Day 3: From Dialogue to Design
On the third day of the Co-Creation Workshop themed “#VoicesInMotion: Co-Creation Lab for #InclusiveAdvocacy and Organizational Growth,” the energy in the room shifted from conversation to creation. The groundwork laid during earlier sessions began to take shape, as participating Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (#OPDs) collaboratively developed a draft #ActionPlan, a tangible expression of their shared vision for inclusion and empowerment.
An Action Plan, after all, is more than just a document. It is a roadmap, one that transforms good intentions into measurable, meaningful implementation. For this project, designed to amplify the visibility, participation, and #representation of underrepresented OPDs, the Action Plan serves as a strategic compass guiding collective action.
Following the presentation of the draft, participants attended a finance and resource management lecture focused on strengthening accountability and sustainability within their organizations. This session highlighted how effective advocacy must be paired with sound financial practices to ensure long-term impact.
By the close of Day 3, the #VoicesInMotion workshop had evolved from dialogue into design, a living example of co-creation in action.
Day 4: Charting the Path Forward
The Co-Creation Workshop concluded on its fourth day, marking the successful end of an intensive, inspiring series of discussions, collaboration, and shared learning. The final session was not just a wrap-up, it was a launchpad for action.
One of the most powerful moments came from Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, who emphasized a pivotal next step:
“We are working towards #Domesticating_the_Disability_Act_in_Abuja.”
— Dr. Adebukola Adebayo
This statement struck a deep chord with participants. It underscored the urgent need to domesticate and implement the National Disability Act within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a move that would strengthen the legal framework for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Domestication ensures that advocacy efforts at the local level are not only inclusive but also enforceable, responsive, and sustainable.
Dr. Adebayo further stressed the indispensable role of policy and #political_will in sustaining advocacy and development efforts:
“Because if you don’t have policy, if you don’t have a political framework, you will not be able to sustain whatever efforts you want to put in.”
Expanding the Circle
The final day also welcomed new participants, including representatives from other disability organizations. Their diverse insights and experiences enriched the discussions, reaffirming the workshop’s commitment to collective learning and inclusive growth. The exchange of perspectives highlighted the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change across the disability movement.
Partners in Inclusion
This transformative workshop was made possible through the support of:
-
- Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- CBM Global Disability Inclusion
- Inclusive Friends Association
Together, they continue to champion a vision where every voice counts, and every person, regardless of ability, has equal opportunity to participate, lead, and thrive.
