…then none of us do! On International Women's Day and everyday.
Dear John,
Today marks International Women’s Day. It’s a time to connect with the global sisterhood and shine a spotlight on endemic issues that are holding women back.
In Nepal, as in many cultures, disability has a long history of being associated with sins in a past life.
Women with disabilities are excluded from their communities, from the education system, from healthcare and other vital services. Even basic accessibility and communication can be enormously difficult for women with disabilities, limiting their ability to earn an income and play an active role in society.
Disability is not inability
This week we are raising funds in support of our continued work with Nepal Disabled Women’s Association (NDWA). NDWA is a disability-led organisation that has been serving women and girls with disabilities, and their families, in Nepal for over 25 years.
Women powering women
We recently spoke to NDWA staff member Pamphaj Purkoti (pictured above) a renowned activist for women with disabilities in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. She is heavily involved in the work of two Womankind partners (NDWA, Feminist Dalit Organisation [FEDO]) and the vice president of an organisation called Dalit with Disabilities Nepal.
Pamphaj knows firsthand how her multiple identities, being a Dalit woman with a disability, results in intersecting degrees of discrimination. A concept termed as intersectionality.
“I am from the Dalit community, from a very low-income family. And I was also born with disabilities. If non-disabled women in Nepal already have to struggle to be treated equally, you can imagine how much more difficult it is for women with disabilities.”
Womankind has been supporting Pamphaj to reach women with disabilities with information on their rights, how they can access justice, and support with skills training so they can earn an independent income. She is a trusted friend and confidant of many isolated women with disabilities in the Kavre District of the Kathmandu Valley.
“I will continue to fight against oppression. We have to remember that whilst the policy is there to address the rights of women with disabilities, the intervention and implementation are not. This is why organisations like NDWA have to step in to fill the gaps and ensure the government fulfil its duties.”
Womankind’s project with NDWA is scheduled to end this month but we are determined to continue supporting their vital work.
Pamphaj wants to reach the most marginalised women in the Kavre district of Nepal to let them know they are not alone. Let’s support her to make that happen!
One donation, twice the impact
A group of generous donors have pledged to match every donation made to our International Women’s Day Appeal 2024 pound for pound until the end of March.
This International Women's Day, could you make a donation in support of our continued work with NDWA?
Because until we ALL have equal rights, then none of us do.
With best wishes
Hannah Little
Supporter Care Team Womankind Worldwide
Header image: Laxmi lives in the Kavre district of Nepal with her two daughters who have physical and intellectual disabilities. NDWA has supported Laxmi with training on disability rights and resources so she can earn an income to support her daughters. (Credit: Sajana Shresta)
