YASSS-GAMBIA

International Day of Persons with Disabilities Statement. "A world where their rights are fully realized, their voices are heard, and their contributions are valued. Together, we can create a truly inclusive society". We continue to call on the Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Welfare for the announcement of the implementation of the National Disability Act 2021 to ensure an inclusive and sustainable future. #IDPWD #IDPD #IDPD2024 #LeavingNoOneBehind

On this year's International Day of Persons with Disabilities #IDPD, we affirm our commitment to amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. #IDPD2024

Led by our M & E Officer Gabou Baldeh, the team visited most of our out-of-school Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) trained facilitators in all the six (6) regions of The Gambia namely: North Bank Region (NBR), Central River Region (CRR), Upper River Region (URR), Lower River Region (LRR), West Coast Region (WCR) & Greater Banjul Area (GBA). The activity aimed to assess their knowledge and skills in delivering accurate and age-appropriate information in relation to sex, STIs, gender, culture, values and norms, human body developments, etc. and to identify further capacity building gaps. The facilitators were participants selected from two (2) different marginalized groups i.e. Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). This is to ensure and strengthen accessibility to accurate SRHR information for the marginalized and thus promote good health and well-being for all (SDG 6). It was exciting to see how the conversations led by the trained facilitators are creating a meaningful impact in the communities and in the HIV Support Groups where there are 100s of members, by creating a safe space for wellbeing and the respect for human rights. Key Highlights: The use of vaginal tobacco known as "tabaa" by women for sexual pleasure. 1. Early/Child Marriage 2. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 3. Access to Family Planning services 4. Best practices for vaginal cleansing, etc. One of the participants at the M&E session reported how she has stopped using "tabaa" as a substitute for sexual pleasure after series of dialogues by the trained facilitator in that region, sensitizing them about its dangers. The men also raised alarms about its dangers as they have witnessed the firsthand effects on their wives. With more meaningful interventions at the grassroot levels we look forward to lasting changes over time. The activity is supported by UNFPA The Gambia through Nova-Scotia Gambia Association (NSGA).

The past couple of weeks in LRR has been interesting working with stakeholders at grassroot levels seeking understanding on the challenges faced by PWDs in accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) interventions & their economic participation. Through series of consultations with key stakeholders - village/community heads, local authorities, religious leaders, youth, Mother's Club, Parliamentarians, PWDs etc. the activity aimed to inform programming, increase access, improve policies, affordability & accountability, banking on their influences in society and nationally. The consultation with women & girls with disabilities was my highlight as we gathered 50 participants to discuss on possible way forward. I loved the fact that most of their parents/care givers were in attendance which helped us to delve deeper into challenges from different perspectives, from an individual with disability, society & as a carer point of views. This helped us to touch base on what matters most. The activity helps us at YASSS-GAMBIA to co-create programming with our right-holders. It was fascinating to also realise that most of the parents/carers in the building were unaware of the education facilities available in The Gambia for children with disabilities like the Gambia Association of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (GADHOH), Gambia Organisation For The Visually Impaired (GOVI), St. John's School For The Deaf, Methodist Special School, etc. For few that are aware, they are faced with great challenge of accommodation for their children in the Greater Banjul Area due to little decentralisation of said facilities for PWDs in all the regions. Therefore, if one doesn't have a relative that is willing to care for the child in that area it will be impossible for that child with disability to access formal education. Children with disabilities are more likely to drop out of formal education due to accessibility issues, ranging from user-friendly learning materials to spaces after much trial at Basic education level. Therefore, as a result we see low enrolment of PWDs at Higher or Tertiary education level and even lower rate of completion. This further exacerbates their socio-economic participation. Oftentimes we make use of special terms to describe PWDs for e.g. special people, differently-abled, people with special needs, people with special abilities, etc. One thing is for sure and that is, PWDs are not seeking our "sympathy" but want to be given the same amount of respect that they truly deserve in order to enjoy & fully participate in their rights without discrimination or fear & to be addressed as required. This calls for more sensitization especially starting with the National Disability Act 2021 which is not fully publicised to build trust and confidence. Ignorance cannot be an excuse as it leads to more violation to these rights. Disability Inclusion must be deliberate & it must be intentional if we aim to leave no one behind.

