Nepal Disabled Women Association (NDWA), in partnership with Mukti Nepal and with support from the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund (DRF), successfully conducted a two-day capacity-building training on Disability Rights, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and Inclusive Justice Practices on 14–15 May 2026 in Bardibas, Mahottari.
The training brought together 19 participants, including four persons with disabilities, representing local government bodies, health workers, women human rights defenders, community leaders, SRHR advocates, and disability rights activists from Dhanusha and Siraha districts.
The program aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of duty bearers and community leaders on disability rights and inclusion, promote understanding of SRHR of persons with disabilities, and enhance inclusive justice practices.
The inauguration session was led by Mr. Dipin Dev Yadav, Chairperson of Janaknandini Rural Municipality, who emphasized the responsibility of local governments to ensure accessible and inclusive services for persons with disabilities. Ms. Meena Paudel introduced NDWA and facilitated sessions on disability rights, disability-inclusive development, and the intersection of gender, disability, and violence. Participants learned about legal frameworks, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017, CRPD, CEDAW, and the SDGs, while discussing barriers faced by persons with disabilities and practical measures to promote inclusion.
On the second day, sessions focused on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of persons with disabilities and inclusive justice practices. Participants explored issues such as informed consent, privacy, accessibility of services, and survivor-centered approaches to addressing gender-based violence. Discussions also highlighted the roles of local governments, health institutions, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders in ensuring equal access to justice and protection.
A pre-test and post-test conducted during the training showed a positive improvement in participants’ knowledge, with the average score increasing from 5.1 to 5.7.
Reflecting on the training, a participant from Karjanha Municipality, Siraha, shared that the sessions helped them better understand the intersection of disability rights and gender-based violence and motivated them to integrate disability inclusion into their future work.
Participants appreciated the relevance of the training and recommended longer sessions, more practical exercises, and greater involvement of persons with disabilities and grassroots stakeholders in future programs. The training concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to promote disability inclusion, protect SRHR, and strengthen access to justice for persons with disabilities in their communities.