A young Nepali woman in a bright yellow dress smiles, sitting in front of a sewing machine

In Nepal: young people are forming Deafblind Youth Networks

In Nepal, against a challenging political environment young people are forming youth-led organisations to advocate for disability rights and call for representation.

A young adult Nepali man wearing a green fleece stands arm in arm with two young Nepali women
Young people with deafblindness in Nepal are forming youth groups for advocate for disability rights

For several years, Sense International’s partner organisation the National Federation of the Deaf Nepal (NDFN) has been working with youth under the umbrella of Deafblind Associations in Nepal, They have received training in disability rights, advocacy, leadership, and self-advocacy, equipping them to raise their voices, claim their rights, and lead change. Now, these young people are leading change for themselves, through the formation of a Deafblind Youth Network.

Initially, the network was informal, primarily operating online, with occasional meetings at NDFN’s trainings and workshops. More recently, Sense International have been supporting their formal registration at the local level under the name Deafblind Association, predominantly led by youth from Morang. There are now new wings undergoing registration in and Kathmandu and in Rupandehi, with the latter under the leadership of President Rekha.

Rekha’s Story

A young adult Nepali woman wearing a bright yellow dress holds a pink dress, looking at a woman dressed in white
Rekha with her sign language interpreter

Rekha’s sight and hearing both began to decline at the age of 11 due to nerve damage. Teachers and classmates didn’t understand her needs; she was punished for being unable to complete work she couldn’t see, and shunned from education. Despite setbacks, Rekha was determined to stay connected; she learned Nepali sign language, lip-reading, and tactile communication skills, and continued to teach herself to sew through Youtube videos.

Rekha developed confidence as she engaged with the Deafblind Association and disability rights networks. Now she participates in local programs, connects with national and international platforms, and advocates for inclusive policies., whilst also running a sewing business and a social media channel.

Rekha’s story is a symbol of the growing leadership among youth with deafblindness in Nepal. With the right support, recognition, and tools, they are not just surviving but leading—and transforming the narrative for the entire deafblind community.

“People used to say I was useless and would never be able to do anything. Now they see me differently. I feel proud of who I have become.”

Rekha, President of the Deafblind Association Nepal – Rupandehi Branch

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