Garowe, Puntland – July 2021
The Puntland Disability Organisations Network (PDON), in partnership with Save the Children Somalia, successfully conducted a two-day disability awareness and mainstreaming workshop in Garowe on July 18–19, 2021. The event brought together representatives from OPDs, teachers, parents, and CBOs across six Puntland districts—Qardho, Bosaso, Garowe, Burtinle, Galkayo, and Goldogob.
Held at New Rays Hotel, the workshop aimed to strengthen knowledge and change perceptions around disability, with a strong focus on human rights, gender inclusion, and community engagement
Building Knowledge and Advocacy
In her official opening remarks, Ms. Safia Jama Gayre, Director at the Ministry of Women Development and Family Affairs (MoWDAFA), emphasized the government’s growing commitment to the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. PDON Chairman Ali Abdi Aden urged participants to mainstream disability across their organizational strategies.
The interactive sessions focused on the definition of disability, classification of impairments, and barriers to inclusion in sectors like education, health, and politics. Activities included group discussions, experience-sharing, and role-based exercises to identify social and structural challenges faced by PWDs.
Key Themes Discussed:
- Disability vs. Impairment: Clarifying definitions and societal misconceptions
- Cultural Attitudes: Exploring Somali proverbs and beliefs about disability
- Gender and Disability: Highlighting double discrimination faced by women with disabilities
- Legal Gaps: Comparing Somali constitutional references to the UNCRPD
Highlights:
- Participants explored practical steps to reduce stigma and promote the rights of PWDs
- Female participants shared barriers faced by women with disabilities, including marriage discrimination and education gaps
- Participants committed to becoming disability focal points within their communities and organizations
Outcomes:
The workshop empowered participants with tools to advocate for disability inclusion, sensitize their communities, and ensure PWDs are no longer excluded from essential services and opportunities. Both PDON and participants expressed gratitude for the learning opportunity and stressed the need for continued engagement.
