How Did You Celebrate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2024?

This year, I had the privilege of moderating a dialogue focused on PWD-driven initiatives to counter Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Kenya. The conversation, inspired by the theme "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future," was held during the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

To bring this dialogue to life, I was joined by remarkable leaders driving impactful initiatives for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kenya:

• SHERLEEN TUNAI , founder of Ana Antami in Kakamega, an organization addressing issues faced by persons with albinism.
• Winnie juma , a disability inclusion expert working at Kidscare in Kwale, focusing on programs supporting children with mental and intellectual disabilities.
• Mohamed Mlingo , a volunteer at Path Organisation Kwale, engaged in several PWD-centered projects, including the digital inclusion of PWDs.

Each of these speakers brought invaluable insights, sharing their successes and challenges in working toward disability inclusion.

Success Stories in Disability Advocacy

The discussion highlighted several achievements that are reshaping the disability inclusion landscape:

1. Empowering Caregivers Through Support Groups -Support groups for caregivers have become a cornerstone of empowerment, equipping families to better understand and advocate for PWDs.
2. Innovative Models for Communication -Programs like the "Aisha and Friend Model" enable effective communication for persons with mental and intellectual disabilities, enhancing their ability to connect with others.
3. Grassroots Outreach -Collaborations with nyumba kumi (community policing structures), village elders, and religious leaders have facilitated outreach to grassroots communities.
4. Advocating for Inclusive Education -Inclusive education is emerging as a powerful tool to educate the broader public about the rights and capabilities of PWDs.
5. Strategic Partnerships -Partnerships with other organizations have fueled growth and enhanced the impact of disability-focused initiatives.

Persistent Challenges

Despite these strides, significant challenges remain:

• Tokenism and Cosmetic Inclusivity -Some government and CSO programs engage in superficial inclusion efforts that fail to address the real needs of PWDs.
• Policy and Legal Gaps -There are critical gaps in laws and policies that hinder full inclusion and access to rights for PWDs.
• Socio-Cultural Stereotypes -Deep-rooted stereotypes perpetuate self-stigma and societal exclusion of PWDs.
• Barriers to National Registration -Families and guardians often fail to show up for national assessments that would enable PWDs to be registered with the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, limiting their access to support.
• Limited Awareness of Disability Diversity -Many in society remain unaware of the wide spectrum of disabilities, leading to neglect and misunderstanding.
• Funding Constraints -Funding remains a significant barrier, particularly for organizations supporting persons with albinism. Limited resources force individuals to work in harsh conditions, such as prolonged sun exposure, increasing their risk of skin cancer.

A Call to Action

This dialogue reaffirmed the critical need for amplifying the leadership of PWDs and creating a society where inclusion is not just a buzzword but a lived reality. To achieve this, we must:

• Push for meaningful, not cosmetic, inclusion in government and civil society programs.
• Advocate for stronger policies and enforcement mechanisms that address gaps in disability rights.
• Increase societal awareness of disabilities and challenge stereotypes that perpetuate exclusion.

Together, we can create an inclusive and sustainable future where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.

How are you or your organization amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities? Share your thoughts and initiatives in the comments!