Awareness and Discussion program on Reproductive health and Safe motherhood services for Women with Disabilities at Karnali Province

On 27 February 2025 (Falgun 15,), Federation of Women with Disabilities Nepal (FWDN) organized an "Awareness and Discussion program on Reproductive health and Safe motherhood services for Women with Disabilities at the Surkhet district of Birendranagar, Karnali Province with the support of VSO Nepal and UK International Development.

Program was attended by active government agencies working in the health sector, non-governmental organizations, organizations of people with disabilities (OPDs), Women with disabilities, and stakeholders from the private sector working in health sector. The formal opening session of the program was chaired by the President of the Federation of Women with Disabilities Nepal, Nirmala Dhital, and Honorable Minister of Ministry of Social Development, Mr. Ghanshyam Bhandari, was the chief guest. The special guests were Mr. Nilakantha Khanal, Deputy Mayor of Birendranagar Municipality and Mr. Sakuntala Sapkota, Member of the Provincial Hospital, and Bishnu Prasad Sharma (President of the National Federation of the Disabled, Nepal), and Uday B.C. (Public Health Service Office).

The program discussed the challenges faced by women with disabilities in accessing health services, reproductive health, sexuality, and safe motherhood services. The participants openly discussed their experiences and problems encountered in the service. Program has inspired the stakeholders to take necessary steps in health-related policy reforms, planning, expanding access to health services, and developing disability-friendly inclusive structures.