Prayatna Nepal is a self-help organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls with visual impairments. It was founded by a diverse group of women, both with and without visual impairments. Five of the seven board members,71% have visual impairments, including the chairperson. By including women with and without disabilities, the organization aims to leverage everyone's unique perspectives to enhance the social, cultural, economic, environmental, and political conditions for women with visual impairments.
The training commenced with welcome remarks by Ms. Jalasa Sapkota, Board member of Prayatna Nepal. She introduced the participants to the training program and provided a brief overview and then shared the objectives of the training. Participants were assigned roles as timekeeper, entertainer, and reporter.
Ms. Pushpa Joshi Lamichhane, Facilitator delved into the session by starting with Sex, Gender, Sexuality, terminologies, Patriarchy, feminism and LGBTIQ+ where she discussed about definitions and distinctions between sex and gender, clarification on key terminologies related to sex, gender and sexuality. Then the session on intersectionality took place through intersectionality exercise on the concept of intersectionality, how one can relate to intersectionality with their own life. Furthermore, concept of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and components of CSE was discussed based on conceptual clarity on CSE, CSE as per ITGSE and discussion on all components of CSE Value clarification on sexuality, sex and gender. A fun filled exercise took place to clarify myths, misconceptions and values related to sex, gender and sexuality.
The second day began with a short recap of the previous day. Then, Ms. Sabita Lamichhane, facilitator started her session on contraceptive devices, Menstrual Health Management (MHM). The first half of the training focused on discussion on reproductive organs, both external and internal, to enhance comprehensive sexual and reproductive health knowledge. Additionally, an accessible SRHR board designed to aid visually impaired individuals in understanding family planning methods was used to demonstrate the concept of contraceptive devices. Participants were provided with contraceptive devices to feel and understand in a clearer way. Further, the session on Menstrual Health Management took place where the discussion on vaginal discharge, importance of maintaining menstrual hygiene, difference between healthy and unhealthy bleeding during menstruation, Pre- Menstruation Syndrome (PMS), menorrhagia, menarche, menopause and the menstrual cycle was done. Ms. Lamichhane also emphasized the importance of proper hygiene and provided insightful information on using various menstrual products. To ensure clarity and understanding, she offered demonstrations on the correct usage of sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups, engaging all participants and helping them gain practical knowledge. At the end of the day, a group work with a presentation was conducted to assess participants' understanding of different family planning devices and their grasp of the day-long session.
The first half of the third day focused on the session on Law and Sexuality. Mr. Maheshwar Ghimire facilitated the session on difference between sex and gender via a variety of lenses, examining how gender roles are built in society. The session explored the law-making process and the powerful stakeholders behind legal provisions. Special emphasis was placed on how state institutions and legal systems tend to reinforce gender biases, perpetuating gender-based discrimination, particularly affecting women across all facets of life. The second half of the session was facilitated by Mr. Aaditya Rai, founder of Rainbow Disability Nepal, an individual from LGBTIQ+ Community living with disability. The session focused on LGBTIQ+ and Sexuality along with Masculinity and Sexuality.
The fourth day began with the recap of the previous day. Ms. Jalasa Sapkota, Facilitator then began her session on internet and sexuality. The session focused on offline and online differentiation with an emphasis on the influence of virtual space on sexuality. It considered Female Sexual Development and Sexual Scripting Theory in virtual space. Internet and Sexuality with Reference to Women was a subject that spoke of body image, consent, and privacy, with specific impact on women's sexual identity by the internet. Empowerment challenges and gender dynamics in virtual spaces were investigated. The Pleasure and Internet session addressed safe use of sexual content and pornography, with an emphasis on privacy features like incognito mode. The participants engaged in rich discussions on pleasure, the internet, and cyber sexual experiences. Safety and Internet Security were emphasized, with privacy settings in apps like WhatsApp being shown. The session emphasized online safety, risk talk, and provision of tools for maintaining privacy. A vocabulary session defined key terms like Women and online space, Sexual Content, Sextortion, Libido, Pornography, Consent, Privacy, Body Image, Orgasm, and Sexting, and their relevance to internet-mediated sexuality.
The session on the second half of the day covered disability and sexuality, including myths about sexual and reproductive health rights of women with disabilities. Ms. Sarita Lamichhane facilitated a discussion on the complex factors of disability, including physical impairment, societal barriers, and functional limitations. International guidelines like the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities came to the fore, with disability categorization regional differences highlighted. The session referred to legal documents like the Articles on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to outline international disability attitude and management differences. Disability and sexuality intersection was explored in a debate format that promoted critical thinking of the social attitude. The participants responded to provocative statements regarding medical control of sexual desire and romantic relationships of people with disabilities. This approach tested assumptions and promoted open discussion to create a more holistic understanding of sexuality in disability environments.
The final training day began with a learning session by Ms. Sarita Lamichhane on disability advocacy and sexuality. She led the participants through the complex concept of advocacy, highlighting its importance in promoting, defending, and championing causes, ideas, or marginalized groups. Ms. Lamichhane explained that advocacy exists in the form of pro-active action from raising awareness to influencing policy changes and social norms. Participants got engaged in practical exercise through crafting concise, impactful one-minute advocacy statements during mentoring with Ms. Lamichhane. She emphasized evidence-based content and accessible action plans for effective advocacy.
The training concluded with reflection and feedback from the participants.
