Building Inclusive Communities and Lasting Solutions
Introduction:
Women with Disabilities Yearning for Equal Opportunities (WoDYEO) embarked on a transformative initiative in July 2023 aimed at empowering rural women with disabilities to combat gender-based violence (GBV). The project, titled “Empowering Rural Women with Disabilities to End Gender-Based Violence,” focused on three key activities: the purchase of Android phones and SIM cards, the designing and production of pamphlets, and the creation of disability-inclusive peer support groups. This narrative report provides an overview of the activities, outcomes, success stories, and lessons learned during the reporting period.
Activities:
1. Purchase of Android Phones and SIM Cards:
Three Android phones with SIM cards and internet facilities were acquired to establish the WoDYEO platform/system for GBV reporting. The platform enabled women and youngsters with disabilities to report cases of GBV through various mediums such as photo, voice, video, and text messages. Seven cases were reported, four were addressed, and three were under investigation. The messages served documentary and advocacy purposes.
2. Designing and Production of Pamphlets:
An expert was hired to simplify key articles in the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022, Sexual Offences Act, and Three Gender Act into accessible handbooks/pamphlets. 160 copies were produced, printed, and distributed during training sessions in three districts. The goal was to popularize these laws among women with disabilities and other vulnerable women at the district level.
3. Creating Disability-Inclusive Peer Support Group (Workshop):
Two-day training workshops on disability inclusion were conducted in Kabala, Kenema, and Bombali Districts. The training covered topics such as forms of GBV, coping methods, advocacy, and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022. Disability right ambassador groups were established in each district to continue advocacy efforts.
Outcomes and Successes:
1. GBV Reporting System:
The establishment of the GBV reporting system using Android phones proved successful, with seven cases reported. The system facilitated timely actions, increased awareness, and documented cases for future advocacy.
2. Disability-Inclusive Peer Support Groups:
The training workshops were well-attended, with 178 participants benefiting, exceeding the initial target of 150. Disability right ambassador groups were created, increasing awareness of the GEWE Act 2022 and fostering a commitment to advocacy within districts.
3. Advocacy Pamphlets:
The production and distribution of advocacy handbooks/pamphlets proved effective in raising awareness of existing laws among women with disabilities. Stakeholders and service providers committed to addressing disability issues urgently in their districts.
Success Stories:
A significant success story emerged from Kabala, where an amputee woman, Poreh Marrah, faced domestic violence. The training empowered her to seek help, leading to interventions from Family Support Units, Rainbo, and Social Welfare. Poreh Marrah became an advocate, joining the disability-inclusive peer group in Kabala.
Lessons Learned:
1. High Illiteracy and Ignorance:
The project identified high illiteracy and ignorance as barriers, limiting women’s participation and voices in communities. Addressing these factors is crucial for successful interventions.
2. Poor Health Facilities:
Women with disabilities in rural areas lack access to quality healthcare services. Specific challenges include inadequate sign language interpreters and limited information in braille or audio formats.
3. Lack of Empowerment:
Empowerment gaps contribute to disability stereotypes and street begging. Addressing this requires continuous outreach programs and empowerment training.
New Needs Identified:
The project identified the need for assistive devices, continuous engagement with stakeholders, thorough sensitization, capacity training, and livelihood opportunities for women and young girls with disabilities.
Building Working Relationships:
WoDYEO successfully built a working relationship with the Ministry of Social Welfare in Kabala. The assistant director expressed commitment to collaborating on future activities to promote issues related to persons with disabilities.
Challenges and Setbacks:
The project faced challenges such as price inflation due to fuel crises, language barriers, lack of trust in officials, limited access to legal services, and issues related to transport refunds for participants.
Recommendations:
To address challenges and enhance the impact of future initiatives, recommendations include persistent advocacy, sign language training for service providers, support for assistive devices, livelihood opportunities, and increased transport refunds during fuel crises.
In conclusion, the project has made significant strides in empowering women with disabilities to combat gender-based violence, create awareness, and advocate for their rights. The successes and lessons learned will inform future efforts to further enhance the well-being and inclusivity of women and youngsters with disabilities in Sierra Leone.