Geeta Gautam Bhattarai

Geeta Gautam heads the Human Rights Education Department of Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), a key NGO in Nepal advocating the promotion and protection of human rights. INSEC was established to promote and protect the rights of the many poor Nepalese employed in the informal sector. INSEC is represented across each district of Nepal and has played a vital role in promoting and defending human rights through all the phases of Nepal’s recent past – from absolute monarchy, through to constitutional monarchy and democracy, through civil war and a royal coup to the current consideration on Nepal’s constitution. INSEC is a key member of the regional human rights network, Forum Asia,. As head of the training department Geeta is responsible for designing, planning and implementing INSEC’s extensive human rights education program, the current focus of which is holding authorities responsible for meeting the basic rights of all groups in Nepal. INSEC’s human rights program has a broad reach and Geeta works with grass roots communities, community leaders and with policy makers at a national level. Her role involves advocacy and lobbying for health, education and food rights, representing INSEC at national and international events and maintaining public relations and networks. Geeta and INSEC have been involved in relief efforts across Nepal following the devastating earthquake there.