Theme 2025: Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.
Today, as the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) and we observe Day 9 of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO reflects on the critical intersection between disability, equality and protection from violence.
Persons living with disabilities especially women, girls and children often face heightened risks of abuse, discrimination and exclusion. This makes today’s global theme and ongoing activism especially relevant for Busia County.
Baridi Kwa Baridi Participates in the Inception Meeting for the Busia Disability Inclusion Bill
Yesterday, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO joined other key stakeholders for an inception meeting on the development of the Busia Disability Inclusion Bill.
The meeting, sponsored by AICCAD in collaboration with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), marked a significant step toward strengthening county-level legislation that safeguards the rights of persons living with disabilities. This Bill represents an important milestone for Busia, as it aims to address long-standing gaps in accessibility, service delivery, protection and representation.
Why Busia County Needs a Disability Inclusion Bill
1. High Prevalence of Disability and Daily Barriers
Many residents living with disabilities struggle to access education, healthcare, transport systems, public spaces, and economic opportunities. The bill will provide local solutions tailored to Busia’s realities.
2. Strengthened Protection Against Discrimination
Stigma, unequal treatment, and exclusion persist in workplaces, schools, and community settings. The bill will establish a clear legal framework to prevent, address, and penalize discrimination.
3. Improved Access to Public Services
From buildings to health facilities to public transport, accessibility remains a challenge. The bill will guide the county in promoting:
- Inclusive infrastructure
- Assistive devices
- Disability-friendly services (e.g., sign language interpretation, ramps, priority services)
4. Better Data for Better Planning
Busia lacks comprehensive disability data. The bill will support registration, documentation, and planning, making county programs more responsive and inclusive.
5. Enhanced Education & Economic Opportunities
Children and adults with disabilities often experience limited learning and livelihood opportunities. The bill will promote:
- Inclusive education in all schools
- County-level employment and enterprise programs
- Stronger social protection systems
6. Accountability & Structured Implementation
The bill will define the roles of county departments, set accessibility standards, and create mechanisms for monitoring, reporting, and budgeting for disability inclusion.
7. Alignment With National and Global Standards
The bill will align Busia with:
- Kenya’s Constitution (Article 54)
- Persons with Disabilities Act (2003)
- The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Connecting Disability Inclusion to the 16 Days of Activism
During the 16 Days of Activism, we raise our voices against all forms of gender-based violence. Persons with disabilities particularly women and girls face:
- Higher risks of physical, emotional, and sexual violence
- Lower access to justice
- Greater barriers in reporting abuse
- Limited access to support services
A strong Disability Inclusion Bill can help ensure that cases of violence are reported, addressed and prevented, while improving accessibility to GBV support services.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Day 9 of the 16 Days of Activism, we reaffirm the message:
Inclusion is not charity. It is justice.
Protection is not optional. It is a right.
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