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The Treatment of Disabled South Africans

Disabled South Africans

In 2022, approximately 3 to 3.5 million South Africans were living with a disability, representing around 7% of the country’s population. Disabled South Africans face significant social, economic and educational barriers, including limited access to schools, scarce employment opportunities, and widespread stigma. In some cases, individuals with physical or mental disabilities experience discrimination, neglect, or mistreatment, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform and stronger protections.

Barriers to Education and Employment

In 2019, an estimated 600,000 children with disabilities were being excluded from education in South Africa. Although most public schools in South Africa are free, families of disabled children often have to pay a fee for the additional support at a mainstream school. Even after paying this, many parents have expressed concerns over the level of support their child is receiving.

While special schools exist in South Africa, they are often costly or situated in remote areas, making access difficult for many families. As a result, even children with minor disabilities, such as an untreated eyesight problem that could be corrected with adequate funding, may miss out on education. In adulthood, South Africans with disabilities continue to face passive discrimination.

In 2024, more than 90% of disabled South Africans were unemployed and even if they manage to find work, they will most likely experience a pay discrepancy or will only be employed part-time.

Targeted Violence Against People With Albinism

This widespread inequality particularly affects South Africans with albinism, a group in which around one in every 4,000 people are affected. This minority is at extreme risk of physical harm. Due to superstitious beliefs about healing abilities, there have been numerous cases of albino limbs being forcibly chopped off. They are then sold on the black market for around $15,000 each or $75,000 for the entire body.

There have been many cases of children with albinism being mutilated by family members for income.

Gender-Based Discrimination Against Disabled Women

Disabled women also struggle with layered discrimination and are often treated worse than disabled men. Women are far more likely to be forcibly sterilized, as parents are often concerned their daughter will be raped and the child will also be disabled and dependent on them. Moreover, African women are more susceptible to mental health problems (the most common disability in the world) due to the high number of sex offences that occur in the country.

An estimated 40% of South African women will be raped in their lifetimes and instead of receiving support, victims risk being imprisoned in an attempt to treat their hysteria.

Resolutions and the African Disability Alliance

There are organizations, such as the African Disability Alliance (ADA), that advocate for the rights of people with disabilities in Africa. The ADA aims to assist all individuals with disabilities across the continent. It recently advocated for the African Disability Protocol (ADP) that was adopted in 2018.

In 2024, the ADP became legally binding in at least 15 African Union member states, including South Africa. The ADP is a law that aims to provide disabled people with equal opportunities. This includes disabled children’s right to education, reasonable accommodation for all and acknowledges and seeks to reduce the inequalities between men and women.

It has helped numerous charities around Africa, including Retina South Africa. Retina South Africa is a nonprofit organization that conducts research into genetic mutations, raises public awareness of retinal issues and supports patients through education, referrals and interventions. Retina South Africa describes the ADP as “more than a document—it’s a call to action. It’s a way to demand the access and dignity we deserve. Whether you’re fighting for better eye care or an inclusive workplace, this protocol is your ally. Let’s use it to make South Africa a place where visual impairment doesn’t hold us back.”

Implementation Challenges and ADA’s Advocacy Work

However, there have been issues in implementing the protocol and supporting African countries that attempt to do so, an issue that the ADA addresses. The organization helped develop the Model Law for Disability, which provides a reference point for African countries to operationalize ADP’s aims.

Kudakwashe Dube, CEO of ADA, said to The Borgen Project: “[The Model Law] is structured along the lines of the U.N. Convention, except that it gives an African perspective on human rights and some of the things that we could not get into the U.N. Convention we were able to get into the protocol.”

The ADA also acknowledges inequalities within the disabled community. Its program, “Ratification through Women-led Advocacy” (ARWA), focused on empowering women to drive the ratification of the ADP. Participants traveled to African countries to advocate for the protocol and assist with implementing the documents, ensuring that the voices of women with disabilities are heard.

Often, disabled women can be left out of discussions involving disabled African’s rights. This is an issue that Dube said needed to be addressed: “Unless we involve [women] now, they are likely to be left out in future phases. That’s why we decided to make sure they are part of the process from the start.”

