Are Nepal’s water, sanitation and hygiene and menstrual hygiene policies and supporting documents inclusive of disability? A policy analysis

Abstract Purpose This study assesses the inclusion of disability in Nepal’s policy and guidance relevant to water, sanitation hygiene (WASH), menstrual management (MHM) comparison gender. We investigated both formulation implementation, using Kavrepalanchok district as a case study. Materials methods used EquiFrame framework, adapted for gender, focusing on WASH MHM. Ten Nepali policies documents were reviewed scored quality against which included 21 core concepts human rights. also interviewed key informants consider implementation MHM interventions. applied stratified purpose sampling 12 government officials service providers working Kathmandu Kavrepalanchock district; conducted in-depth interviews analysed data thematically Nvivo 11. Results Disability was inadequately covered within documents, commitments almost non-existent. Participation people with disabilities development limited; Kavrepalanchok, not implemented intended unable allocate resources. Inadequate resulted limited professional understanding issues, had no training. A narrow infrastructure approach improving prioritised. interventions delivered schools; these failed reach children who are often out school. Finally, there indications that some caregivers seek sterilisation manage menstruation independently. Conclusion Though Constitution Nepal enshrines gender equality inclusion, consistent gaps attention practice. These omit exclude from Investment is required generate evidence barriers faced by disabilities, would then be drawn develop training issues professionals improve understanding. Subsequently, makers could include more rights implement intended.