Blind Youth Association Nepal, in collaboration with the Family Welfare Division, successfully organized a policy dialogue on Disability Inclusive Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) on April 30th, 2023, at Alfa House Banquet in Buddhanagar, New Baneshwar. The event was attended by more than 70 participants.

During the dialogue, three papers were presented. The first paper, presented by Dr. Baburam Dhungana, the director of the Curriculum Development Center (CDC), focused on the access of young people with disabilities in CSE. He highlighted the situation of children with disabilities, legal provisions, integration of CSE in the school curriculum, gaps and challenges, and the way forward to ensure access for young people with disabilities in CSE.

The second paper, presented by Mrs. Kabita Aryal, the department head of the Family Welfare Division, focused on the access of youths with disabilities in SRHR. She highlighted legal provisions, major achievements in disability-inclusive SRHR, gaps and challenges to ensure disability-inclusive SRHR, and the way forward.

The final paper, presented by Mr. Punya Bhandari, the consultant hired by BYAN to develop a status paper on CSE and young people with disabilities, focused on the status paper on the access of young people with disabilities in CSE.

After the presentation of the papers, representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) shared their concerns and issues, followed by representatives of government agencies who put forth their remarks and commitments. They highlighted potential areas where BYAN/OPDs and government agencies can work collaboratively, while also acknowledging existing structural challenges and gaps to address the issues raised by BYAN and the OPDs.

Mrs. Roshani Devi Karki, the GESI head of the Ministry of Health and Population, gave her closing remarks and vote of thanks. The event was moderated by Mr. Ram Chandra Gaire, the General Secretary of BYAN, and the welcome speech was given by Mrs. Parwati Shrestha, the Secretary of BYAN. Additionally, Mr. Kaladhar Bhandari, the President of BYAN, briefed the attendees on the organization, its ongoing activities, and the major issues faced by children and youths with disabilities in CSE and SRHR. In the event, the representatives of family welfare division (FWD), National Health Education, Information and Communication Center (NHEICC), Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Health and Population, Education and Health Department of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Budhanilkantha and Gokarneshwar Municipality, Bhaktapur Health Office and representatives of CSOs and OPDs were present. 

Overall, the event was a success and provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and address the challenges faced by young people with disabilities in accessing comprehensive sexuality education and sexual and reproductive health and rights.