On Monday, December 4, the Peacemakers Network hosted its fourth and final Inclusivity-based Community of Practice meeting of 2023, “Promoting the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Within Peacebuilding Efforts.” In case you missed the meeting or want to review key highlights, you can find a recording of the event here.

The Network’s Senior Specialist on Inclusive Peace, Jessica Roland, began the meeting by welcoming 40 participants and providing an overview of the agenda and the previous in-person meeting that focused on advancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities in peacebuilding efforts that took place at the Network’s Advisory Group Meeting in Helsinki. The discussion then turned to a panel discussion with peacebuilders who have been actively promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in their work.

The panel consisted of moderator Tanzila Kahn, Founder of Girly Things Pakistan and with speakers: Sylvain Obedi, Founder and Executive Director, Enable the Disable Action; Yassine Farhat, Project Manager, Attalaki; and Relebohile Lefojane, Head of Disability Cluster, Southern Africa Youth Forum.

Sylvain began the conversation by showcasing his work focused on capacity-building programs focused on disability awareness. Sylvain stressed the importance of data collection focused on the needs and challenges faced by persons with disabilities and how there is a current lack of systematic data collection in conflict zones on this that needs to be addressed.

Farhat then spoke of his experience working with persons with disabilities in disability centers in Tunisia and the importance of trainer of trainers programs to add a more inclusive lens to advocacy efforts.

Finally, Lefojane focused on her work utilizing storytelling in raising awareness about disabilities and to provide platforms for persons with disabilities to raise their voices.

The discussion then moved into breakout groups for participants in the meeting to be able to speak to how they are promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities within their work. Based on the group discussions, below are further challenges and opportunities raised in advancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities in peacebuilding work.