EMPOWERING VISUALLY IMPAIRED WOMEN/GIRLS IN NEPAL

Dear Friend,

Together For Nepal (TFN) likes to inform you that the current project is coming to a close.

At this moment, we are pleased to submit this final project report, which was primarily focused on empowering visually impaired women and girls through practical life-skills support, hygiene assistance, and other learning programs. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the donor for the generous financial contribution and encouragement that made this small initiative possible.

Over the last two years, with your generous support, TFN successfully conducted one day programs on four different dates at four institutions/centers: - SS Music School, Spinal Cord Injury Network (SCIN) Center, Nepal Disabled Women Association Hostel & Nepal Association of Blind Girls' Hostel from Kathmandu valley directly benefitting 94 persons with disabilities (PWDs). These 94 PWDs are from almost all geographical parts of Nepal.

The program consisted of delivering half day training followed by distribution of hygine KITs and having modest lunch together.

The project was developed around the idea of promoting essential skills for independence, confidence, dignity, and overall well-being among visually impaired women and girls—yet we also covered other PWDs as it was felt necessary.

The training sessions covered practical and relevant topics such as daily life management, improving communication skills, safe mobility and navigation, emotional well-being, personal care, and physical wellness. These discussions created a supportive learning environment where participants could openly share experiences, challenges, and coping strategies.

One of the strongest aspects of the project was the involvement of resource persons from the visually impaired community themselves. The sessions were facilitated by two dedicated disability rights advocates—Mr. Adhikari and Ms. Bhattarai—both of whom are fully visually impaired. Their firsthand experiences, leadership, and practical insights made the sessions highly relatable, inspiring, and meaningful for the participants. Their presence encouraged open interaction and helped build confidence among the trainees.

Originally, the concept was designed as a three-day program for each center. However, due to various practical limitations and the desire to reach more beneficiaries with the available resources, the format was modified into intensive one-day programs.

The feminine hygiene packs distributed to women included essential items such as shower soap, laundry soap, reusable cloth-based sanitary pads, comb, towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and nail clippers. Hygiene packs for male PWD participants (total 21) were also distributed to promote personal care and dignity.

The project demonstrated that even small-scale interventions can make a meaningful impact when designed with dignity, participation, and community leadership at the center. Participants expressed appreciation for the practical knowledge, peer connection, and hygiene support provided through the program.

A total of US$ 1,182 was raised and fully utilized for direct program implementation. Together For Nepal team voluntarily contributed significant non-financial support including staff time, transportation, packaging of hygiene kits, purchasing of materials, coordination, outreach, and overall program management. No administrative overhead was charged to the project. The remaining fund to be disbursed (US$ 175.70) will be used to adjust with bank deduction & social welfare council regulation fee (Nepal Govt). There will be still remaining of roughly US$ 50 after that which we like to pay to Ms. Bhattarai who worked as a resource person.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our donor for the financial support, trust, and partnership. Your contribution made a genuine difference in the lives of many participants and encouraged greater inclusion and confidence within the disability community.

With the completion of these activities, this project will now be formally concluded. However, the lessons learned and relationships built through this initiative will help shape future projects and improvements. TFN hopes to develop and implement a new initiative in the near future based on the experiences gained from this program.

Thank you once again for your valuable support and solidarity.