Archive for category: Disability

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How ART:DIS in Singapore is Helping People with Disabilities

ART:DIS in SingaporeFrom July 4 to 5, 2026, ART:DIS in Singapore, a nonprofit organization (NGO), held Pocket Fest, an event consisting of small workshops, a gallery, food and more. The exhibition featured many artworks from artists of ART:DIS, and it consisted of small classes teaching art skills from caricatures to cyanotype.

People With Disabilities in Singapore

Singapore’s disability rates for students, people ages 18-49, and people over 50 are 2.1%, 3.4%, and 13.3% of their populations respectively. Among residents with disabilities between the working ages of 15 to 64 in 2023 and 2024, around 34.7% were employed, with 3.6% having no job but currently looking for one. The remaining 61.8% were not considered in the labor force, many citing poor health or disability as the leading cause.

Benefits in Singapore for People With Disabilities

Singapore has several initiatives to help people with disabilities, including the Open Door Programme, which allows people with disabilities to gain a “year of job matching, and customised employment support” from experts. Grants under the same program also give subsidies to people with disabilities to go to training programs led by Enabling Academy, SG Enable’s disability learning hub.

SG Enable – an agency established by the Ministry of Social and Family Development focusing on inclusion and disabilities – with its partners, provided around 500 people with disabilities jobs each year between 2020 and 2022.

Employers can also gain wage support via the Enabling Employment Credit (EEC), a scheme by the government, which gives 20% wage support for people with disabilities making less than $4,000 per month. In 2022, almost 6,600 organizations gained the EEC and together employed over 10,000 people with disabilities.

About ART:DIS and When It Was Founded

ART:DIS is a nonprofit organization aimed at providing educational and livelihood opportunities to people with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities through the arts. Professor Tommy Koh founded ART:DIS in Singapore in 1993. ART:DIS organizes art partnerships, showcases and events to help people with disabilities in the future. ART:DIS also provides a platform where people with disabilities can express themselves, gain confidence and be part of a community.

How ART:DIS in Singapore Is Helping People With Disabilities

During the 2024 to 2025 financial year, ART:DIS helped 992 people and made more than $600,000 for their artists. In the same year (according to its annual report), ART:DIS was able to sustain three art centres, 91 regular art programmes, and it hosted 44 showcases, exhibitions and performances. Donations towards ART:DIS in Singapore go toward supporting training, mentorship and opportunities for artists with disabilities, giving them pathways to meaningful creative work, income opportunities and greater independence.

ART:DIS in Singapore uses the Social Model of Disability, which holds that barriers in society prevent people with disabilities from advancing further, rather than its own condition being the cause. This stands in contrast to the Medical Model, which treats people with disabilities as needing medical attention, and the Charity Model, which frames people with disabilities as objects of pity or as inspiring figures to be admired.

ART:DIS, using the Social Model, wants to normalize including people with disabilities. The organization wants to change the physical, attitudinal and communication barriers and raise access to ensure that people with disabilities can participate in society equally. One way that ART:DIS implements the Social Model is through providing different ways of learning, training and collaborating, adapted to suit each student’s and artist’s accessibility needs.

According to an ART:DIS feature, art helps reveal the individual “strengths and perspectives” that people with disabilities possess. It also enables people to understand who the people behind the artworks are. Art can also help increase self-confidence, “personal growth, social inclusion, and mental health benefits,” according to an article by Incluso. Moreover, art improves fine motor skills, coordination, communication and comprehension.

Helping People With Disabilities and Reducing Poverty

People with disabilities are more likely to face poverty compared to those without disabilities; however, ART:DIS in Singapore aims to combat this via helping their artists become financially independent. ART:DIS provides artists with disabilities programs which enable them to upskill towards professionalism. In the 2024/2025 year, ART:DIS gave 316 job opportunities to artists with disabilities, helping them build greater livelihood independence.

