Support Programs for Women with Disabilities: Sharing Challenges and Building Mutual Support

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This image captures a session, involving women with disabilities seated around a U-shaped table arrangement. The participants are actively engaged in discussions and note-taking. Some participants are writing on large sheets of paper, indicating group activities or brainstorming tasks. The presence of notebooks, pens, and bottled water suggests that the session is designed to be interactive. A ceiling-mounted projector and visual displays on the walls hint at the use of multimedia or visual aids during the session. The overall atmosphere is one of active participation, learning, and empowerment within a supportive community setting.

Fig: Women with disabilities participating in support program in Gorkha municipality, Gorkha.

Gorkha – A two-day program aimed at empowering women with disabilities was successfully conducted in Gorkha Municipality on July 27 and in Barpak Sulikot Rural Municipality on July 31, bringing together 69 participants to share their experiences and challenges, and to connect with local government representatives.

The program was facilitated by Ratna Kumari Gurung, district focal person, who coordinated closely with the District Coordination Committee (DCC) and local authorities to ensure meaningful participation and engagement.

In Gorkha Municipality, the event was graced by Mr. Mohan Bahadur Thapa Magar, Chairperson of DCC, as the chief guest. Similarly, in Barpak Sulikot, Ms. San Maya Gurung, Vice Chairperson of the Rural Municipality, served as the chief guest and actively engaged in discussions with participants.

The event began with an introduction to the objectives of the program and an overview of the organization’s ongoing projects in the Gorkha district. Participants were divided into five groups to discuss their personal experiences and the challenges they face in daily life. The issues highlighted included transportation barriers, gender-based violence, social discrimination, educational neglect, and lack of access to property rights.

Participants shared that women with disabilities often face domestic and sexual violence, are excluded from community events and rituals, and are denied the right to education and property by their own families. Many expressed that they do not know where or how to report cases of violence.

In Barpak Sulikot, the lack of reserved seating and transportation discounts for persons with disabilities was a major concern. Participants reported being denied seats on public buses even after requesting them. In response, Vice Chairperson San Maya Gurung committed to coordinate with the transport traders’ association, ticket counters, and local police to ensure implementation of transportation benefits for persons with disabilities. She also informed participants about the Justice Committee at the municipal level, which can be approached in cases of violence or discrimination.

Program Outcomes:

  • Provided a platform for women with disabilities to share experiences and challenges.
  • Strengthened mutual support networks among participants.
  • Increased awareness about local justice mechanisms and how to report abuse.
  • Commitment from local government to improve transport access and address violence and discrimination.

Participant’s voice

Participants praised the initiative and expressed hope that such programs would continue regularly.

“This kind of program is very good for us. It gives us a space to speak and be heard,” said one participant.

Many also requested for vocational training and livelihood support, emphasizing that economic independence is key to improving their living standards.

The program marked a significant step toward inclusive local governance and improving the rights and wellbeing of women with disabilities in Gorkha.