Over the weekend, 3️⃣ communities were reached in LRR, namely: Nyawulurung, Wellingara-Ba & Njoba Kunda, as part of the #DignityProject. The engagement was on meaningful participation and inclusion of PWDs, most especially women & girls. Over 1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ community members with village heads, "VDCs", "Kabilos," teachers, parents, etc. were engaged on Disability Rights. Participants: "We didn't know that children with disabilities can go to school or have schools that cater for their needs." In The Gambia we still have communities and individuals who are not aware that PWDs or children with disabilities should have access to education, health, employment opportunities, etc. which has further exacerbated their rights. Participants were informed of the different learning facilities available for PWDs in The Gambia. Supported by #UNFPATheGambia through #TANGOGambia Access is room for possibilities. #LeavingNoOneBehind

On Wednesday we concluded a 2️⃣ Day consultative workshop with 5️⃣0️⃣ women and girls with disabilities in LRR. As part of the #DignityProject supported by @UNFPATheGambia through TANGO Gambia, the engagement was crucial for the ongoing project implementation & sustainability. Participants raised and discussed challenges faced to gain equal access in the areas of inclusive health, education, employment & political participation. It is evident that societal attitude towards disability has increased prejudice, fear & promoted endemic poverty within the community. It was also an opportunity to engage the participants on the The Gambia's Disability Act 2021 and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to better understand their rights. We were glad to have a few of the escorts/parents in the room as most times, the violation of the rights of PWDs starts at the household level. We continue to call on the government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare to announce the date of the implementation of the Act 2021. Cherno Ceesay Elsie Macauley Gabou Baldeh United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) UNICEF Gambia Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) Malta Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities crpd

As part of the ongoing implementation of the Dignity project supported by UNFPA The Gambia through TANGO The Gambia under the Gender Promotion Initiative (GPI) 2.0 Project, on Monday 4th November 2024, we had our consultation workshop with multiple community stakeholders of LRR at the Mansakonko Area Council, on the rights of Persons with Disabilities. The engagement gathered key members of the community: Chiefs, Alkalos, NAM, women groups, Mother's Club, OPDs, educators, youth leaders, religious leaders, etc. Participants were engaged in The Gambia's Disability Act 2021, in which it was the first (1st) time for the majority to know about its existence. They looked at five (5) sectors where PWDs are mostly marginalized, namely: health, education, economy, social & political. Highlighting the challenges with steps to address the key issues raised. It was also a moment of self-reflection for participants as a community in its failure and shortcomings to uphold the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The activity aimed to: ✔️ Increase awareness on the rights of PWDs ✔️ Reduce discrimination and stigmatisation ✔️ Increase access to SRHR services and information ✔️ Promote inclusion and respect for human rights ✔️ Strengthen collaborations/partnerships Key highlights of the discussions: ✔️ Participation in decision making processes ✔️ Ministry subvention to The Gambia Federation for the Diasabled. ✔️ Announcement date for the implementation of the Disability Act 2021 ✔️ Quota system for PWDs in political parties. ✔️ Inclusive Education ✔️ Inclusive & confidential electoral process for PWDs. ✔️ Disability health service units ✔️ Norms, Attitudes & Values ✔️ Violence against PWDs perpetuated by relatives and society. Landing B. Sanneh, MSc Ipoade Omilaju (PhD) FIIM,FIMC,CMC Elsie Macauley Rose Sarr Lamin Camara

It was an absolute honor to be a part of such an important initiative that focuses on promoting the well-being of women and girls with disabilities by addressing the inequalities they face and enhancing their access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, education, and employment.

Thank you YASSS-GAMBIA for having me and the Remembering Reuel Foundation We look forward to developing strategies and protocols for the implementation of the Disability Act 2021, ensuring that human rights are truly for everyone.

With funding from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) The Gambia under the GPI 2.0 Project, we have started the implementation of the "Dignity" project which focuses on the socio-economic development of women and girls with disabilities. by starting with a Legislative Engagement with National Assembly Members (Parliamentarians), Government MDAs, Human Rights institutions & other key stakeholders within the health, education, employment & social sectors. The activity looked at laws, policies & other relevant documents that ensure the full & equal participation of Persons with Disabilities in society. Key highlights: ✔️ Budget/Resource allocations for PWDs ✔️ Post Legislative scrutiny ✔️ Accountability measures ✔️ Accessibility ✔️ Attitude & Norms The activity aimed to: ✔️ Support & strengthen advocacy ✔️ Increase women and girl's economic participation ✔️ Influence inclusive policies ✔️ Improve service delivery ✔️ Improve understanding ✔️ Increase trust & confidence ✔️ Foster collaborations ✔️ Strengthen legitimacy Its a step towards ensuring that women & girls with disabilities are free from every form of violence & participate in non-exploitative work. It addresses systematic, structural & attitudinal barriers by ensuring that the right systems are placed to protect & promote their fundamental human rights. This will go further to promote poverty reduction through decent work, entrepreneurship, mentorship, livelihood skills development, etc. The engagement was timely as the Parliamentarians will be having their budget sittings in a few weeks' time. We look forward to the outcomes of today's activity and the anticipated follow-up engagement sessions to ensure that the rights of PWDs, especially women & girls, are respected. Hon. Modou Lamin B. Bah Hon. Abdoulie Njai Elsie Macauley kadijah Bokum Sera Gillen Michael Ambayo Ipoade Omilaju (PhD) FIIM,FIMC,CMC Madi Jobarteh