When people with disabilities receive skills training, like ART:DIS provides, they gain economic independence, helping end the cycle of poverty. A Harvard paper defines poverty as “a cause and consequence of disability.” If poverty is a consequence of disability, then helping people with disabilities can also help decrease poverty more broadly.

Looking Ahead

Instead of coming “from a place of deficit” when talking about people with disabilities, ART:DIS sees people with disabilities for what they can uniquely bring to the table. Through hosting events and programs, ART:DIS is aiming to change the narrative of people with disabilities, from what was once a dull story to one that is filled with brightness, optimism and color

– Sahana Sundar

Sahana is based in Singapore and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing Disability and Poverty in Lesotho

Disability and Poverty in LesothoThrough the mists, in the landlocked mountainous kingdom of Lesotho Africa, a social pandemic is still prevalent. Disability and poverty in Lesotho are still alive. 

Many inhabitants who live outside of the cities still rely on agriculture and farming animals to make a living, though soil erosion is prevalent. Those who move to the cities to create a new life for themselves and their families are met with unemployment and homelessness. In fact, 59% of the population lives under the poverty line.

A Shared Link

Disability and poverty in Lesotho seem to go hand in hand. A lack of stability and infrastructure foster these issues. High unemployment, food insecurity, political unrest, poor fossil fuel resources and a reliance on food imports from South Africa make it difficult to gain full economic independence.

Ties to South Africa could do more harm than good in this present economy. Not only does Lesotho rely on South Africa for electricity, but it also relies on it for food imports. The U.S. has imposed a 30% tariff on South Africa. This will ultimately trickle down to Lesotho furthering the food insecurities of that country.

Living in rural areas makes food insecurity harder to deal with as well. As of 2024, 69.1% of Lesotho’s population lived in rural areas and were especially susceptible to food insecurity. They rely on agriculture to grow food. The increase in droughts and floods threatens crops resulting in many having little to eat.

Disability Adds to the Fray

Adding disability into the fray makes matters worse. Poverty creates a lack of accessible infrastructure, a lack of special equipment needed for individuals with disabilities such as wheelchairs, walkers and technology like tablets. There is a lack of medicine, homecare and specialists for those who need it the most. As of 2020, the UN found that 3% of the population suffered from some form of disability. Many children are within that percentage. According to findings by the UN in 2020, 38.5% of children had a form of visual impairment. About 30.3% had an intellectual impairment and 7.5% had some form of  a physical disability.

The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities published its findings in March 2026 regarding the prejudice surrounding individuals with disabilities, particularly those who suffer from albinism. It found that there is a need to uphold human rights for all nationwide.

There is also a huge gap in education due to the lack of teachers and educational materials that are geared toward those with physical and intellectual disabilities. In fact, many who are disabled stay home because of the lack of help and the stigma surrounding disabilities.

The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities also published its findings regarding the lack of education surrounding children with disabilities. It recommended the repeal of the Education Act of 2010 that upholds the discrimination of children by blocking education for all.

Disability and poverty in Lesotho is a cycle. Because of the poverty levels, there is not enough adequate help for those living with a disability.

There Is Hope

Though the cycle of disability and poverty seems bleak, there is hope. There are many organizations who are helping the people of Lesotho break that cycle of poverty and thus, are able to help those with disabilities. A lot of this is occurring through education and technology.

The Lesotho Basic Education Strengthening Project was an initiative that helped teachers enhance their teaching skills through online training courses, enhance their teaching skills. The project closed in 2025 but the World Bank continues to invest in the Lesotho Education Improvement Project that continues to help teachers and improve physical learning conditions.

Global partnerships focusing on AI  have also made a positive impact on inclusivity. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in alliance with Intel Corporation, has helped to bring AI technology and training to Lesotho. With the backing of the Lesotho government, AI will be accessible to all by 2030.

