At Bodmando Consulting Group, we are committed to advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) by integrating disability inclusion as a central principle in all our work. Reflecting our values in practice, 80% of our staff are women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from other marginalized populations—demonstrating our belief that representation and lived experience drive meaningful change.
Globally, over 1.3 billion people—roughly 16% of the population—live with some form of disability (WHO, 2022). Despite increasing recognition of disability rights through instruments like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), exclusion remains widespread.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, disability inclusion is gaining visibility but is hindered by limited infrastructure, underfunded social services, and entrenched stigma. Uganda, where Bodmando is based, has a progressive policy environment with the Persons with Disabilities Act (2020) and strong representation by DPOs. Yet barriers in education, healthcare, and governance persist. Meanwhile, countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana are building momentum in inclusive education and public sector reforms—but challenges in data collection and cross-sector coordination remain.
South Africa has one of the most advanced disability rights frameworks on the continent, embedded in its Constitution and reinforced by the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2016). However, implementation is uneven, especially in rural areas where people with disabilities still face discrimination and lack access to essential services. High unemployment rates among persons with disabilities remain a persistent challenge.
In Europe, disability inclusion is supported by strong legal frameworks like the European Accessibility Act and EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2021–2030). Many countries provide assistive technologies, inclusive education, and employment quotas. Nonetheless, inequalities remain—especially in Eastern and Southern Europe—where socio-economic barriers continue to affect full inclusion and quality of life.
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the inclusion of persons with disabilities is gaining attention, especially in conflict-affected areas. Countries like Jordan, Tunisia, and Morocco have enacted disability laws and increased focus on accessible education and humanitarian aid. However, the region still faces limitations in data, policy enforcement, and social stigma. Persons with disabilities, especially women and children, often experience multiple forms of marginalization due to war, displacement, and poverty.
People with disabilities face several challenges that hinder their full participation in society. One significant issue is the policy-practice gap, where strong legal commitments often lack enforcement mechanisms. Stigma and misconceptions, rooted in cultural beliefs, continue to marginalize individuals with disabilities across various regions. Accessibility barriers whether physical, digital, or informational remain inadequate, and the lack of reliable disability-disaggregated data weakens accountability. Furthermore, people with disabilities are frequently underrepresented in governance and leadership roles, contributing to low civic participation. In conflict and humanitarian crises, particularly in parts of MENA and Africa, individuals with disabilities are especially vulnerable and excluded from aid systems. However, there are promising opportunities to address these challenges. Global frameworks such as the CRPD, SDGs (especially Goals 4, 8, 10, and 16), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provide a universal mandate for inclusion. Regional leadership, with countries like South Africa and Uganda pioneering disability legislation, can inspire other nations. The rise of digital and assistive technologies is helping to bridge access gaps in education, health, and mobility. Additionally, young people with disabilities and grassroots organizations are emerging as powerful advocates for change. Finally, increasing donor engagement is making inclusion a priority in international development and humanitarian financing, offering vital support for disability inclusion initiatives.
Disability inclusion is more than accessibility but is a rights-based and equity-driven approach that ensures people with disabilities are actively involved in shaping policies, programs, and services that affect them. Inclusion helps eliminate barriers to participation, empowers communities, and creates environments where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.
At Bodmando, we work across different regions globally to make disability inclusion a tangible and lasting reality.
A disability-inclusive society is not just one where people with disabilities live—it is one where they lead
Bodmando Consulting Group is a feminist international consulting firm
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