It was in 2017 when Awnu Di messaged me, asking for my support with a futsal and training program focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for deaf youth. Until then, I had never worked with people with disabilities, especially deaf youth. I was curious and a bit apprehensive about how we would communicate and effectively support them. To address these concerns, we organized a pre-event meeting, where I learned that translators would be available to facilitate communication with the deaf participants.The initiative to include deaf youth in SRHR advocacy was entirely Awnu Di’s vision. She grew up in Asan, where her best friend, Gita (name changed), was deaf. Through their friendship, Awnu Di learned sign language and became deeply aware of the challenges faced by the deaf community. As Awnu Di started working in the field of SRHR, she quickly realized the urgent need to involve deaf youth in such programs.
Her motivation was rooted in a personal experience—her best friend Gita was married off as a teenager, which led to a difficult life due to the lack of proper guidance and awareness about her rights. This realization inspired Awnu Di to advocate for inclusive SRHR programs. Together with awnu di , we launched our first program under the Working Group Disabilities 2030 initiative. This marked the beginning of our efforts to ensure that deaf youth have access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their lives.To attract deaf youth to engage with sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), we introduced a unique initiative by incorporating futsal as an added attraction. The program was thoughtfully designed over two days. On the first day, our team conducted SRHR sessions tailored specifically for deaf youth, fostering awareness and education. On the second day, we organized a futsal tournament that brought excitement and energy to the program.
For the tournament, we mixed teams to ensure inclusivity and collaboration among participants. A deaf referee facilitated the matches, making the event even more relatable and empowering. The best part was the medal distribution at the end—every participant received a medal, which added to the celebratory atmosphere. The event ended on a high note, with everyone happily clicking pictures and sharing their joy.From my knowledge and experience, this was the first program in Nepal dedicated solely to SRHR for deaf youth. Completing this inaugural initiative was a proud milestone for our team. It not only motivated us but also gave us valuable insights into how to work effectively with the deaf community. This program became the foundation for our continued efforts to empower deaf youth in meaningful and impactful ways.
Reflecting on our work with deaf youth and sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as we enter 2025, it has been an incredible, productive, and sustainable journey. Over the years, we’ve conducted three Deaf Training of Trainers (ToT) programs on SRHR and organized numerous events specifically designed for the deaf community. Through these efforts, we’ve trained more than 500 deaf youths through both in-person and online programs, covering all seven provinces in Nepal.Our team envisions a future where deaf youth are well-educated and aware of their reproductive health and rights. Unfortunately, in Nepal, many youth organizations include participants with disabilities only symbolically, rather than focusing on programs that directly address the needs of specific disability communities. As advocates for the voiceless, we aim to bridge this gap and create meaningful youth engagement for deaf individuals.
One of the most inspiring moments in our journey occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown. We were conducting an online SRHR session for deaf youth across all seven provinces. In one session, I noticed a deaf woman attending from outside her house because the internet connection inside wasn’t strong enough. As the session went on, it became dark, but she remained steadfast, participating even in the darkness. That moment moved me deeply, and I shared it with Awnu Di, who also observed the same. Today, seeing deaf youth gain proper recognition, opportunities, and learning platforms brings immense satisfaction. However, we know there is still much to do—more sessions, more training, and more empowerment.
In Kathmandu, it’s rare to find sign language interpreters at events unless deaf participants are specifically present. But once, I attended a musical concert supported by the U.S. Embassy at Tundikhel. To my surprise and joy, there was a sign language interpreter translating the songs. Witnessing that made me emotional and proud, as it symbolized a step towards true inclusion. Moments like these motivate us to keep striving for a more inclusive society where deaf youth are not just participants but active, empowered contributors.
Each year, as part of our commitment to supporting deaf youth, we formalize our collaboration with the Deaf Federation of Nepal through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership recognizes them as a key stakeholder in our efforts. Collaboration and youth engagement remain central to our work, continually inspiring and motivating us to push boundaries.
One of our significant achievements has been empowering skilled deaf peer educators. In some sessions, we deliberately organized activities without interpreters to encourage our deaf peer educators to take the lead and drive the sessions independently. I recall one particular session where I observed the interaction between the deaf trainer and participants. Despite the absence of an interpreter, the session was incredibly successful, fostering a sense of motivation and self-reliance among the peer educators. This approach not only strengthened their confidence but also provided them with a valuable learning platform.
As a youth advocate, I believe it is our responsibility to guide and empower deaf youth with the tools and insights they need to succeed. Unfortunately, government policies, such as the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act of 2018, remain largely on paper. Health services in Nepal are still far from being youth- and disability-friendly. For example, what happens when a deaf couple seeks medical assistance but cannot communicate with a doctor due to a lack of interpreters or supportive infrastructure?
One of our deaf participants shared a heartbreaking incident involving a deaf couple who were given the wrong medication due to a communication barrier with their doctor. This incident underscores the urgent need for inclusive healthcare services that address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Such experiences strengthen our commitment to advocating for systemic change and ensuring that deaf youth can access their rights and services without facing unnecessary barriers.
our journey with deaf youth in SRHR advocacy has been both inspiring and transformative, highlighting the critical need for inclusive healthcare and education systems. While we celebrate the progress made, stories like the deaf couple’s tragic experience remind us that systemic change is still urgently needed. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating an inclusive society where deaf youth can access their rights, services, and opportunities without barriers.
Author – Fura G Sherpa, peer educator Y-PEER Nepal. 