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As Nepal marks the 34th International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec 3, the national mood feels different from previous years. This is not merely because of the annual observance or another well-phrased slogan. Rather, it is because the country finds itself standing at a political crossroads. The powerful GenZ movement, which erupted with unprecedented energy from streets to social media, has shaken the foundations of Nepal’s traditional political establishment. It has forced long-comfortable leaders to confront voices they could previously ignore. And, as the nation moves toward yet another election cycle, one thing is clearer than ever: Nepal’s democracy cannot mature without confronting the question of inclusion head-on.

This year’s international theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” and Nepal’s national theme focusing on promoting disability-inclusive societies for social advancement offer not only a reminder but a roadmap. They urge us to revisit what inclusion truly means beyond speeches, tokenism or yearly commemorations and to examine how deeply inequality is embedded in our structures.

For more than a decade, Nepal has proudly pointed to its commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which we ratified in 2010, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2017). These frameworks obligate the state to ensure accessibility, non-discrimination, participation and full equality. But the distance between law and lived reality remains wide.

Nepal has made encouraging commitments to universal accessibility, yet many schools, hospitals, municipalities, public buildings and transportation systems are still working toward meeting these goals. Although policies emphasize equal participation, disability-related decisions often include limited input from persons with disabilities. And while data collection and inclusive budgeting are required in principle, many people with disabilities still remain overlooked and not fully reached in practice

A wake-up call

The GenZ movement has challenged stagnation across all sectors; politics, governance, media and social norms. Its demands for transparency, accountability and equal opportunity resonate strongly with the disability community. After all, people with disabilities have long been demanding these very things: transparent service delivery, accessible infrastructures, fair representation, and an end to systemic neglect.

GenZ’s insistence on structural change naturally aligns with disability rights. However, the movement itself must also evolve. Many of its loudest voices come from urban youth without disabilities. The movement has an opportunity and responsibility to expand its platform to include disability justice at its core. If GenZ wishes to redefine Nepal’s political culture, it must champion a future where all bodies, minds and identities have the space and support to participate fully.

It is also important to recognize that disability itself is diverse; encompassing physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual and multiple disabilities. In Nepal, this diversity is represented through the National Federation of the Disabled Nepal (NFDN), the umbrella organization advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities across all provinces. Any political or social movement that seeks true inclusion must engage with this diversity and the institutions that represent it.

As political parties prepare their manifestos, the usual clichés will reappear: development, roads, jobs, digital transformation. Yet the real question is: Will disability inclusion be positioned as a fundamental development priority? Here are key commitments that must define the coming election agenda:

1. Universal accessibility: Public buildings, schools, health centers, transport, digital platforms and polling stations must meet accessibility standards. Accessibility is not charity; it is a human right.

2. Representation and leadership: Persons with disabilities must have meaningful representation in local and federal bodies, not merely through reserved seats but through open, competitive leadership roles.

3. Inclusive education and employment: From early childhood education to university systems, Nepal must dismantle structural barriers. Employment quotas must be enforced with accountability, incentives and penalties.

4. Data, budgeting and policy execution: Without accurate disability-disaggregated data, planning is impossible. Budget allocations must be transparent and measurable, with civil society oversight.

5. Assistive technology and digital inclusion: With Nepal’s rapid digitalization, accessible digital services—screen-reader-friendly platforms, accessible government websites, sign-language-integrated public communication—must become non-negotiable.

6. Health and community-based support: Holistic support services, mental health care, rehabilitation, personal assistance, sign language interpretation and community-based rehabilitation must be strengthened nationwide.

The shift Nepal must embrace

Culturally, disability has long been seen through the lens of pity or charity; individual suffering to be consoled rather than societal barriers to be dismantled. This mindset continues to influence policies, media portrayals, and even our education systems. The UNCRPD demands a shift away from this outdated charity model toward a rights-based understanding that recognizes people with disabilities as holders of equal rights, agency, and autonomy.

