Beyond the Margins: Empowering Visually Impaired Women Through Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Author: Jalasa Sapkota
Published: 2024/03/20 - Updated: 2024/09/30
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disability Sexuality - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: To address the often neglected needs of visually impaired women, Prayatna Nepal recently conducted a training program focused on comprehensive sexuality education. The training brought together 22 visually impaired women from diverse regions, ensuring an enriching exchange of ideas.
Introduction
In an effort to address the often neglected needs of visually impaired women, Prayatna Nepal, a leading disability rights organization, recently conducted a five-day training program focused on comprehensive sexuality education. Held from March 11 to March 15, 2024, the event aimed to equip visually impaired women from across Nepal with crucial knowledge and skills related to sexuality and reproductive health. By closing the educational and empowerment gap, the program aimed to facilitate informed decision-making and promote autonomy among this marginalized demographic.
Main Item
The training brought together 22 visually impaired women from diverse regions, ensuring an enriching exchange of ideas. Guided by expert facilitators, participants explored a range of topics, starting with fundamental concepts such as sex, gender, sex identity, and sexual orientation. Through interactive sessions and comprehensive sex education, the program provided a holistic understanding of sexuality tailored to the unique experiences of visually impaired women in Nepal.
Acknowledging the pervasive influence of the internet in modern life, a dedicated session addressed the intersection of internet use and sexuality, offering valuable insights into navigating online spaces safely and responsibly. Discussions also covered relevant issues like disability and sexuality, LGBTIQ rights, and the legal landscape surrounding sexuality, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and awareness-raising efforts.
Experienced facilitators, including Ms. Sarita Lamichhane, founder chairperson of Prayatna Nepal and a staunch advocate for disability rights; Dr. Khem Karki, executive director of the National Health Research Council; Mr. Shankar Bhandari, Senior Faculty of "Gender and Politics" and "Project Management" at K&K College, T.U; Ms. Sabita Lamichhane, the secretary of Prayatna Nepal and a nursing instructor; Ms. Jalasa Sapkota, Gender inclusion specialist at International Council of Education for Persons with Vision Impairment and content creator; and Aditya Rai, a disability LGBTIQ+ activist, lent their expertise to guide participants through the sessions, adding depth and efficacy to the training program.
With clear objectives in mind, the training program aimed to enhance knowledge of sexuality and reproductive health, develop practical skills, and strengthen advocacy and awareness. Participants emerged from the program equipped with a heightened understanding of sexuality, improved communication skills, increased confidence in decision-making, and a commitment to combatting stigma and discrimination. As the training drew to a close, participants formulated action plans, signaling their readiness to apply newfound knowledge and skills in their daily lives.
In summing up, comprehensive sexuality education for visually impaired women holds paramount importance, especially in the context of Nepal, where traditional norms and societal attitudes often marginalize this demographic. Given the pervasive societal barriers they face, such as limited access to information and services, compounded by misconceptions and stigma surrounding disability and sexuality, tailored education programs like the one conducted by Prayatna Nepal are not just beneficial but necessary.
In Nepal, as in many other societies, women with visual impairments encounter intersecting forms of discrimination based on both gender and disability, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and exclusion from essential sexual and reproductive health services. By providing comprehensive sexuality education, specifically designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by visually impaired women, initiatives like the one led by Prayatna Nepal play a crucial role in empowering these women to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and relationships. Moreover, such programs ensure a supportive environment where women can openly discuss taboo topics, challenge harmful stereotypes, and advocate for their rights, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and social inclusion.
In Nepal, where progress towards gender equality and disability rights remains uneven, investing in comprehensive sexuality education for visually impaired women is not just a matter of human rights but a strategic imperative for achieving sustainable development and creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
Author Credentials: Jalasa Sapkota is a visually impaired writer, researcher, and advocate for disability inclusion. With a background as a former Research Assistant at Diverse Patterns Limited and now as a Resource Person for the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment's (ICEVI) Gender Equality and Women's Rights Task Group, she has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities. Visit Jalasa's biography for comprehensive insights into her background, expertise, and accomplishments.