Future Directions and Inclusive Education Efforts

Looking ahead, the ADA plans to continue playing a major role in advancing the rights of people with disabilities. Although South Africa has now ratified the ADP, the ADA remains active in its broader advocacy efforts. The organization is also implementing another initiative, “Promoting Inclusive Education” (PIE), primarily in South Africa.

Through this program, the ADA advocates for inclusive education within mainstream schools and ensures that teachers are properly trained and equipped to support students with disabilities.

Concluding Comments

Disabled South Africans remain deeply entangled in stigma, superstition and systemic inequality, often leaving millions of people excluded, mistreated and silenced. Yet, amid these challenges, organizations like the ADA are creating a much-needed shift, transforming how disability is perceived and addressed across the continent. Its work demonstrates that meaningful change requires not only legal reform but also social transformation: educating communities, empowering women and ensuring that disability rights are treated as human rights.

While there is still a long way to go before full equality is achieved, the growing recognition of disabled South Africans’ dignity and potential marks a vital step forward. True progress will depend on sustained advocacy, inclusive education and the collective will of African societies to dismantle prejudice and replace it with understanding, respect and opportunity for all.

– Lysia Wright

Lysia is based in Derby, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Reworking disability and poverty stigma in Ecuador

poverty stigma in EcuadorUnlike other countries in the South American region, Ecuador has managed to gradually reduce poverty levels broadly despite the turbulent global conditions due to COVID-19 and the conflict in Ukraine. Since 2021, there has been a 2.5 percentage points decrease in poverty incidence which, whilst moderate, represents a positive trajectory considering the global context of universal inflation. Impressively, Ecuador has reduced both rural and urban poverty, whilst also experiencing a slight, albeit brief, decrease in multidimensional poverty.

However, these quantitative measures do not tell the whole story. Whilst economic factors play a fundamental role in both causing and rectifying poverty, social factors play a pivotal role in addressing poverty where certain communities feel neglected and underserved. Estimates show that 6% of the Ecuadorian population has disabilities, and pervasive cultural attitudes continue to undermine that community which deprives them of crucial support. However, crucial work from both local and international NGOs is helping to improve the social landscape for disabled people and unravelling the link between poverty and stigma in Ecuador.

Focus on Inclusive Education

Hearts of Gold Foundation raises thousands of dollars each year to fund projects supporting children with special educational needs through curated, inclusive education models. Crucially, these models involve integrating children with special educational needs alongside mainstream children, ensuring a holistic, blended experience that helps to shatter stigma.

The program has helped bring 95 children together in the last year to promote values of diversity and community involvement, which has provided increasing educational opportunities for young children with special needs, allowing them to gain more qualifications and access to alternative vocational training.

More broadly, Hearts of Gold has a key focus on counselling and support for the most vulnerable communities in Ecuador, which permeates through their other projects. It funds numerous mental health counselling projects for young people and mothers in poor communities with the intention to break the poverty stigma in Ecuador, which particularly dismisses those with cognitive and intellectual disabilities because of their more abstract nature.

The Battle Against Cultural Perceptions

Whilst Ecuador has made clear progress with their social welfare programs, disabled people experience disproportionate poverty due to limited access to health services and obstructive employment practices rooted in discrimination.

Registration difficulties perpetuate this cycle of poverty, as approximately half of the 6% of disabled people in Ecuador are formally registered, underscoring the difficulty of that community to become integrated within education and employment, according to UNPRPD. These stigmatized processes are entrenched within Ecuadorian society through a plethora of ways, intersecting with gender, ethnicity and geographical location.

Women and girls with disabilities find it difficult to access health services and gender-based violence support, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and oppression, UNPRPD reports. Moreover, indigenous people with with disability in Ecuardor face additional challenges rooted in formal registration difficulties and co-existing oppression, with the overwhelming cultural attitude in Ecuador correlating disability with incapacity.

Disability and Poverty Stigma in Ecuador

Causes for Change International has helped to overcome disability stigma in Ecuador through a community-based approach that specifically focuses on access to healthcare facilities. Ultimately, this local approach has benefited disabled people in poorer communities that are more likely to face multidimensional poverty, and the focus on developing local healthcare facilities for disabled women further helps to address these specific stigmatized processes.

