rights and empowerment of single women with disabilities, successfully conducted a three-day workshop

Description

Pahichan Nepal, an organization dedicated to the rights and empowerment of single women with disabilities, successfully conducted a three-day workshop from March 17-19, 2025, in Kathmandu. The event focused on reviewing national policies, ensuring the inclusion of single women with disabilities, and addressing legal challenges. The workshop, supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), brought together 41 participants from all seven provinces, including representatives from government agencies and advocacy organizations.

The opening session was chaired by Pahichan Nepal’s Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Iksha KC. Honorable Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Indira Rana, graced the event as the chief guest, while distinguished guests included Ms. Sita Adhikari, Under-Secretary of the National Women Commission; Ms. Samikshya Niraula, Chief of the Social Development Department of Kathmandu Metropolitan City; and Mr. Krishna Gahatraj, Program Officer of DRF Nepal. The guests highlighted the importance of policy reforms, advocacy, and collaboration in ensuring the rights of single women with disabilities.

The workshop emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms to include single women with disabilities in Nepal’s legal framework, analyzing national laws and exploring international frameworks like the CRPD, Beijing Platform for Action, and CEDAW. It focused on legal rights, inheritance laws, and gender-based violence, providing participants with essential knowledge and fostering interactive discussions. The workshop resulted in a concrete action plan with advocacy strategies to bridge the gap between policies and real-life impact, ensuring effective engagement with policymakers. Stakeholders committed to ongoing efforts in advocacy, economic empowerment, education, and challenging societal stigmas, with future initiatives focusing on employment opportunities and increased participation in decision-making.