In strengthening and amplifying the voices of young women and men with disabilities, 2024 saw African Disability Forum with its members from 7 African countries pilot the youth led advocacy intervention of the We Can Work Programme. ADF is a strategic partner in a consortium led by Light for the World in partnership with Mastercard Foundation aimed at having 1 million young women and men with disabilities accessing fulfilling and dignified work by 2030.
Having developed a generic curriculum on youth led advocacy, in July 2024 ADF successfully trained 12 youth with disabilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to be trainers on youth led advocacy for fellow youth with disabilities in their countries. The TOTs had been nominated by their respective Organizations of Persons with Disabilities namely FSAPH, GFD, JONAPWD, UDPK, NUDIPU, NUDOR and FEADP. Post the in-country trainings the youth with disabilities will be self advocates advocating for socio economic inclusion in the targeted urban and rural areas.
Over 280 young women and men with diverse disabilities followed one week youth led advocacy trainings in rural and urban areas of the We Can Work Countries. So inspiring to note that young women and men with disabilities can be trainers, self advocates and what’s more they can work, and enjoy dignified and fulfilling work. The young advocates came up with advocacy action plans that will be implemented in 2025.
These are remarks from some of the young women and men with disabilities, now young advocates:
‘“I learnt that as an advocate, being self-aware is very important.” – Ghana Urban Workshop
“I am motivated to go and read more about Ghana’s Disability Act.” – Ghana rural workshop
“The training has built my self-confidence.” – Uganda Rural Workshop
“I have learnt the about government programs such as parish development modal and national disability grant.” – Uganda Urban Workshop
“I have a right to decent work.” – Rwanda Urban Workshop
“Advocacy is important to achieve our rights.” – Rwanda Rural workshop
“I like the workbook content about my economic rights, I have been empowered.” – Kenya Urban Workshop
“I learnt that disability is an evolving concept.” – Kenya Rural Workshop
“…I am more self aware and able to advocate not just for my self but now for persons with disabilities…” – Senegal Urban Workshop
“I now see how I can take small steps towards advocacy, even in my rural area.” – Senegal Rural Workshop
“I got to know the African Disability Protocol (ADP).” – Nigeria urban workshop
“I didn’t know about the different disability categories; the training has helped me meet and learn more about people with different disability categories.” – Nigeria rural workshop
“I learnt the different economic empowerment treaties, SDGs and special disability grants and how we can utilize it for our advantage.” – Ethiopia Urban workshop
“I am looking forward to know how I can advocate not only for myself but for all persons with disabilities in my community.” – Ethiopia rural workshop
“We Can Work!” This continues to be the clarion call, a resounding and growing voice of the young women and men with disabilities across Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Rwanda to stakeholders to engage them in dignified work. The message is clear. Young women and men with disabilities can work, they have the abilities to contribute socially and economically to the development of their nations, continent and the globe at large.
Between September and November 2024, ADF participated in in country pilot activities, learning and consultative meetings with our members in the We Can Work programme. Members affirm that youth led advocacy is pivotal in ensuring young women and women with disabilities have access to and enjoy fulfilling and dignified work. To this end, ADF will prioritize youth participation in policy and decision-making processes, youth consultation and capacity development, representation and leadership in OPDs, youth and women rights organization, intergenerational dialogues and mentorship as well as informed engagement with policy makers and other duty bearers. ADF remains committed to efforts in joint resource mobilization and project implementation, strengthening our own and OPDs capacities, engaging and establishing strategic partnerships for youth led advocacy to amplify the voices of young women and men with disabilities, and promoting access to dignified and fulfilling work.
