AbleRise Africa

AbleRise Africa Society recently took part in a transformative workshop on Access to Justice for Women with Disabilities, convened in partnership with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the United Disabled Persons of Kenya. The gathering brought together civil society organizations, legal practitioners, and organizations of persons with disabilities from across regions to confront barriers and co-create solutions.   This was not just another learning session—it was a rallying call. Access to justice must be more than symbolic; it must be real, practical, and inclusive.   Beyond Ramps and Parking Spaces An accessible courthouse with ramps and designated parking spots is a step forward, but does it guarantee justice for women with disabilities? The answer is no. For many, harmful stereotypes still shape how they are perceived in legal processes. Their credibility is often doubted, and the accommodations necessary for equal participation—such as sign lan...

  At AbleRise , we believe that policy without lived experience is just ink on paper. We were recently honored to join a pivotal consultation with fellow Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to shape Kenya’s shadow report on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Maputo Protocol . While official government reports provide the " what ," shadow reports provide the " how it actually feels. " This is about ensuring that the African Commission doesn't just see statistics, but hears the heartbeat of the Kenyan disability community. Why the Maputo Protocol Matters in Kenya The Maputo Protocol is one of the world’s most progressive legal frameworks for women's rights. However, for a woman with a disability in a rural setup like Turkana or the informal settlements of Mukuru , the rights promised in the Protocol can feel worlds away. A woman with a disability doesn't just face "disability barriers"; she navigates a comp...

At AbleRise Africa , our mission has always been anchored in a singular, powerful pillar: the relentless advocacy for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities . It is one thing to call for change, but it is another entirely to see that championship bear fruit in the rooms where decisions are made. On January 23rd, 2026, that vision took a tangible step forward. Represented by our CEO Josephine K. Mwende, AbleRise Africa was honored to join the Dream Achievers Youth Organization (DAYO) in Kisumu for the SRHR Champions Feedback Meeting. The Power of Inclusive Dialogue Being part of this coalition wasn’t just about attendance; it was about ensuring that "nothing about us, without us" remains a lived reality. The meeting focused on: Deliberate Inclusion: Moving beyond tokenism to ensure persons with disabilities are at the center of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) conversations Actionable Feedback : Analyzing the real-world barriers faced by our comm...