Food Safety Training, Nepal 2022
On 13 June 2022 the Blind Women Association Nepal (BWAN) organised a four-day program named “Economic Empowerment of Blind Women through Entrepreneurship” in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Ward 8, Gaurigunj, Chitwan. The program observed a number of empowerment activities. Punya Foundation and Albury Wodonga Multicultural Community Events (AWMCE) supported the program focusing on the menstrual hygiene of blind and visually impaired women. The BWAN secured support from the Ministry of Social Development, Bagmati Pradesh for preparation of food items.
Blind and Visually Impaired Women in Group Discussion Regarding Food Safety, 2022
Ms. Sita Subedi, the president of BWAN chaired the program. The program guests include Ms. Shakuntala Pokharel (President of Chitwan branch of the Blind Women Association Nepal), Mr. Jeevannath Kadel (Chairman of Bharatpur metropolitan city), Mr. Gopal Prasad Kadel (Section Head of Social Development of the Ministry of Social Development), Ms. Bishnudevi Ranabhat (Women’s rights activist), Mr. Rishiram Bhandari (President of Ashok Chowk Tol Development Committee), Mr. Basanta Dhungana (Media person of Nagarik news), Mr.Tulman Gurung (media person of Chitwan post), Ms. Pooja Pariyar (media person of Synergy F.M.) and Mr. Biplov Kafle (media person of Kalika news).
Group trainings was provided to the blind and visually impaired female participants regarding food safety and food preparation techniques. Interactive training was provided regarding the menstrual health, how to best manage hygiene and complications of poor menstrual hygiene. On the last day, the menstrual sanitary kits and hygiene material were distributed to the participants.
The hygiene kits package consisted of sanitary pads, inner clothes, soaps, toothbrushes, toothpastes, nail cutters, masks, and tissue papers. In addition to the wealth of practical knowledge, each participant received 12 packets of sanitary pads, two inner clothes, a nail cutter, three pieces of soaps, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a packet of masks, and a bundle of tissue paper.
A participant receives menstrual hygiene kit package, 2022
Twelve participants completed the training of whom, eight participants were legally totally blind and 4 of them were with low vision. The participants were: Saraswati Sharma, Laxmi Subedi, Uma Adhikari, Bal Kumari, Shanta Ale, Laxmi Khanal, Puja Kumal, Maya Sapkota, Pratima Mahato, Mabhu Poudel, Urmila Darai and Muna Bhatta.
Ms Subedi ended the program thanking Punya Foundation, Mr Bhakta (Durga) Bhattarai, the Manager of the Albury Wodonga Multicultural Community Events and the ministry for their financial support. She extended gratitude to the chief guest, special guests, all participants, staff, volunteers, and all supporting hands, and well-wishers for making the program successful. She also thanked Mr Basanta Dhungana, Mr Tulman Gurung, Ms Pooja Pariyar, and Mr Biplov Kafle for covering the news in the local newspapers and portals.