The Voices of Women and Children with Disabilities in Ghana (VOWACGhana) has launched a strategic “Movement Building and Strategic Partnership Manual” to strengthen advocacy for the rights of marginalised groups.
This initiative is a core component of a project funded by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), which focuses on rallying support for the implementation of the 2024 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) concluding recommendations and Ghana’s upcoming commitments at the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025.
This foundational resource equips stakeholders – including advocates, governance structures, and administrative teams – with the practical tools needed to advance the wellbeing of women and children with disabilities.
In a rapidly evolving development landscape, the manual serves as a roadmap for creating resilient movements and forging impactful alliances that are grounded in professionalism, integrity, and diversity.
The guide translates organisational values into repeatable, actionable steps that can be applied at community, district, regional, and national levels.
This structured approach aims to increase collective power to influence national policies, services, and budgets.
Furthermore, the manual introduces clear decision criteria for partnerships to ensure they deliver measurable change while mitigating common risks such as tokenism, extractive relationships, and safeguarding gaps.
A central pillar of the framework is its gender-transformative and rights-based philosophy. Drawing on international standards such as CEDAW and the UNCRPD, the manual addresses harmful gender norms and power imbalances.
It specifically targets the intersectional barriers that often prevent women with disabilities from occupying leadership roles, ensuring that advocacy efforts remain inclusive and representative of diverse lived experiences.
The scope of the manual extends to strengthening the organising capacity of individuals with psychosocial, intellectual, sensory, and physical disabilities.
It offers a clear path for community organisers, staff, and partner institutions to navigate the complexities of strategic alliances.
The framework encourages leadership at every level, ensuring that every voice is valued and every right is respected through coordinated action.
VOWACGhana’s ultimate vision is a Ghana free from inequality and injustice, where women and children with disabilities can fully enjoy their fundamental rights.
With the introduction of this manual and the ongoing support of the Disability Rights Fund, the organisation reaffirms its commitment to empowering caregivers and persons with disabilities through capacity building, mentorship, and robust service delivery.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
