The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) African Grantees Convening2025, hosted by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), commenced today, igniting our collective mission with a powerful statement from Barrister Theophilus Odaudu, the West Africa Programme Manager for DRF. He emphasized,
“When OPDs collaborate, advocacy becomes more coherent, more efficient, and far more powerful.”
This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of our gathering and sets the tone for the discussions ahead.
Originally focused on Nigerian OPDs, the DRF Convening has successfully broadened its reach, reflecting an increasing acknowledgment of the importance of collaboration in our advocacy efforts. This expansion is not merely quantitative; it signifies a qualitative shift in how we approach disability rights, recognizing that unity amplifies our voices and strengthens our impact.
This year’s convening has drawn participation from over 20 organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) from Nigeria and several other African nations, including Togo, Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Canada, and Mozambique. This diverse representation underscores the significance of collective efforts in advancing disability rights across the continent.
The objectives for this year’s convening include:
Strengthening coordination and collaboration among OPDs and key stakeholders.
Creating a shared agenda for the implementation of disability rights.
Identifying practical ways the DRF can enhance its programmatic support for the disability rights movement.
The convening also focuses on amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, ensuring that their perspectives are integrated into broader advocacy efforts. By fostering collaboration and sharing learnings, we aim to drive meaningful change in the disability rights landscape.
Technical Session: GDS 2025 Commitments in Focus
Moderated by Washington Opiyo Sati, the first technical session centered on reflections and strategies around the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025 Commitments. Participants shared insights on how to align national advocacy with global goals.
“Making commitments is easy. Governments like to look good. But do we have the skills and expertise to really advance the rights of persons with disabilities?”
“It’s wise to pick two or three commitments your government has made, harmonize them, and align your work to them.” – Washington Opiyo Sati
“Use evidence. Use data and lived experience. Align your advocacy with national development plans.”
“Partnership is powerful. A unified agenda works best.”
Audience members from across Africa added valuable reflections:
Nigeria: “From GDS 2018, Nigeria committed to sign the Disability Act, and it did. But in 2022, because of COVID, there was no proper commitment from Nigeria.”
Mali: “We are working with the national education policy to make public spaces inclusive for people with physical disabilities. That’s how we link GDS commitments to fighting poverty.”
Mozambique (Accessibility): “Through advocacy, people now come forward for help. Many who left school have gone back. The attitude of the community is changing, even if not all conditions are right yet.”
Mozambique (Deaf Women and GBV): “Our association of deaf women pushed a GBV case through the court. We won the case, and now doctors are being trained in sign language.”
Nigeria (HAPI): “Storytelling helps. When you tell your story, duty bearers see what it’s like to live with disability.”
Albinism Cluster: “Many Nigerians, even within disability groups don’t know about the Global Disability Summit.”
LGBTQ+ OPD: “We use social media and sponsored posts to make sure people with disabilities are visible and heard.”
CSO Reflection: “CSOs don’t work together enough. We keep duplicating efforts instead of joining forces.”
The DRF team also reminded participants that, “DRF doesn’t only give its own grants. We also channel funds and technical support from other organizations.”
Closing the session, Barr. Theophilus Odaudu urged participants to connect their daily advocacy with the GDS agenda:
“GDS advocacy doesn’t only mean GDS projects. Many of your activities already match GDS goals, just say so in your proposals.” “We are all players in making GDS commitments real. Don’t let them go to waste.” “It’s often necessary to interact mechanisms to amplify intersectional voices. The disability lens can always be used in whatever work your organization is running.”
Panel: Sharing Experiences from the Global Disability Summit 2025
In another highlight session, participants shared reflections from the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025 held in Berlin.
Bisi Bamishe (Nigeria): “DRF sponsored my trip to Berlin for the GDS. The civil society forum for women and girls with disabilities was the most interesting part. We secured commitments from governments to prioritize women and girls with disabilities.”
Marie Lamboni (Togo): “I came to understand the importance of an inclusive and intersectional approach in defending the rights of persons with disabilities.”
Hilda Macheso (Malawi): “In most African cases, we are spoken for by others, but this time, persons with disabilities took centre stage. Nothing for us without us.”
“Budgets should be increased for youth-led grassroots OPDs. Many lack the know-how to participate in global forums like the GDS.” “Post-GDS, we launched a National Disability Framework and validated the second national plan on persons with albinism.”
Rokiatou Maiga (Mali): “It was great to learn what others are doing in their contexts. But political instability often disrupts continuity. We must keep engaging despite regime changes.”
Joyce Nakijoba (Uganda): “Persons with disabilities should be involved in all stages of programme implementation.”
Leta Timbane (Mozambique): “The health of women with disabilities needs more focus. Advocacy requires sharing more information and improving access to healthcare.” “Interpreters for deaf children have been introduced in schools as a result of what we learned from the GDS.”
Audience members also emphasized:
“Disability commissions must have permanent teams that don’t change with political shifts.”
“While those at the top are watching duty bearers, the grassroots must also have a voice. Someone has to watch the watchers.”
“We need to move away from the charity model and ensure those at the top truly work for those at the bottom.”
During the DRF Session on Advocacy Without Borders, facilitators emphasized the need to strengthen engagement with international mechanisms.
“After Mozambique ratified the UNCRPD, we waited years with no review. OPDs organized one themselves until the process moved forward.” — Felix
“OPDs in Nigeria have not engaged with duty bearers as actively as in other places. We must use global mechanisms, contribute to reports, and prepare shadow submissions.” — Barr. Theophilus Odaudu
Participation and Representation
The following OPDs are present at this year’s convening:
Inclusive Friends Association
Freke Andrew-Essien Foundation
TAF Africa
Hope Inspired Foundation for Women and Youth with Disabilities
Women’s Health and Equal Rights Initiative
Nigeria National Association of the Deaf
National Association of the Blind
Albinism Association of Nigeria
Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities of Nigeria
Centre for Citizens with Disabilities
Disability Not a Barrier Initiative
Deaf Women Aloud Initiative
Foundation for Equal Pathway
Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative
Iretiola Albinism Unity Network
Kebbi Youth with Disabilities Solidarity Foundation
Muryar Matasa Initiative
She Writes Women
Sound Abilities for Vulnerable Women in Nigeria
Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria
The Irede Foundation
FACICP
National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities
Association of Lawyers with Disabilities in Nigeria
Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative
Looking Ahead
The next few days promise a wealth of engagements, insights, and collaborative strategies that will shape our shared agenda and enhance our programmatic support for the disability rights movement. As we continue to build bridges across nations and communities, the message is clear: together, we are stronger and our collective advocacy will continue to push the boundaries of inclusion and equality across Africa.
