Gender equality:disability rights movement, My Right

Some of the key observations, results and lessons learned from 2023 are the following: The results are based on the active participation of women with disabilities (WWD) in the implementation of all activities in line with what was originally planned and identified in the workplan and in the action plan for advocacy. The most important part of the work in 2023 has been the strengthening of the five Foras for WWD in Tuzla, Sarajevo, Bijeljina, Doboj and Mostar. These five foras are formed by 40 local organisations for persons with disabilities (PwD). During the year 2023, the first national congress for PwD was held in Sarajevo. The congress was organized by the Union of organizations PwD, My Right and Caritas and is deemed to be a very important first step to nationally discuss urgent issues for PWD, WWD and how the government should step up in order to implement the rights of PWD and WWD. A sample of the most important results are the following: * The Forum of WWD in Tuzla focused on awareness raising among the citizens on the rights and needs of WWD, through a street campaign. Clear messages were delivered in relation to the organisation of the Forum, the right of WWD to participate in forming ones life, the right to a life without violence, the right to be heard and to be an equal member of society. A survey measuring the understanding of the public and sensibility of the rights of WWD was carried out and the results will be used as an advocacy tool. A panel discussion and on WWD was also organised with a broad participation of citizens, CSOs and organization of PWD. * The Forum of WWD in Sarajevo, selected access to sexual and reproductive health for WWD and the right to personal assistance for PPD as topics for their advocacy work. Education activities within these were organised, as well as online events and online petition (regarding personal assistance service). This important work has not been finalized, and will continue to be part of the future advocacy work. * The Forum of WWD in Bijeljina promoted the employability of WWD, through various workshops during five months and additional round-tables. A database of unemployed WWD was created together with the Employment Office in Bijeljina. * A study on the state of human rights of WWD in BiH was carried out. The study is addressing various aspects of how women WWD experience the challenges and needs regarding the implementation of their human rights (for example the right to health, employment, participation in society, political engagement). The study is in line with CEDAW and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The study gives important data to be used for future planning and advocacy work. The study has also been used for the BiH alternative report submitted in January 2024 to the CRPD committee. Some of the lessons learned from 2023 confirms the following: * Importance for good planning - thanks to detailed planning made by the Foras,activities taking place were focused, efficient and well organized. * Importance of collective actions - regular meetings and coordination among the Forum members, were assessed as crucial in order to achieve the sense of belonging, ownership and solidarity between WWD. * Importance of using social media platforms - regular sharing of information on project activities helps to raise awareness among a wider audience such as policymakers and the general public. It also encourages engagement from individuals and organizations, and contributes to an improved impact and reach of the project.

The long term goal of the project is to improve the implementation of the rights of women and girls with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Expected outcomes: 1. Increased participation of women and girls with disabilities within organisations of persons with disabilities 2.Women and girls with disabilities are empowered to have, to a greater extent, the power to shape activities in the disabilitiy movement The theory of change can be summarized as if OPDs have a better understanding of gender equality, they will also better understand what kind of support is needed for women and girls to increase their involvement. This will, in turn, increase the likeliness of women and girls participating to a greater extent than today and lead to a strengthening of the work promoting their rights.