Ecuador faces numerous challenges that seek to obstruct its progress on social development and poverty reduction. However, both international and local organizations have prioritized community initiatives which integrates children and women with disabilities, allowing them to access basic facilities that up until now, had not been granted. Continuing projects like these are vital for showcasing that disabled people should not be disregarded by cultural perceptions and challenging these cultivated attitudes will help to reduce poverty further.

– Oscar McClintock

Oscar is based in Cambridge, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Methods To Address Disability and Poverty in Myanmar

Disability and Poverty in MyanmarDisability and poverty remain two deeply intertwined challenges in Myanmar, where decades of conflict, economic instability and limited health care access have placed millions in vulnerable positions. With almost 6 million people having one or more disabilities of any type. Disability, whether physical or mental, often acts as both a cause and consequence of poverty, resulting in restricted education, employment, health care and opportunities for personal growth. However, across the nation, innovative programs, local organizations and international support are working together to improve the quality of life for those facing these barriers. Data recorded in 2023 suggests that around 49.7% of the country’s population is living in poverty, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to address the growing issues faced within communities.

Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs

One of the most effective strategies in addressing disability and poverty in Myanmar has been the development of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programs. The concept, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), is simple yet powerful, as rehabilitation has become more accessible, local and inclusive rather than centralized in hospitals or distant clinics. CBR brings assistance directly to people’s homes and communities. In Myanmar, this method is particularly significant because many rural areas lack adequate medical infrastructure. Trained local volunteers and rehabilitation workers provide physiotherapy, mobility aids and counseling to individuals with disabilities. In addition, disability awareness training has been introduced within schools. These interventions help people regain independence, re-enter education or work and break cycles of dependency that perpetuate poverty. Furthermore, they raise community awareness and challenge traditional stigmas surrounding disability, which strengthens the success of such initiatives which are fighting disability and poverty in Myanmar.

Successes

A major success story comes from Kayin State, where the local NGO Karuna Mission Social Solidarity established CBR networks that have supported more than 10,000 people through small business grants, home-based therapy and caregiver training. This model shows that sustainable progress is possible when communities themselves are the drivers of change.

Similar initiatives are now spreading across Shan and Mon States, where CBR teams combine physical rehabilitation with livelihood projects such as livestock farming and handicrafts. By linking therapy with income generation, people regain independence and can help support their families. Reports from the Myanmar Independent Living Initiative and WHO show that CBR works best when it blends medical care with community empowerment. Local volunteers, often family members, are trained to assist with therapy and raise awareness about disability rights. This grassroots approach helps reduce stigma and builds understanding within villages.

The success of these programs also depends on cooperation between NGOs, local authorities and international partners. Together, they are turning disability inclusion into a shared social goal and helping to shape a more accessible future for Myanmar.

Social Protection and Financial Empowerment

In Myanmar, social protection programs are increasingly focusing on individuals with disabilities to reduce poverty and promote inclusion. The government has introduced initiatives like the Allowance for People with Disabilities Program, providing monthly stipends to eligible individuals, aiming to alleviate financial burdens and encourage community participation. 

Additionally, organizations such as BRAC Myanmar have implemented the Financial and Social Inclusion Project, which offers vocational training, microloans and business development support to persons with disabilities. This holistic approach has led to improved financial literacy and increased community engagement among participants. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create an inclusive social safety net in Myanmar, integrating marginalized groups into the economic mainstream and reducing poverty rates. Therefore, this is another part of the effort to reduce poverty and resulting disability in Myanmar. 

Looking Ahead

Myanmar’s ongoing fight against disability and poverty shows that progress is possible even in challenging circumstances. Community-based rehabilitation, social protection programs and financial empowerment initiatives are helping individuals regain independence, access education and participate in their communities. While barriers such as limited resources and lingering stigma remain, these programs demonstrate that targeted support can create meaningful change. Contributions to NGOs and local organizations play a vital role in sustaining these efforts, providing the funding, expertise and resources needed to reach more people and expand life-changing services. Supporting these initiatives not only improves individual lives but also strengthens entire communities, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

– Toby Bowery-Taylor

Toby is based in Staffordshire, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Addressing Disability and Poverty in Eswatini

Disability and Poverty in EswatiniGeographically diverse yet almost entirely surrounded by South Africa, Eswatini is considered one of the smallest countries in Africa, spanning only 200 km north to south and 130 km east to west. Disability and poverty in Eswatini remain deeply interconnected, reinforcing cycles of inequality and restricting opportunities for growth. Far from being isolated conditions, they are overlapping challenges that shape much of the nation’s social reality.

