Empower disabled women: Experts

Kathmandu, July 6:

Disabled women make up six per cent of the total population, but there is no policy regarding their welfare, experts said today.

At an interaction organised by the Nepal Disabled Women’s Association (NDWA) and the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), they sought a new policy for the welfare of disabled women. “Women with disabilities are exploited and humiliated in our country due to the absence of a policy meant for their welfare,” said NDWA secretary Rama Dhakal. “The state should take steps to safeguard the rights of the disabled.”

The NDWA has demanded 25 per cent reservation in the private and government offices and 50 per cent discounts in the transportation fares and reservation, he said.

Ananta Luitel, senior programme officer of the UNIFEM, said: “Unless budget is earmarked for women, they will remain deprived of their share of privileges. Policies should be drafted keeping in mind the plight of women at the lower rung of the society.” “Women as a whole, and not only disabled women, are being discriminated against.”