairs, ward members, teachers, school management committees, police officials, civil society representatives, and cooperatives actively engaged in conversations grounded in the issues portrayed on stage. For many community members, this marked their first direct interaction with elected representatives in such a transparent setting, highlighting the program’s role in bridging gaps between government and citizens. As the events progressed, the theatrical performances improved in clarity and impact, successfully delivering compelling messages that encouraged accountability and inspired a shared commitment to social harmony and good governance.

This collaborative effort, coordinated by Mr. Jhabindra Adhikari, Local Professional of the Civil Peace Service Program, and implemented in partnership with CPSP/GIZ, Pro Public, and Buddhabhumi Municipality, made significant strides toward fostering sustainable peace and development. By providing a constructive space for reflection, dialogue, and mutual understanding, the program not only deepened democratic participation but also laid important groundwork for responsible citizenship and accountable local governance, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and prosperous Buddhabhumi community.