EMPOWERING VISUALLY IMPAIRED WOMEN/GIRLS IN NEPAL

LIGHTING THE PATH: LIFE SKILLS TRAINING FOR YOUNG WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES

On April 8th, Together For Nepal(TFN) had the joy of hosting a powerful one-day workshop entitled "Building Life Skills" for a diverse group of young women with disabilities—including those who are physically, visually, and hearing impaired. These remarkable women currently live at the Nepal Disabled Women Association Hostel in Budanilkantha, (North) Kathmandu—a safe space for women students from all over the country pursuing higher education in Kathmandu.

In addition to the training, TFN handed out 17 thoughtfully assembled feminine hygiene kits, featuring reusable cloth sanitary pads and other everyday essentials, i.e. bathing & laundry soaps, toothpaste & toothbrush, comb, towel, nail trimmer etc. We also sponsored a warm, modest lunch, creating space for connection and conversation.

The workshop focused on building practical and emotional resilience through four key areas:

1. Getting Around Safely: Tips and tools for independent movement, such as using white canes, navigating with smartphone apps, and building spatial awareness.
2. Daily Life Management: Simple strategies for self-care—like meal prep, personal hygiene, keeping things organized, and dressing confidently.
3. Better Communication: Helping participants express themselves clearly and use assistive technology to read, write, and stay connected.
4. Emotional & Social Wellness: Through role-playing and group chats, we explored self-worth, managing stress, and building stronger relationships.

While this training was just for a day, we hope its impact will go far beyond the classroom- as the tools and confidence gained can be stepping stones toward greater independence, academic progress, and future career growth.

We believe that when young women like these are empowered, they don’t just grow—they inspire others. We sincerely hope such training creates a ripple effect, where knowledge is passed on and communities become more inclusive, supportive, and compassionate toward people with disabilities. We believe our program nurtured inner strength—fostering pride, courage, and a sense of belonging

The sessions were led by two incredible disability rights advocates—Mr. Basudev Adhikari and Ms. Prasikchya Bhattarai—both of whom are fully visually impaired and brought firsthand insight, energy, and leadership that truly resonated with everyone in the room.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing supporters for making this moment possible. More similar trainings & support initiatives are on the horizon.

If this story moved you, please share it with your friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can help open more doors for girls and women with disabilities across Nepal.