From Isolation to Leadership: Meera's Journey

Meera, a 32-year-old woman with a physical disability from a rural village in Bagmati Province, never imagined she would become a community leader and advocate for women with disabilities. Her transformation from isolation to leadership is a testament to the power of empowerment programs and community support.

The Beginning

Growing up in a remote village, Meera faced multiple barriers. Her family struggled to accept her disability, and she was often kept hidden from the community. Access to education was limited, and opportunities for social participation were non-existent. Like many women with disabilities in Nepal, Meera felt invisible and powerless.

• Limited access to education and healthcare
• Social isolation and stigma
• Lack of economic opportunities
• No voice in community decision-making

Finding NDWA

In 2023, Meera learned about NDWA's empowerment program through a community outreach event. Initially hesitant, she decided to attend a workshop on rights awareness. This decision would change her life forever.

First Steps

At the workshop, Meera met other women with disabilities who shared similar experiences. For the first time, she realized she was not alone. The program facilitators taught her about her rights, how to advocate for herself, and how to participate in community activities.

Building Skills

Over the next year, Meera participated in multiple NDWA programs including leadership training, advocacy workshops, and economic empowerment initiatives. She learned public speaking, community organizing, and how to engage with local government officials.

The Transformation

With newfound confidence and skills, Meera began speaking up in her community. She organized a local support group for women with disabilities and started advocating for accessible infrastructure in her village. Her efforts led to the construction of wheelchair ramps at the local health post and school.

Becoming a Leader

Today, Meera serves as the president of her district's Women with Disabilities Association. She has successfully advocated for the inclusion of disability issues in local development plans and has helped over 50 women with disabilities access education and employment opportunities.

Impact and Inspiration

Meera's story is not unique. Through NDWA's programs, hundreds of women with disabilities have transformed their lives and communities. Her journey demonstrates that with the right support, women with disabilities can overcome barriers and become powerful agents of change.