About Disability and Poverty in Eswatini

With a population of 1.3 million, life expectancy reaches low at 58 years in comparison to the US where the average life expectancy is 78.6 years according to the National Library of Medicine. It is no coincidence that Eswatini’s average life expectancy is low. With some improvement, poverty rates still remain extremely high for the country with almost 60% of the population living below the poverty line and a Gini coefficient for inequality of 0.54 reflecting a weak economic environment, according to The Word Bank of Eswatini. 

The Gini coefficient for inequality is a statistical measure that quantifies inequality on a scale from 0 to 1 with 0 being perfect equality and 1 being the complete opposite, major inequality. Eswatini’s score of 0.54 indicates that there is a quite high rate of inequality for the country’s population. 

Although inequality is in regard to pay, gender and age, the issue of disability and poverty in Eswatini remains significant. Disability and poverty have close links in the country. High numbers of people with disabilities report having significant financial difficulties in accessing essential services such as health care.

Population Trends

According to the government of Estwatini, with the estimated population of 1.1 million people, the average growth rate increased by about 0.86% annually over the last 11 year period leading to 2021 (2010-2021).

Within that timeline, the 2017 Population and Housing Census revealed that approximately 13% of the population (more than 140,000) were individuals with disabilities that found it challenging to perform daily functions. Most common of these disabilities was related to either vision (32.6%) and mobility (26.5%), with females being significantly more affected than males across all disabilities.

Other than mobility and vision being the most common disability among citizens of Eswatini, other disabilities such albinism (0.7%) and epilepsy (0.6%) also occur. In rural areas, disability is more common with more than 80% of individuals residing in these areas facing mobility issues and vision difficulties.

Poverty’s Role in Disability and Inequality

According to a report by UNICEF, individuals with disabilities in the country are significantly more likely to live in poverty. With low opportunities and access to health services, jobs and education, many individuals in rural areas rely on cash assistance and support services to mitigate poverty’s impact.

Although poverty has been decreasing long term, Eswatini still faces high levels of inequality for disabled individuals. Approximately 52% of citizens with disabilities have no access to education and only 28% of them have employment.

Vision for the Future

The government of Eswatini has recognized the need to address the rising issue. Being put into action between 2024-28, the Eswatini National Disability Plan of Action aims to promote protection of rights of disabled individuals and “to ensure that national policies and development programmes mainstream disability rights in all stages of planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.”

Some goals of this new act include:

  • Increase enrollment of individuals with disabilities in schools by 100%.
  • Provide free and affordable healthcare to all people with disabilities in the country.
  • Increase national and international advocacy about these challenges.
  • Increase involvement in sports and activity by 30% for people with disabilities

While issues may still be prominent, there is hope of changes in the future with the government of Eswatini actively engaging in addressing disability and poverty in Eswatini.

– Zosia Paciorek

Zosia is based in St. Louis, MO, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing Disability and Poverty in Saint Lucia

Disability and Poverty in Saint LuciaIn Saint Lucia, Merphilus James, President of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities, has spoken openly about the financial hardships his own family faced when seeking a prosthetic abroad. Like many others, the high cost and lack of local resources made access nearly impossible. His experience reflects the wider challenge the country faces at the intersection of disability and poverty.

Throughout the island, many people with disabilities run into the same problems. In the 2014-15 school year, of students enrolled in special education or mainstreamed into the public system (361 students total), 77% were diagnosed with learning disabilities, intellectual disability or autism; multiple handicaps comprised about 12%. Limited access to medical care, lack of assistive devices and very few job opportunities are some of the barriers they face.

The Link Between Disability and Poverty in Saint Lucia

The 2010 Population Census measured that approximately 12% of Saint Lucia’s population had a disability; physical disability is among the most common types, with accident-related causes rising. Disability often worsens poverty. Data from Saint Lucia’s Central Statistical Office indicates that 4.6% of persons surveyed in 2019-2021 report at least one disability. Females make up 53.1% of that group and those aged 60 and older account for 57%. 

