Maiduguri, Borno State – April 25, 2024
In a landmark initiative aimed at amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities and advocating for gender and disability rights, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has launched a week-long Amplifying Voices Fellowship in Borno State. The fellowship, now in its eighth cohort since its inception in 2021, is supported by the Ford Foundation and brings together 20 young advocates with and without disabilities for a journey of empowerment and change.
The first day marks the commencement of the first phase of the fellowship, with participants gathering to embark on a transformative experience filled with fresh insights and perspectives. Under the guidance of the dedicated team at IFA, the advocates are set to undergo intensive training aimed at equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to become strong voices in advocating for gender and disability rights, with a particular focus on women and girls with disabilities.
The inaugural session kicked off with an engaging discussion led by Nansel Sense Samuel on Legal Tools for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Advocacy. Participants identified key barriers to accessing justice, including lack of awareness of existing laws, fear of intimidation, bureaucratic hurdles, and economic constraints. Emphasizing the importance of consistent advocacy and awareness creation, the session laid the groundwork for future advocacy efforts.
Following the enlightening discussion on legal tools, Abdulahi Shuibu facilitated a session on Media Activism, highlighting its relevance and impact in addressing GBV. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the power of media activism and its role in shaping public discourse and driving social change.
The momentum continued to build as the fellowship entered its second day, with participants engaging in a series of advocacy and sensitization activities at the Muna Elbadawi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Maiduguri. Led by project manager Susan Kelechi, the advocates conducted an awareness campaign on gender violence, focusing on its impact on women and girls with disabilities. The warm reception from camp residents and leaders underscored the importance of the advocacy efforts, with a pledge from camp leaders to intensify efforts to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable groups within the camp.
As the fellowship progressed into its fourth day, participants delved into a powerhouse of learning and growth, with sessions covering GBV response, self-esteem, resource mobilization, technical report writing, and psychosocial support. These sessions equipped advocates with the skills and knowledge needed to drive positive change in their communities, empowering them to become effective advocates for gender and disability rights.
The Amplifying Voices Fellowship represents a pivotal moment in the journey toward inclusivity and empowerment for persons with disabilities in Borno State. With continued support from the Ford Foundation and the dedication of organizations like the Inclusive Friends Association, the voices of persons with disabilities will continue to be amplified, leading to greater awareness, advocacy, and social change.