This shift is not theoretical. It requires language that respects dignity, media that portrays disability accurately, institutions designed with accessibility in mind, an economy that recognizes diverse abilities and policymaking processes that include persons with disabilities from the start.

Diversity as national strength

When we talk about disability, we are ultimately talking about human diversity. Disability is not an exception; it is a natural part of human life. Anyone can enter the disability community at any stage through illness, accident, age or circumstance. Designing society to be inclusive of disability is, therefore, designing a society for everyone.

Wheelchair ramps help parents with strollers. Clear signage helps tourists. Easy-to-read communication helps children and older adults. Sign language interpretation enriches public communication for all. Accessibility benefits the entire population; it is a universal good.

A moment we must not waste

This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities comes at a moment when Nepal is rethinking its political culture, its priorities and its vision for the future. With young citizens demanding accountability and elections on the horizon, we have a chance to realign our national direction. If Nepal chooses to take disability inclusion seriously, not as a ceremonial gesture but as a structural commitment, the rewards will be transformative. 

Nepal now stands before a choice: will we continue to write progressive laws without implementing them or will we finally build a country where every citizen, regardless of body, mind or background, can participate fully in shaping our shared future?

As we mark this day, let us reaffirm that social progress is impossible without disability inclusion, and that democracy loses its meaning when even a single citizen is left behind.

The author is a communication for development professional with over a decade of experience across South Asia

Mustard Flowers Blanket Kaflethok

Kaflethok, a serene village in NamobuddhaMunicipality–4 of Kavrepalanchok district, is currently basking in the golden glow of blooming mustard flowers. Located about 50 kilometers east of Kathmandu, the village’s terraced fields are covered in vibrant yellow blossoms that make the land look as if it were sprinkled with gold.

Just a 15 to 20-minute walk from the BP Highway’s Bhakundebesi, a local market, Kaflethok is an emerging rural destination rich in natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. With green hills, open skies, and views of distant mountain ranges, the village has strong potential for eco and agro-tourism.

Though mustard farming began here only about two decades ago, locals say most households now produce enough mustard to extract oil that lasts their families an entire year. “Our homegrown mustard oil tastes better than store-bought oil and is much healthier too,” shared one local farmer.

The village’s main crops include maize, paddy, and wheat. Late August to early September is typically the time when mustard seeds are harvested. While agriculture and livestock remain the primary occupations, many of the village’s youth have moved to Kathmandu for education and employment. A significant number also have experience working abroad.

Kaflethok is also known for its religious significance. For the past 45 years, an uninterrupted Hare Ram Hare KrishnaBhajan (devotional singing) has echoed from a temple at the heart of the village. The sound of prayers and traditional instruments during morning and evening hours creates a tranquil atmosphere. On occasions like the new moon, full moon, and other religious festivals, the temple sees a steady flow of devotees.

Musical traditions associated with the temple, such as the morning "Prabhati" melodies, Malshree tunes during Dashain, and Holi during the spring festival are cherished cultural treasures of the village. With active youth participation in these traditions, the community is hopeful about preserving this heritage for generations to come.

Kaflethok is home to around 130 households, predominantly of the Kafle surname, along with families from Gairapipli, Aryal, Neupane, Adhikari, Giri, Karki, Mainali and Bhujel communities. Most families follow a vegetarian lifestyle and embrace a simple, spiritual way of living.

Understanding road safety involves more than just following traffic rules; it signifies a profound commitment to saving lives, protecting families, supporting economic growth, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This broader perspective emphasizes the positive impact that prioritizing road safety can have on the society as a whole. The sobering reality, highlighted by the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023, indicates a slight decrease in annual road traffic deaths to 1.19m. This suggests that ongoing efforts to enhance road safety are yielding results, emphasizing the potential for significant reductions in fatalities through the application of proven measures. Notably, road crashes stand as the primary cause of death among children and young adults aged five to 29, with vulnerable road users constituting more than half of global road traffic fatalities.

