Coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities yesterday, a social enterprise Dra=Nyam: “Equality through Empowerment” was launched in Nemjo, Paro. The outlet led by persons with disabilities is the first of its kind in Bhutan and celebrates the creativity, resilience and talent of artisans with disabilities.
The inclusive outlet features a rich range of handcrafted items including bags, scarves, fabric slippers, keychains, home dรฉcor, hotel amenities, soft toys, foot crafts and artworks. Each product highlights that disability is not a limitation but a source of strength and innovation.
According to a spokesperson, the outlet will serve as a dedicated retail space and an accessible online platform for products made by persons with disabilities. By providing a stable platform for sale and visibility, the initiative seeks to address long-standing challenges faced by artisans with disabilities such as limited market access and the lack of inclusive economic opportunities.
More than 50 artisans with disabilities are directly involved in the initiative including students, graduates, trainees, entrepreneurs and home-based artisans. Many of them have received skilling training from the Wangsel Institute for the Deaf, the Draktsho Vocational Training Institute and Disabled People’s Organization of Bhutan-DPO.
With guidance from the DPO, the outlet will be managed by a person with disability, reinforcing the principle of inclusion at every level.
The team is developing a new e-commerce platform to reach customers beyond Paro. Additionally, digital marketing efforts, social media promotion and artisan storytelling are expected to enhance connections with buyers nationwide and eventually globally.
Dra=Nyam funded by Bhutan Foundation through the Small Grants Program marks a significant step toward empowering persons with disabilities and creating a more inclusive economy in the country.
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