CFLI Project Report: Promoting SRHR for Women and Girls with Visual Impairments
Summary
Promoting the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of Women and Girls with Visual Impairments through Orientation, Training, and Advocacy in Schools and Self-Help Groups in Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal – A Project Supported by CFLI-Canada This project focuses on advancing the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women and girls with blindness or visual impairments in Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal. Through orientation programs, specialized training sessions, and advocacy initiatives, the project aims to empower visually impaired women and girls by increasing their access to accurate information, health services, and legal rights related to SRHR.Implemented in collaboration with schools and local Self-Help Groups (SHGs), this initiative addresses the unique challenges faced by blind and visually impaired females in understanding and asserting their SRHR. Activities include awareness-raising workshops, the development of accessible educational materials, and the training of educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders to promote inclusive and respect for the rights of persons with disabilities. This initiative is generously supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), a program of the Government of Canada that supports small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries, aligned with Canada's feminist international assistance policy.
We are pleased to share the results of our recent project, “Promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights of women/girls with blindness at school and Self-Help Groups Through Orientation, Training, and Advocacy in Sudar Paschim Province Nepal,” supported by CFLI-Canada.
Project Highlights:
- Location: Janaki rural municipality and Tikapur municipality, Kailali District, Sudur Pashim Province, Nepal
- Duration: 2023-2024
- Beneficiaries: 1,204 persons with disabilities directly benefited
Key Activities:
- Orientation programs on SRHR at three secondary schools
- Formation and support of six self-help groups for persons with disabilities
- Sensitization workshops for visually impaired girls and child club members
- Fightback/self-defence training for women with disabilities
- Legal literacy programs for self-help group members
- Street dramas to create awareness on sexual and gender-based violence
- Production and distribution of Braille materials on SRHR
Project Outcomes:
- Increased awareness of SRHR issues among visually impaired students and community members
- Enhanced legal literacy and capacity to address sexual and domestic violence
- Improved self-defence skills for women with disabilities
- Greater community engagement in SRHR issues for persons with disabilities
Impact Story:
The report includes a powerful story of Pavitra Chaudhary, a woman with a physical disability who used the knowledge gained from our legal literacy program to improve her life situation significantly.
We invite you to read the full report to learn more about the project’s activities, outcomes, and impact on the lives of visually impaired women and girls in Nepal.
