Creating spaces – for women with disabilities (WWD) to communicate and advocate for their rights in South Asia
Project activities and achievements
Baseline surveys were carried out in the three main project countries, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and in Nepal.
These identified potential WWD leaders to participate in regional master training in March 2008 and national leadership training workshops during 2008-2009 and to form an essential core for the network. They also raised the profile of the issue of discrimination experienced by WWD and brought the lead organisations into contact with local and national government bodies, other mainstream NGOs, women’s organisations, and the media.
Twenty four potential WWD leaders from nine countries in South Asia were initially identified to participate in the regional master training, held in India. Through the master training they gained confidence, and improved their knowledge of their rights and entitlements and their skills in advocacy, social mobilisation, networking and communication. A module on organisational development was included and after the workshop partners noted significant changes in aspects of their own organisational development and changes in the way they work with communities and ensure inclusive environment within their organisation.
Healthlink Worldwide provided technical support for the master training and for further training and orientation workshops, which built on the initial achievements. The WWD leaders from the regional training were supported to organise national level workshops in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan, which also trained WWD leaders from Afghanistan. Local level workshops and orientations followed, which included issues like reproductive and sexual health rights. In all, 161 WWD leaders have been trained in leadership modules and they now lead the process as a regional resource team.
Through sharing baseline survey findings, cascade training, a consultation meeting on UN policies UNCRPD and CEDAW, and advocacy meetings, space has been created for WWD to get their voices heard. The workshops have led to a significant increase in the level of participation of WWD in dialogue with policy stakeholders.
In India, WWD met with state actors and other stakeholders to discuss the baseline data. This led to greater understanding about the level of awareness of rights and entitlements among WWD and the apathy shown by policy makers and implementers, which in turn helped to strengthen the voices of WWD, highlighting their need to work together and participate in policy dialogues in order to influence policy. National networks have been developed and there is now a 'National Federation of Women with Disabilities'. Consultation meetings on UN policies have enabled Government, civil societies and WWD to discuss the status of WWD and the initiatives needed to fulfil commitments to national policies and international treaties.
In Sri Lanka, sharing the baseline report and sensitisation for government officials in North Central Province influenced the Chief Ministry of the Provincial Council to conduct a survey of people with disabilities. With AKASA’s support, this led to a provincial constitution and a Council advisor for people with disabilities, and a slot for discussing issues related to WWD on the Council’s monthly agenda.
In Bangladesh, there have been joint advocacy initiatives for the rights of WWD through nurturing links with other women’s groups and this has led to the development of platforms from which WWD groups can lobby Government for their rights. A formal nine-member national working group “Women with disabilities Development Network-Bangladesh” was created on 1 February 2009.
Seed grants have been allocated to support the development of local WWD groups, to organise local advocacy initiatives and strengthen organisational development. In districts of Bangladesh WWD groups now work with service providers, transport and hospital authorities, and group leaders have proactively explored training opportunities for income generation activities for group members.
During national roundtable meetings in the project countries, WWD voiced their concerns to key stakeholders, demonstrating strategic advocacy and communication skills. South Asian WWD leaders also shared experiences and developed plans to strengthen the initiative at a regional project learning plenary. The South Asian Network of Women with Disabilities (NSAWWD) was formalised and a nine-member Executive Board, with representatives from different countries, formed.
To find out more about the network, take a look at the NSAWWD website: www.nsawwd.org
Read what the Indian media said about the India roundtable and plenary:
The Statesman and