According to the World Bank, less than one in 10 Saint Lucians lives below the poverty line and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to unemployment and exclusion. Families with a disabled member face higher living costs for care, equipment and health needs as well. This cycle makes targeted policies essential for breaking barriers.

Government Action

Saint Lucia’s government has worked with the World Bank to start projects to improve opportunities for people with disabilities. In 2020, Saint Lucia launched the Human Capital Resistance Project, focusing on strengthening social protection programs and helping the most vulnerable groups to find jobs.

The project focuses on providing training, financial support and community services to improve overall living conditions. By 2021, the project had reached at least 3,000 people and programs linked to it, including skills training for the youth and people with disabilities.

The Role of NGOs

Nonprofit groups also play a central role. The Saint Lucia National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCOPD) has advocated for infrastructure, education and job opportunities to be more available.

NCOPD organized many awareness campaigns and even partnered with schools to promote inclusive learning. In recent years, the group worked with international donors to supply assistive devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids.

The World Bank reports that investing more into disability-friendly education and/or job training helps minimize dependency and continues to support economic growth in Saint Lucia. Poverty levels will decrease when more people get on board and can work, contribute and act entirely in society.

Future of Disability and Poverty in Saint Lucia

Progress now shows slowly but clearly. With the establishment of the Prosthetic Rehabilitation and Repairs Center, 10 Saint Lucians who urgently needed prosthetic legs received them free of cost in 2022. This development highlights how focused action can ultimately change lives through government policy and grassroots leadership.

While challenges remain, Saint Lucia’s growing mix of local initiatives and international support offers a model of how small nations can tackle disability and poverty together.

– Tiana Hermes

Tiana is based in Boulder, CO, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Breaking the Cycle of Disability and Poverty in Lesotho

Disability and Poverty in LesothoPeople living in poverty and with disabilities in Lesotho face overlapping barriers, such as limited education, health care and labor-market access, that increase poverty risks. Policies like the Disability Equity Act (2021), Inclusive Education Policy (2018) and pilot Disability Grant create a rights-based foundation, but weak implementation, underfunding and stigma limit impact. Stronger social protection, inclusive education and scaled-up grants are key to breaking the cycle of disability and poverty in Lesotho.

Disability, Poverty and Social Protection in Lesotho

A report evaluating the effectiveness of Lesotho’s social protection policies and initiatives was published by the World Bank in partnership with the government of Lesotho. The research emphasizes the necessity for robust, efficient social protection measures to assist disadvantaged individuals in meeting their fundamental requirements. This need is especially urgent given Lesotho’s lackluster economic growth and constrained fiscal resources, which are further stretched by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lesotho’s achievement in developing safety net systems is acknowledged in the Social Protection Program and Systems Review. The review also offers several policy recommendations to boost cost savings and improve program efficacy and coverage. According to the Ministry of Social Development, Lesotho implements several key social protection initiatives to support the underprivileged.

One such initiative is the Child Grant Program, an unconditional cash transfer designed to improve the standard of living for low-income families with children younger than 18. The program aims to boost school enrollment, strengthen health outcomes and reduce malnutrition.

Lesotho’s Disability Act: Progress Made, Challenges Remain

Lesotho, a nation that has historically lagged in promoting rights and support for people with disabilities and poverty, saw a turning point with the passage of the Persons with Disability Act in 2021. The Act creates a legal framework to protect the autonomy, dignity and inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of life.

However, even while the law has undoubtedly paved the way for PWDs to participate more fully in the business and economic sectors, structural issues and implementation still prevent the full potential of its revolutionary power from being realized. To ensure meaningful inclusion, systematic reforms must be implemented to align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Lesotho has ratified.

Lesotho Advances Disability Rights With Landmark Equity Bill

The Disability Equity Bill represents a major step forward for Lesotho’s social inclusion goals, crippling disability and poverty, according to the World Bank. The organization outlined its “10 Promises” in the summer of 2018 to accelerate global action for development that includes people with disabilities. The Disability Equity Bill builds on Lesotho’s previous efforts.

The country ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008, becoming the 42nd nation. In 2017, the Constitutional Court struck down a provision in the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act of 1981 that barred people with intellectual disabilities from testifying in court. The new bill requires the convention to be demonstrated and ensures that the rights it guarantees are implemented.

