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In the pursuit of global gender equality and women’s empowerment, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform for Action stand as pivotal achievements

As we delve deeper, however, a critical gap emerges: These frameworks, while commendable, fall short in addressing the distinct challenges faced by women with disabilities. Amid the progress catalyzed by CEDAW and the Beijing Platform, the intricate intersection of gender and disability remains insufficiently attended to. This article unveils the persistent discrimination afflicting women with disabilities, shedding light on the limitations of these foundational documents and advocating fervently for a more comprehensive, inclusive, and intersectional approach.

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 18 Dec 1979, has been an international treaty since 3 Sept 1981. However, its 30 articles lack explicit provisions addressing disability-related concerns, despite core principles of non-discrimination and equality. The Beijing Platform for Action outlines 12 critical areas of concern, each with a comprehensive diagnostic assessment and strategic objectives. This framework serves as a roadmap to address gender equality obstacles but falls short in providing explicit provisions for women with disabilities within these areas.

Identifying the gaps

The identification of gaps within these frameworks reveals several key areas where inclusivity and intersectionality fall short. While these foundational documents prioritize the advancement of gender equality, they often overlook the intricate intersections that shape the experiences of women living with disabilities. While Article 14 of CEDAW acknowledges the unique challenges faced by rural women and Article 6 addresses critical issues such as trafficking and exploitation, the concerns specific to women with disabilities are notably absent.

The shortcomings of inclusivity become even more apparent when considering the Beijing Platform for Action. This comprehensive blueprint for women’s empowerment across diverse spheres unfortunately sidelines the concerns of women with disabilities. This exclusion significantly hinders their potential and reinforces their marginalization, impeding the realization of their aspirations.

Despite the emphasis within CEDAW on combating violence against women, a crucial oversight occurs regarding women with disabilities. Their heightened vulnerability and reliance on others often render them more susceptible to various forms of abuse. Additionally, the lack of accessible support services exacerbates their exclusion from protective measures, deepening the divide between them and their peers.

The issue of access to education and employment opportunities is another area where the two frameworks fall short. Both documents emphasize the importance of education and economic empowerment, yet they fail to address the myriad barriers obstructing the path for women with disabilities. The absence of accessible facilities, discriminatory practices and inadequate accommodations significantly hinder their educational and employment pursuits.

Furthermore, the critical matter of reproductive and sexual health services receives insufficient attention within both frameworks, particularly concerning women with disabilities. The limited discussion of these services restricts their autonomy and overall well-being, as they are denied the comprehensive care necessary to make informed choices about their bodies and lives.

Addressing the gaps

To create a more inclusive and equitable framework, several key actions are imperative. Firstly, there is a need to amend existing international frameworks, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform for Action. These revisions should explicitly encompass disability-related concerns within their scope.

Secondly, a comprehensive approach demands an intersectional analysis. This entails thorough research and data collection that accurately capture the multifaceted experiences of women with disabilities. Such information is essential for shaping well-informed policy choices and tailoring strategies that cater to the diverse challenges these women face.

Moreover, inclusive participation stands as a cornerstone. Active and meaningful involvement of women with disabilities in the processes of policy formulation, implementation, and assessment is paramount. Their valuable insights are indispensable in the creation of solutions that truly address their needs and experiences.

Equipping officials and organizations with the requisite knowledge is the fourth crucial step. Capacity-building initiatives should be established to enhance their understanding of the intricate interplay between gender and disability. This heightened awareness will contribute to the development of policies and programs that foster inclusivity and address the complexities of this intersection.

The establishment of a robust system for data collection and monitoring is also essential. By tracking the experiences of women with disabilities, progress can be measured, and areas requiring specific attention identified.

Finally, adequate resource allocation is pivotal. Sufficient funding must be directed toward initiatives that concentrate on women with disabilities. This support is instrumental in facilitating research, developing programs, and providing services that effectively tackle the unique challenges arising at the juncture of gender and disability.

To sum up, while CEDAW and the Beijing Platform for Action have paved the way for gender equality advancements, they fall short in addressing challenges faced by women with disabilities. Moving forward, a united international community must commit to transformative change. Revising and revitalizing CEDAW and the Beijing Platform for Action to embrace diversity is paramount. These frameworks should not just reflect aspirations but champion rights, amplify voices, and celebrate achievements.

The author is a writer, researcher and disability rights activist

Our estimate is that about 20,000 people have contracted dengue in the country so far this year and a majority of them are from Koshi Province. Almost half of the total patients reside in Sunsari district. The number of dengue patients in the Kathmandu valley is relatively small compared to other districts.

The government has an annual action plan and strategies to deal with outbreaks. Dengue outbreaks typically occur during the June-November period. For prevention and control, the government has accorded top priority to destruction of the mosquitoes’ breeding grounds. Regional and provincial administrations are working hard to raise awareness on dengue. The good news from Dharan (Sunsari district) is that the number of dengue patients has gone down significantly. 

