AbleRise Africa

  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...

AbleRise Africa Society  joined the global community for the #16DaysofActivism2025 campaign by shedding light on a critical, often-overlooked issue: the intersection of  obstetric justice  and  digital safety for women with disabilities . Violence against women and girls is a global human rights emergency, and for those with disabilities, the vulnerabilities are magnified both offline and in digital spaces.  We shared powerful stories and key issues that many women with disabilities face, from mistreatment during childbirth to online harassment that threatens their physical and mental safety.  This year's theme is a powerful call to action: UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against Women with Disabilities.  For more information about the #16DaysofActivism, Scroll up to see our educational posters for in-depth information and join the conversation. Share this post to raise awareness. Comment below with your thoughts or questions. Follow our social media pag...

  Narrated by    Josephine Mwende   It is every woman’s great desire to have a child or children of their own and enjoy the exciting journey of motherhood. Despite having cerebral palsy, I was over the moon when I learnt that I was expecting a baby, finally, God had remembered me and answered my prayers. Then came the time for delivery, I was met with a rude shock when I got rejected from one hospital to another. I recall very well a female doctor telling my mum upon arrival at the hospital that, " WE DON'T HANDLE SUCH PEOPLE! ".  This really broke my heart.  Moving from one hospital to another, in labor pains, was quite an horrifying experience.  Fear, anxiety and depression started to sink in, a gift from God was becoming a burden, with teary eyes, I looked up at the sky and asked God why this was happening to me. A breakthrough came when Kenyatta National hospital finally agreed to take me in and help me deliver my baby. 

The digital landscape, while brimming with opportunities, also presents unique vulnerabilities, especially for children. At AbleRise Africa Society, we believe in transforming these challenges into triumphs of advocacy and protection. That's why we were thrilled to participate in the recent Launch of Social Media Advocacy on Online Child Protection , a vital initiative spearheaded by the Children Rights Advocacy and Legal Aid Foundation (CRALAF). We extend our deepest gratitude to CRALAF, alongside the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Service, the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), the Communications Authority, and Terre des Hommes Netherlands, for empowering our members as digital Child Champions. This pivotal event, held on November 20th, 2025, at Nairobi's Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel, convened a powerful alliance of social media actors, influencers, and community journalists. The rallying cry was clear: " Your Voice. Their Protection. " This resounding mess...

AbleRise Africa Society is a non-profit organization that was formed by and for persons with disabilities. Our main areas of focus is  to serve the broader community of persons with disabilities, with specific programs and advocacy priorities directed toward  youth, women, and those with less spoken disabilities like cerebral palsy. For example, this type of disability is easily misunderstood, stereotyped, and face more sets of discrimination and societal exclusion compared to other forms of disabilities.  As such, we strive to champion the implementation of inclusive policies and programs that are focused on ensuring the well-being and welfare of all persons with disabilities. Our Mission To be a trusted hub for disability information and a catalyst for the empowerment of youth, and women  with disabilities in Africa.  We drive advocacy, policy change, and grassroots support to secure self-reliance, independence, and full inclusion for all persons with disabil...