Advocacy Interaction program among stakeholders on Inclusive education and issues of girls and young women with disabilities in access to technology_Hetauda

16^th January, 2024

Makwanpur, Hetauda

Access Planet Organization in support of the Disability Rights Fund conducted an Advocacy Interaction Program with the provincial stakeholders of Bagmati Province on the issue of inclusive education and access to technology for girls and young women with disabilities. The interaction program was conducted on the 16^th of January at the hall of the Social Development Ministry, Bagmati Province. The program had the presence of 36 participants including government representatives from provincial and local governments from Bagmati Province and Makwanpur district and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). The main aim of the interaction was to highlight the challenges faced by girls and young women with disabilities and gather support from different stakeholders to enhance quality education and technology access.

Objectives:

1. Raise awareness and sensitize stakeholders about challenges faced by girls with disabilities in inclusive education and technology access.
2. Advocate for inclusive policies and gather commitments from provincial stakeholders.
3. Facilitate open dialogue and information sharing for impactful advocacy and effective implementation.

The Access Planet Advocacy Interaction Program in Bagmati Province was jointly moderated by Srijana Dhakal, Vice-president, and Laxmi Nepal, the Executive Director of the organization. Access Planet's presentation outlined challenges faced by girls and young women with disabilities in accessing quality education, emphasizing issues like teaching systems, accommodation problems, and scholarship accessibility. Gopal Prasad Kandel from the Ministry of Social Development highlighted various programs, rights provisions, and efforts in inclusive education. The open interaction featured concerns from educators, disabled individuals, and parents, addressing issues such as disability-friendly infrastructure and lack of scholarships. The manifesto, crafted through workshops, was handed over to government stakeholders, leading to commitments for addressing the highlighted challenges. The closing emphasized the program's role in fostering inclusive education and technology access, paving the way for progress in Bagmati Province.

Output:

1. Obtain commitments from stakeholders for inclusive education and technology access.
2. Increased understanding of challenges faced by girls and young women with disabilities.
3. Commenced dialogue and collaboration among government representatives, advocacy groups, and disability organizations.
4.  Insights gained from participant inquiries, guiding future advocacy efforts.