Nepal Disabled Women Association (NDWA) and Mukti Nepal, under the Sashakta Nyaya Project funded by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), conducted Accessibility and GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion) Audits at six local institutions in Karjanha Municipality, Siraha, and Janaknandani Rural Municipality, Dhanusha, on 11 and 12 September 2026.
The audits aimed to assess the accessibility, inclusiveness, and responsiveness of public facilities and services, particularly for women, girls, and persons with disabilities. The assessment also sought to identify existing barriers and practical opportunities to strengthen disability-inclusive and gender-responsive services at the local level.
The audits were led by Consultant Ramesh Baral, with active participation from municipal engineers, representatives of the Women and Social Development Department, health coordinators, health post in-charges, office assistants, representatives of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and the Project Coordinator.
The following six institutions were assessed:
- Karjanha Municipality Office
- Bhelke Health Post, Karjanha-4
- Phul Kumari Memorial Hospital
- Janaknandani Rural Municipality Office
- Khajuri Health Post, Ward No. 4
- Inarwa Health Post, Ward No. 1
Using an accessibility- and GEDSI-focused assessment approach, the audit team examined potential physical, communication, institutional, and service-related barriers that may affect people’s ability to access and use public services. The process also provided an opportunity to engage directly with local authorities and service providers on practical measures for improving accessibility and inclusion.
The findings will contribute to identifying priority areas for improvement and supporting local institutions to develop more accessible, disability-inclusive, gender-responsive, and equitable public facilities and services.
Through the Sashakta Nyaya Project, NDWA and Mukti Nepal continue to work towards strengthening access to justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and protection from gender-based violence (GBV) for women and girls with disabilities in Madhesh Province.