Despite endeavors to improve road safety, the toll of mobility remains disproportionately high, particularly among pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Road crashes not only pose a human tragedy and a major public health concern but also impose substantial socioeconomic burdens, especially on impoverished communities. Collective economic costs of road traffic fatalities and injuries in LMICs range from two to six percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). In response to this pressing reality, the UN General Assembly initiated the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, urging governments, organizations and individuals to prioritize road safety measures.

Toward safer roads

Through awareness drives and policy reforms, Nepal is striving to cultivate a more responsible and conscientious approach to road usage. In 2022, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport published a 

‘Nepal Road Safety Action Plan (2021-2030)’, reflecting concerted efforts to address road safety issues. Activities of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office like the ‘Traffic Awareness Special Campaign-2081’ exemplify this commitment. The focal ministry of road safety is the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, which collaborates with various ministries such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, and the Ministry of Health and Population. Among them, the home ministry has played a pivotal role in spearheading enforcement initiatives to enhance road safety. The ‘Traffic Awareness Special Campaign-2081’, launched in April, aimed to cultivate a more civilized road culture through heightened awareness among the public. Furthermore, the ministry has announced plans for special operations geared toward enhancing the reliability and safety of public transportation.

Helmet safety and beyond

Helmet use is mandatory for both riders and pillion riders according to the Vehicle and Transport Management Act 2049 BS. Ensuring road safety involves various elements, but prioritizing low-cost, high-yield enforcement measures is crucial. Among these interventions, helmet safety stands out as paramount, especially considering that motorcycles account for over 80 percent of vehicles and pose the highest risk on the roads. The importance of wearing helmets, particularly for bikers and pillion-riders, cannot be overstated. Head trauma remains a leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents, yet quality helmets can significantly reduce the risk of fatalities by over six times and decrease the likelihood of brain injuries by up to 74 percent.

The dedication of Nepal Police in enforcing helmet safety regulations is admirable, despite resource constraints. However, effective enforcement requires strong support from various stakeholders, including the home ministry, health ministry, civil society organizations, professional networks and development partners.

Global efforts

Road safety is not solely a concern for Nepal; it’s a global imperative. According to WHO, the majority of road traffic fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries, with the highest fatality rates observed among low-income countries, at 21 deaths per 100,000 population. This underscores the urgent need for international cooperation and solidarity. Road crashes have caused immense loss of human lives and hindered economic growth and sustainable development in Nepal. The number of casualties from road crashes has surged from 1,131 in 2008 to 2,789 in 2018, marking a staggering increase of 146.6 percent. The economic toll of road traffic injuries, with treatment costs and loss of productivity, amounts to an estimated three percent of annual GDP for many countries.

For instance, Nepal can draw valuable lessons from Thailand’s approach to post-crash care management. Under the Ministry of Interior’s National Directing Center for Road Safety, alongside the Ministry of Public Health and other road safety foundations, Thailand has implemented key activities to reduce its fatality burden, including leadership and networking, data integration and policy advocacy, and strengthening post-crash response.

Key change agents

The state of road safety in Nepal faces numerous challenges, with one of the primary issues being the limited capacity of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) to serve as the lead agency for road safety, crucial for implementing the National Road Safety Action Plan (NRSAP 2021-2030). NRSC serves as the central coordinating body with the aim of reducing accidents and promoting safer roads nationwide. Its primary function is to foster coordination among various agencies and spearhead the implementation of safety measures. Also, the Road Safety Society Nepal, is dedicated to fostering a safe driving culture across the country. As a national nonprofit organization, it plays a vital role in facilitating the development of effective road safety practices through a range of initiatives. However, there is a pressing need for further innovative and participatory engagements to amplify its impact.

Encouragingly, private sector entities like Pathao and InDrive, tech startups revolutionizing transportation in Nepal, have begun integrating helmet safety into their policies and services. While these efforts are worthy, there is room for improvement. These companies have the opportunity to lead by example and prioritize passenger safety, particularly through the consistent use of helmets.

Views are personal