Takeaway

Lesotho has made progress in social protection and disability through programs like the Child Grant and laws such as the Persons with Disability Act and the Disability Equity Bill. Despite those advances, structural challenges and weak implementations limit their full effectiveness. Strengthening systems and enforcing disability rights are essential to reduce poverty and promote meaningful inclusion.

– Joshua Pettis

Joshua is based in Houston, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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New Integrated Plan To Address Disability and Poverty in Czechia

Disability and Poverty in CzechiaThe Czech Republic is a country located in Central Europe, with a population reaching almost 11 million people. Approximately 1.3 million of the citizens live with a disability. Income poverty and exclusion affect this group the most. Here is more information about disability and poverty in Czechia.

Current Challenges

According to the data that the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions provided, the poverty risk rate for working-age persons with disabilities in Czechia was 13.2% in 2023, double compared to other persons of similar age. 

Younger people with disabilities face particular disadvantages as well. Those in the 18-24 age group are far more likely to leave school early compared to their peers and are less likely to graduate from tertiary education. A significant group of children with disabilities receive education in separate schools rather than the public system, which deepens the social exclusion. The link between disability and poverty in Czechia starts at the very beginning of the societal and professional path.

The most common type of disability in Czechia is mobility impairment. People with disabilities point to transport and navigation of public spaces as their greatest challenges.

There are multiple elements within the national social security system to support individuals with disabilities such as financial benefits, tax relief, insurance and assistance. However, there is little focus on vocational rehabilitation, which experts point as perhaps the most productive solution to poverty and disability connection. Job market opportunities for people with disabilities are limited with low motivation for accommodations.

Past Achievements

Since joining international efforts for inclusion, such as ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009, Czechia made considerable progress in terms of legislation related to the protection of this citizen group.

The employment rate of persons with disabilities is marginally above the EU average. The government has incorporated multiple incentives in labor law to help achieve it, for example supplier diversity programs, parities requirements and targeted efforts from The Regional Employment Agencies to assist people with disabilities in finding suitable workplaces.

Many municipalities participated in the National Development Program for Mobility for All, which has been implemented since 2005, removing barriers and improving mobility in urbanized areas.

Plan for the Future

To better accommodate citizens with disabilities, the Czech government has approved a National Plan for Persons with Disabilities for 2026-2030. What is especially interesting in this new Plan is the integrated, holistic approach to proposed solutions. The Plan will focus on improving accessibility in public buildings and transport infrastructure, with both elements intentionally linked. 

The basic objective of the National Accessibility for All Programme is to build comprehensive barrier-free pedestrian routes with direct links to the buildings of public institutions. Simply put, the plan is to not only help people get to the location or to navigate within the building, but to enable both, creating an accessible experience.

To support the efforts described in the Plan, on January 1, 2025, the amendment to the Czech Employment Act came into force, especially the obligation to employ a mandatory proportion of disabled employees. This change aims to encourage employers to hire disabled employees and prevent attempts to circumvent existing mechanisms.

Looking Ahead

The government describes the importance of the Plan as fundamental for the effective functioning and sustainable development of cities and municipalities, with regard to the demographic development of society and decreasing disability and poverty in Czechia.

– Patrycja Pietrzak

Patrycja is based in Cyprus and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Disability and Poverty in The Gambia: Pathways To Change

Disability and Poverty in The GambiaIn The Gambia, disability and poverty are tightly linked. People with disabilities face barriers to education, health care and jobs that deepen their vulnerability. Stigma and weak government support compound the problem. However, new laws, training programs and social protection efforts by local groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the state are pushing toward greater inclusion.

Cycle of Poverty and Exclusion

Before 2020, The Gambia’s poverty rate had been gradually declining, from 48.6% in 2015 to 45.8% in 2019, with the help of small increases in tourism and construction. Analysts predict the nation’s poverty rate would have decreased by more than 3% by 2020 if not for the COVID-19 pandemic. However, those advances were undone by the pandemic, which caused the poverty rate to rise by 4.8%.

