On 30 July 2025, Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), in collaboration with Right Here Right Now, organized a Training on Digital Accessibility at Alfa House, Baneshwor. The session was facilitated by Mr. Sagar Prasai, Director of Diverse Patterns, with participation from officials representing various divisions under the Ministry of Health and Population and Department of Health Services.
The training introduced participants to the principles of digital accessibility (POUR: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust) and demonstrated how persons with disabilities navigate digital environments using assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard navigation. Through a mix of presentations, live demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, participants explored ways to make websites, documents, and social media content more accessible.
The event emphasized the importance of inclusive digital platforms in public communication and service delivery, encouraging government stakeholders to integrate accessibility into Nepal’s digital transformation strategies. Participants left with enhanced knowledge, strengthened technical skills, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that digital spaces are inclusive and usable for all.
On 14 August 2025, YUWA and Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), with support from Right Here Right Now, organized a Policy Discourse on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) at Hotel Royal Singi, Kathmandu. Nearly 70 stakeholders participated, including government representatives, academia, teacher networks, youth-led organizations, and civil society.
The discourse provided a collaborative platform to reflect on the status of CSE in Nepal, identify institutional and implementation gaps, and explore strategies for inclusive, age-appropriate, and sustainable CSE delivery.
Key highlights included a thematic presentation by Prof. Bhagwan Aryal of Tribhuvan University on the history and future of CSE in Nepal, followed by a panel discussion with representatives from CDC, CEHRD, UNFPA, TU, and the Nursing and Social Security Division. Discussions emphasized:
- The gap between progressive policies and weak implementation.
- The urgent need for teacher training and pedagogy reform.
- Ensuring disability inclusion, mental health, and gender sensitivity within CSE.
- Strengthening coordination across federal, provincial, and local levels.
Participants collectively recommended mainstreaming CSE across the curriculum, integrating it into pre-service and in-service teacher training, and fostering whole-school and community approaches to overcome stigma and cultural barriers.
The event concluded with a strong call for government ownership, inclusive approaches, and stronger collaboration among ministries, teacher networks, youth groups, CSOs, and development partners. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to institutionalizing CSE so that all young people in Nepal—especially those from marginalized groups—can access evidence-based, rights-affirming, and inclusive sexuality education.
On 15 August 2025, Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) and YUWA organized a Sustainability Meeting on Youth and SRHR Movement at Square Hotel, Pulchowk. The event brought together government representatives, CSOs, OPDs, youth networks, UN agencies, and development partners to reflect on the achievements of the Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2) platform and discuss ways to sustain its impact.
The program featured presentations from YUWA and BYAN, showcasing their work on youth empowerment, inclusive SRHR education, policy advocacy, and the development of disability-friendly resources. A panel discussion with youth leaders and experts highlighted personal journeys, lessons learned, and strategies to move beyond project-based efforts toward a sustainable, movement-oriented approach.
Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration, resource optimization, inclusivity, and government accountability to ensure the progress of youth-led SRHR advocacy continues. The event concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and keep marginalized young people at the center of Nepal’s SRHR agenda.
On 8 August 2025, Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) organized a Post-Global Disability Summit (GDS) sharing session, bringing together government representatives, CSOs, OPDs, INGOs, and other key stakeholders to reflect on the outcomes and commitments from the summit.
The event highlighted international frameworks and mechanisms, including the GDS, and provided a platform for BYAN to share its key learnings, experiences, and commitments made during the summit. Participants discussed strategies to translate global pledges into actionable initiatives in Nepal, focusing on advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities across sectors.
Various stakeholders reaffirmed their dedication to upholding the GDS pledges and emphasized the importance of collaboration between government bodies, civil society, and disability organizations to ensure sustainable progress toward a more inclusive society.
The Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin brought together global leaders, OPDs, and advocates to push forward disability-inclusive development. BYAN proudly represented Nepal, highlighting our youth-led initiatives in inclusive education, SRHR, and political participation. Our team actively participated in side events, consultations, and high-level dialogues, while our exhibition booth attracted over 1000 visitors with innovative, accessible materials.
From contributing to the Youth Call to Action, presenting in global forums, to advocating for the Amman-Berlin Declaration, BYAN reinforced the importance of grassroots voices in global policy discussions. The summit became a platform to share our work, build international networks, and reaffirm our commitment to inclusive development led by and for young persons with disabilities.
Follow this link for more → https://byanepal.org/resources/global-disability-summit-gds-2025-byans-participation-contributions-and-reflections/
Follow us on Social Media to know more → https://www.facebook.com/blindyouthnepal https://www.instagram.com/blindyouthinnepal/
As part of the First Deafblind International Asia Regional Conference, we proudly release our Call to Action on advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for individuals with deafblindness. This Call to Action highlights the urgent need for inclusive policies, accessible education, and strengthened healthcare services to ensure that individuals with deafblindness can fully exercise their rights to SRHR.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Policy & Legal Reforms – Inclusive SRHR policies and laws.
- Inclusive CSE – Accessible curricula and support materials.
- SRHR Services – Accessible and tailored healthcare services.
- Advocacy & Awareness – Challenging stigma and promoting participation.
- Monitoring & Accountability – Tracking progress and ensuring implementation.
This Call to Action serves as a roadmap for governments, policymakers, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations to create a world where individuals with deafblindness enjoy their full SRHR rights.
📥 Read the full Call to Action here: https://www.byanepal.org/resources/%f0%9f%93%a2-call-to-action-advancing-srhr-for-individuals-with-deafblindness-in-asia/
Let’s act now to break barriers and ensure no one is left behind in achieving SRHR for all.
#SRHRForAll #DeafblindRights #InclusiveHealth #CallToAction
The Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) conducted its annual Social Audit on 29th December, facilitated by auditor Mr. Prasidhda Neupane. The event brought together over 45 participants from diverse organizations, including Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), UN agencies, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations. This platform promoted transparency, accountability, and community engagement, allowing stakeholders to review BYAN's achievements, challenges, and overall performance throughout the year. Key accomplishments and financial updates were presented, followed by discussions and feedback from members, partners, and beneficiaries. This initiative underscores BYAN's commitment to fostering trust, inclusivity, and effective program implementation.