Garowe, Puntland – December 10, 2021
From August to December 2021, the Puntland Disability Organizations Network (PDON), with funding from Save the Children under the NORAD Program, led a high-impact awareness campaign to amplify the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and support Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) in demanding their rights and inclusion in decision-making at both regional and national levels.
This advocacy effort, spanning across Garowe, Qardho, and Eyl, was part of PDON’s broader mission to ensure PWDs are recognized as active and equal participants in society.
Why the Campaign Was Needed
Puntland is home to an estimated 15.3–15.6% of its population living with disabilities—possibly higher than the global average due to prolonged conflict and weak healthcare systems. Yet, structural exclusion remains the norm:
- Education: Few schools offer Braille or sign language instruction.
- Employment: Job opportunities for young and adult PWDs are scarce.
- Living Conditions: Many PWDs live in IDP camps under poor and unsafe conditions, often facing forced evictions.
- Representation: There are no legal mandates requiring PWD representation in government policy-making or civil society. DPOs are rarely consulted in decisions that directly affect them.
Campaign Goals
PDON launched the campaign with four core objectives:
- Raise public and institutional attention toward the rights of persons with disabilities.
- Empower DPOs and individuals with disabilities to identify actions to protect those in high-risk situations.
- Encourage PWDs’ participation in Puntland’s electoral processes.
- Disseminate key messages through various platforms, including TV, social media, and billboards.
Campaign Strategies and Activities
The campaign used a blend of traditional and digital media to spread awareness:
- Television forums and talk shows focused on PWD rights and inclusion
- Social media campaigns targeting youth and civil society
- Visual materials, including:
- 100 A3-sized stickers printed and distributed with disability rights messages
- 2 billboards installed in Qardho and Eyl with bold, inclusive messaging
Impact and Results
The campaign sparked vital conversations about the rights and visibility of PWDs in Puntland. It laid the groundwork for:
- Greater involvement of DPOs in local and regional decision-making
- Increased community awareness about the challenges and rights of persons with disabilities
- A push toward inclusive participation in political processes, such as the local government elections
Looking Forward
This campaign was not just a public awareness effort—it was a call to action. PDON continues to work toward a more inclusive society where no one is left behind, and persons with disabilities can fully participate in political, social, and economic life.