According to a household study conducted in 2020-21, 53.4% of Gambians or around 1.1 million individuals, could not afford the necessities of life. Even though access to health care and education has improved since 2015, more than half of the population still lives in poverty due to the economic shock.

Barriers in Education and Work

One major issue in The Gambia is the shortage of skilled teachers in the educational system. According to a 2021 World Bank assessment, only 57% of primary school teachers are trained, meaning many lack the skills to deliver effective education. Larger class sizes and higher student–teacher ratios, resulting from this shortage, have made it even more difficult to provide individualized attention and support.

This hits learners with disabilities hardest: lacking skilled instruction and support, they struggle to complete schooling, leaving them with lower employment rates. The 2022-23 Gambia Labor Force Survey reports that only 32.8% of persons with disabilities participate in the labor force compared to 44.1% of those without. Employment prospects skew lower for them, too. Without skilled teaching to build real learning and life skills, people living with disabilities struggle to access jobs and escape the poverty trap.

Health Care Challenges

It is estimated that 120,000 Gambians have mental illness, but 90% of them do not receive treatment. The nation only runs one outpatient clinic and one psychiatric hospital, Tanka Tanka, all located close to the capital. Outside these hospitals, a mobile community team that makes scheduled visits to rural health centers provides most of the mental health support.

Although The Gambia has a national policy and strategy aimed at exploring mental health services, most rural and urban people still lack access to care, despite the recent addition of similar teams by specific urban clinics.

Local and Global Partners Step In

The Gambian National Assembly approved the Persons with Disability Bill in July 2021 and President Adam Barrow signed it into law the following month. The measure, the result of nearly a decade of advocacy, safeguards the rights of people with disabilities in health care, education, employment, social support, rehabilitation and accessibility.

The law also brings The Gambia into compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the country ratified in 2015. The convention requires states to provide equal legal protection, ensure full enjoyment of fundamental freedoms and eliminate discriminatory laws and practices.

On October 25–26, 2023, the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center hosted a two-day forum on disability rights, organized by The Gambia Federation of the Disabled and the National Human Rights Commission. In reviewing the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2021, officials and activists highlighted both progress made and challenges that persist.

The organizers urged government organizations to incorporate disability problems in The Gambia into all programs and services, stating that those with disabilities still experience poverty, discrimination and abuse.

Takeaway

Despite setbacks from the pandemic and persistent barriers in education and health care, The Gambia has taken steps toward change. The 2021 Persons with Disabilities Act guarantees equal health, education and employment rights. Advocates say progress is slow. However, recent forums highlight growing moments to address discrimination and expand opportunities, offering hope for a more inclusive future.

– Joshua Pettis

Joshua is based in Houston, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Samoa: Faaolo Utumapu-Utailesolo

Disability and Poverty in SamoaGrowing up blind in Samoa, Faaolo Utumapu-Utailesolo felt first-hand not only how hard life is living in poverty, but how much harder it is for disabled persons living in poverty. With no access to Braille, teachers trained to support her in school, or necessary medical care and support, she struggled a lot until her family was able to find the money to support her financially. Now, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, she lives as a university lecturer, working with her disability rights movement to help other people with disabilities gain a fulfilling education, in order to live a fulfilling life. Here is information about disability and poverty in Samoa and what Utumapu-Utailesolo has done to address it.

The Link Between Disability and Poverty in Samoa

People with disabilities make up a major part of Samoa’s poorest, meaning they are often unable to access necessities like health care, education and jobs. In 2018, the Samoa Disability Monograph estimated that 2% of the population who lived in poverty were living with disabilities. This was expected to have grown to 3% in 2021, meaning that 3% of the population desperately require medical assistance and education, and just are not receiving it.

What Did Utumapu-Utailesolo Do?

In 2001, Utumapu-Utailesolo founded Samoa’s Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA), a disability rights movement described as “an organisation set up by people with disabilities to advocate for their rights and equal opportunities as well” on the NOLA Facebook page. The umbrella organization includes Samoa’s Blind Persons Association, the Deaf Association of Samoa, as well as the Persons with Physical Disabilities Association of Samoa and, since its creation, has garnered more than 1,500 members.

