Political Participation and Civic Engagement

An inclusive democracy is only possible when every citizen has an equal opportunity to participate in political and civic processes. However, persons with disabilities often face barriers that prevent them from fully engaging in political life, whether due to inaccessible voting systems, a lack of representation, or limited awareness among decision-makers. At Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), we work to break these barriers and ensure that persons with disabilities can actively participate in politics, exercise their voting rights, and contribute to governance and decision-making processes.

Our Approach

We focus on capacity-building, mentorship, advocacy, and awareness to empower young persons with disabilities to engage in civic and political activities. Through training programs, policy dialogue, and collaborations with stakeholders, we aim to create an electoral system that is accessible and inclusive.

Our Key Interventions

• Enhancing Civic and Political Engagement: We provide training to young persons with disabilities on political participation, civic engagement, and understanding electoral systems to empower them as informed voters and future leaders.
• Mentorship for Political Involvement: We offer mentorship support to youth with disabilities who aspire to enter mainstream politics, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the political landscape.
• Engaging with Political Leaders and Stakeholders: We facilitate dialogues with political leaders, decision-makers, and stakeholders to promote policies that support the political rights of persons with disabilities.
• Voter Education and Electoral Campaigns: We conduct voter education programs and campaigns to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to information about the electoral process and their voting rights.
• Advocating for Policy Change: We engage with government agencies, election commissions, and policymakers to push for disability-inclusive electoral policies and their effective implementation.
• Sensitizing Political Leaders and Election Officials: We work to increase awareness among members of parliament, political leaders, and election commission officials about the importance of accessibility and inclusion in electoral systems.

Our Impact

Our efforts have led to increased participation of persons with disabilities in elections, greater awareness among political leaders, and tangible improvements in accessibility within the electoral process. By continuing to advocate for systemic changes, we are ensuring that persons with disabilities are not just passive observers but active contributors to democracy.

True democracy is inclusive, and we are committed to making political spaces accessible to all.