Gender Equality (SAMANATA) Project
July 10, 2025Project Introduction
The Disability-Inclusive Development Project, a collaborative effort between the Sunwal Community Development Center, the United Mission to Nepal (UMN) Nawalparasi Cluster, and with financial backing from UMN, aims to help people with disabilities gain their rights and entitlements.
Launched on July 17, 2023 (Shrawan 1, 2080 BS), the project is currently in its first year of operation. A core team of nine staff members is responsible for the project's execution, receiving vital technical support from the UMN Nawalparasi Cluster. The project's activities are implemented through various local structures, including two Palika-level Disability Coordination Committees, two Palika-level Disability Rights Promotion Committees, and fifteen Ward-level Disability Rights Promotion Committees, which together form a network of 190 members.
Additionally, 15 Inclusive Child Clubs and 10 Self-Help Groups are integral to the project's outreach. The project emphasizes strong coordination and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including different organizations, local governments, rural municipalities, ward offices, schools, police stations, District Administration Offices, District Coordination Committees, District Health Offices, elected local representatives (EMs), and community leaders.
Target Participants: The direct participants or primary stakeholders of this project will be:
⦁ Within the diversity of disabilities: individuals with severe disabilities, those with mobility challenges,
⦁ People from disadvantaged backgrounds,
⦁ Individuals with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities,
⦁ People from Dalit communities,
⦁ Those with communication difficulties,
⦁ Single women,
⦁ All women
⦁ Adolescents,
⦁ Senior citizens,
⦁ All children with disabilities.
The Main Activities of the Project
⦁ Provide income generation support, vocational training, and promote market access.
⦁ Raise awareness and build capacity regarding the rights of person with disabilities.
⦁ Empower various local groups and networks through their formation and strengthening.
⦁ Coordinate with the government to ensure policies and regulations are disability-inclusive.
⦁ Conduct various campaigns to increase enrollment rates and support the inclusive educational systems.
⦁ Increase awareness and capacity to improve access to health and rehabilitation services.
⦁ Engage in advocacy, interaction, and awareness-raising activities to remove all barriers, including gender discrimination.
⦁ Coordinate efforts in inclusive disaster management.
The Main Achievement of the project:
⦁ A total of 1,795 individuals attended at least two sessions on harmful traditional practices against women, including gender-based violence
⦁ 24 women shared their stories of becoming free from physical violence by their husbands and in-laws with the support of their groups, and 20 women obtained their citizenship certificates after understanding the importance
⦁ Thirteen couples, sons and daughters of group members, married without exchanging dowries.
⦁ 50 underprivileged girls from marginalised households (Muslim, Dalit, and poor families) received school materials support from the project, which enabled them to attend school regularly and further contributed to reducing dowry practices at the community level
⦁ 150 group members, including community leaders, have publicly pledged and committed to ensuring that their children marry without dowries and promote gender equality
Key Achievements:
⦁ During the project period, 15 ward level disability networks, 12 disability friendly children's clubs, 10 self-reliance groups, 15 ward level disaster management committees and 6 rapid response teams were formed.
⦁ Income generation support to 136 people by providing financial literacy and business plan support training
⦁ Provided Vocational training to 65 persons with disabilities and their families
⦁ Renovation of 11 schools as the disability friendly structure.
⦁ Market research report prepared
⦁ GEDSI policy of Pratappur Ga Pa completed
⦁ 14 PWD got treatment support .
⦁ Under the influence of the program, C and D category disability card has been accepted.
⦁ Distribution of educational materials to 798 children with disabilities and children of PWD
⦁ Enrollment of 19 children with disabilities through school enrollment campaign
⦁ Conducted 15-day Sign language in palinandan and Pratapur RM.
⦁ Autism screening cap completed in which 138 children with disabilities received services.