NOLA works heavily with the Australian government, pushing it to acknowledge the severe obstacles that poverty poses to people living in poverty with disabilities in Samoa, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of its aims are:

  1. Ensure discussions surrounding disabilities are pre-planned and accessible to those affected by the outcome;
  2. Create more inclusive and accessible jobs and activities;
  3. Adequate training and resources for the organization of persons with diverse disabilities;
  4. Ensure accommodations provisions and budgets are available in all government-funded programs; and
  5. Use the experiences of persons with disabilities in disability human rights initiatives.

Her work, along with others, has allowed people living with disabilities in poverty in Samoa to live a fulfilling life. Thanks to NOLA, the island of Manono is making strong progress in ending violence toward women and girls and improving accessibility, such as in its inclusive education policy teaching braille and sign language. Its close-knit community is working hard to make Samoa a safe place for all, especially those in poverty living with a disability.

Looking Ahead

Faaolo Utumapu-Utailesolo has faced many hardships growing up being blind and in poverty, but has not let her disability stop her. She is successfully working toward helping other disabled people in her position to lead a fulfilling life.

– Daisy McDonald

Daisy is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Alex Perez on Unsplash

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Disability and Poverty in North Macedonia: “Getting a Life” Project 

Disability and Poverty in North MacedoniaPeople with disabilities in North Macedonia face a significantly higher risk of poverty compared to the general population. In 2020, nearly 30% of working‑age people with disabilities lived in households with very low work intensity, more than double the rate for those without disabilities. Among all children, 32.7% lived below the national poverty line, reflecting inequalities that likely worsen for children with disabilities. Households that include disabilities often incur extra costs for medical care, assistive devices and travel, further increasing financial strain. These systemic barriers keep many with disabilities trapped in poverty. Here is more information about the correlation between disability and poverty in North Macedonia.

Breaking the Cycle of Institutionalization

For decades, individuals with intellectual disabilities lived in large-scale institutions in North Macedonia, isolated from their communities. In 2020, People in Need (PIN) launched “Getting a Life”, an EU‑funded project to shift residents into small, community‑based homes. PIN transformed institutions into nine independent living houses across Demir Kapija, Negotino and Skopje and relocated 45 residents from the Demir Kapija Special Institution to set up a better system to end disability and poverty in North Macedonia. Each house supports under five individuals and includes accessible living spaces designed to encourage autonomy.

Training for Quality Care

PIN trained more than 120 professionals, including social workers, physiotherapists and educators,  in person‑centered care. Eighty of them now prepare individualized care plans focusing on skills such as employment, daily living and social integration People in Need. PIN also launched a daily activity center in Skopje offering cooking, art and computer workshops, helping individuals develop confidence, skills and friendships.

Raising Awareness Across Communities

Community acceptance plays a crucial role in inclusion. PIN organized 18 awareness‑raising events, such as open houses and film screenings, that involved local officials, self‑advocates and neighbors. They helped form self‑advocacy groups and hosted the first national conference in 2023. All of this effort, drew multiple participants to feature policy recommendations. to government officials. PIN has managed to create an inclusive space to normalize disabilities in North Macedonia and to normalize their presence in communities that are often marginalized by poverty.

Measuring the Impact

In just three years, “Getting a Life” improved lives for 45 residents, built capacity for 120 professional caregivers and established community facilities. A final project evaluation found that 66% of trained caregivers found the training relevant, and 86.7% agreed that the principles of inclusion informed their approach. Residents now leave home slightly more regularly, 77.8%  reported occasional outings, whereas institutional conditions previously limited these opportunities. These findings provide further evidence that projects like “Getting a Life” can help identify ways to address disability and poverty in North Macedonia.

The Road Ahead

Despite these milestones, more than 60 individuals still live in the Demir Kapija institution awaiting relocation. Expanding community-based living will require steady funding, strong political leadership and innovative partnerships between government agencies, NGOs and international donors. People in Need aims to use the lessons from “Getting a Life” to guide further deinstitutionalization efforts across the Western Balkans, adapting the approach to meet different local needs. Scaling this model would not only open the door to independence for those still in institutions but also create more inclusive neighborhoods, generate care-sector jobs and reduce the long-term costs of institutional care. Investing in disability inclusion safeguards human rights, lowers poverty rates and strengthens the social fabric for everyone.

– Nilay Ersoy

Nilay is based in Cambridge, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash