In July 2024, a transformative 3-day workshop and press conference was held, bringing together women with disabilities from Ghana, Togo, Senegal, and Nigeria. This gathering marked a pivotal moment in their advocacy journey. Over the course of the workshop, attendees engaged in comprehensive sessions that covered crucial topics, from leadership skills and effective communication to strategies for addressing gender-based violence. They gained knowledge that had previously been out of reach, equipping them to advocate more effectively for their rights.
Upon returning to their respective countries, these women were fueled with newfound confidence and skills. A particularly impactful outcome emerged from Togo, where the advocacy team applied their learnings to influence a significant change. They utilized the strategies discussed during the workshop to successfully advocate for the approval of a new initiative by a minister in their country. This marked a groundbreaking achievement, as such support had been elusive prior to their training. The team’s ability to navigate the political landscape and articulate their needs effectively was a direct result of the skills and insights gained during the workshop.
In Nigeria, the commitment to change was equally strong. The advocacy team organized visits to five organizations dedicated to women with disabilities, including the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund. During these visits, they discovered a woman with visual impairment who had been unaware of the existence of a disability movement. This encounter was transformative; after attending a hybrid meeting for women with disabilities, which was an outcome of the workshop, her motivation surged. She felt empowered knowing there was a collective effort advocating for her rights and those of others like her