For the next two months, the country remains susceptible. Stakeholders should join forces with the Ministry of Health and Population as well as with other parties to combat dengue.

The author is Chief at Vector-borne Disease Control Section, Epidemiology and Disease Control Division

The situation in Dharan is volatile at present. A simmering discontent over the naming of Koshi province is also behind it. In a situation like this, brute force does not work nor does logic alone. The majority community should show magnanimity, it should exercise restraint. The situation also calls for a wise use of social media. Rumor-mongering and posting materials related to disturbing incidents won’t help. 

Certain vested interests—both within the national borders and beyond—are trying to use this volatility to their advantage, including for political gains, by stoking religious sentiments.     

The major onus is on the Nepali state itself to dissipate the situation; mainstream political parties and communities should do their bit to restore normalcy. The parties should help in the state’s efforts to bring back normalcy by mobilizing their cadres. Appeals from the PM and other parties for calm are welcome. All sides should work together for peace.  

The author is an historic socialist associated with Martin Chautari

Five-year-old Reeyaz Pudasaini embodies a generation absorbed in virtual realms. His leisure hours are dominated by mobile games, a habit spanning several years. Struggling academically and frequently embroiled in conflicts, he has become a recluse, avoiding any companionship. “I am comfortable alone,” he shares. “I get mad whenever my parents or siblings bother me.”

The allure of digital victories on mobile games has consumed him, replacing human connections. His digital addiction has blurred the line between reality and the virtual world.  Recognizing the seriousness of his behavior, a school counselor is trying to help Reeyaz adjust his attitude and make him more sociable. These days, he is taking up guitar and swimming lessons.

The story of Reeyaz is far from unique, with a prevailing trend seen across the country.  A parallel narrative emerges through Arika Dahal's story. Obsessed with online appearance and popularity, the twelve-year-old began contemplating cosmetic surgery to fix her nose and lips. Worried, her parents had to take her to a counselor.  

“She used to be the top student in her class,” says her father Anjan. “Her descent started after I made the mistake of giving her a mobile phone. She got hooked into TikTok which gave her the idea about beauty standards.”

In a world where self-alteration is just a click away, reality distorts. With the help of her counselor Arika is on the journey to self-acceptance, signaling a transformation from distorted self-perception to embracing one's uniqueness.  The tales of Reeyaz and Arika demonstrate how modern parents are enabling the digital addiction of their children by handing them smartphones at a very young age. They do not realize that the damaging allure of screens beckons even the youngest ones. 

In a paradoxical pursuit of solace, parents furnish the tech-enabled stimuli to their children that inadvertently subvert their growth. Experts decry this parental blind spot, urging due diligence in curating a virtual milieu befitting the developmental contours of the young minds. They say by fostering open conversations, parents can facilitate healthy digital practices, allowing children to explore while safeguarding their emotional well-being.

“Parents and teachers should be aware about the cognitive disorders of excess social media use on children. They must teach children safe online practices,” says Namrata Thapa, child psychologist.  “Children who spend too much time using online media may be exposed to a subtype of behavior known as Problematic Internet Use. Heavy gamers are at risk for Internet gaming disorder, where they have little interest in real-life or real-life relationships.”

Adolescents ensnared in the digital labyrinth exhibit anemic predilections for offline interactions, distorting the primal tenets of socializing. This curious paradox augments vulnerability, perpetuating a vicious cycle wherein the digital shelter belies a subtler kind of isolation.

Technology’s impact stretches beyond the psychological realm. The invasion of smartphones into sleep patterns affect young minds that require rejuvenation. The ergonomic impact, manifesting in neck and back discomfort, mirrors an unhealthy lifestyle driven by screen time.

In the world woven with digital threads, a generation's fate hangs precariously. As guardians, as society, the responsibility is clear: to tether children's soaring dreams and boundless curiosity to the shores of informed guidance. The digital realm is a canvas of both possibility and peril, which demands vigilance, dialogue, and above all, the preservation of childhood's innocence.

Things to do for your child’s digital wellbeing:

• Be aware of online risks: Parents and guardians should be aware of the risks associated with children using online platforms. Teach children about online safety, privacy settings, and responsible behavior on social media.

• Age-appropriate content: Ensure that children are exposed to age-appropriate content on the internet. Guide your children in using technology and consuming content that is suitable for their age.

• Promote balanced screen time: Encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Excessive screen time can have negative effects on physical and mental health.

• Balance social media use: Instead of outright banning social media, teach children how to use it responsibly and safely. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of social media use.

Encourage offline activities: Encourage children to engage in outdoor activities, hobbies, and real-life interactions to foster a healthy balance between online and offline experiences.