Lesotho already has 40 digital learning labs and 40 trained digital ambassadors throughout the country thus far. These ambassadors are teaching the people of Lesotho AI through storytelling, and interactive games helping the population to learn as easily as possible. The goal is to make sure no one is left behind.

Those with disabilities are not being left behind either as the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) is taking initiatives to make sure of this. The umbrella organization helps enable individuals living with disabilities to live as independently as possible through the development of life skills and education.

Looking Ahead

Lesotho has ambitions for the future. Technology and AI hope to help make this happen. With improvements in agriculture, education, infrastructure and trade will help to create a more stable country thus improving the lives of all. 

– Lara Lewis

Lara is based in Wakefield, RI, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Multidimensional Disability and Poverty in Tonga

Disability and Poverty in TongaIn Tonga, about 88% of the population depends mainly on agriculture and fisheries. As a country made of many islands, limited resources as a result of changing weather patterns have furthered poverty. The changing climate has led to coastal degradation and increasingly violent cyclones, which greatly affect the economic resources that the population of Tonga relies on. Violent storms also disproportionately affect people with disabilities due to the difficulties they experience with evacuation. Multidimensional disability and poverty in Tonga, especially among rural areas and children, continually become more prevalent as an issue due to the effects of a changing climate.

Poverty in Tonga 

In Tonga, 75% of the population lives in Tongatapu, but the four other island groups, Vava’u, Ha’apai, Eua and Ongo Niua, face much higher levels of multidimensional poverty. Multidimensional poverty evaluates poverty along the lines of monetary poverty, education and basic infrastructure services. A 2018 report showed that, among adult poverty, there is a 25% difference between Tongatapu urban and the other islands. In children, there is a 19% difference.

Children in Tonga are also more likely to be in poverty. As of 2026, about a quarter of children in Tonga live in multidimensional poverty. Most of these children are in rural communities. More specifically, about 25.3% of children in Tonga don’t have sufficient access to nutrition, healthcare, education, clean water and adequate housing.

‘Eua has the highest childhood poverty with 48.9%, followed by Ha’Apai with 40.8% and Ongo Niea with 35%. Due to the size of the islands, reduced coastlines and violent storms impact them even more, causing their resources to be depleted and therefore their economy to suffer.

Disability in Tonga

Disability and multidimensional poverty in Tonga have very close ties. Based on a survey that the Tonga Statistics Department did in 2018, 2.8% of the population have disabilities in Tonga. The U.N. and WHO estimate the percentage to be much higher at about 10%. This is likely because the 2018 survey did not account for “mild impairments.” The results were also likely unreliable due to the social stigma against disabilities in Tonga, meaning several people likely did not take the survey. The most prevalent recorded cause for disability was illness, with about 30% of survey takers, in both urban and rural areas, reporting disability from illness.

People with disabilities often face additional challenges when preparing for emergencies and disasters. While about 81% of people with disabilities understand the need to evacuate, there are still issues for people with disability-inclusive disaster preparation, evacuation support and accessible shelters. Additionally, assistive devices that many people with disabilities rely on have to be abandoned during evacuation.

Progress Being Made

Government agencies and nonprofit organizations are working to reduce multidimensional poverty and support people with disabilities and Tonga. Within the Tonga government, The National Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis (N-MODA), first conducted in 2019 and available on the UNICEF website, is a report that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and UNICEF Pacific made possible, as well as preparation support from the Social Policy Research Institute. The goal of this report is to provide a benchmark for evaluating progress along Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) guidelines. The country has dedicated itself to addressing multidimensional poverty, specifically among children.

Additionally, the Pacific Disability Forum, intended to advocate for equity and inclusion for people with disabilities, has made moves to place importance on people with disabilities, calling on stakeholders to work closely with organizations of persons with disabilities such as the Tonga National Visual Impairment Association (TNVIA), the Tongan National Disability Council (TNDC), Lavame’a Ta’e’iloa Disabled People’s Association (LATA) and Naunau ‘o e ‘Alamaite Tonga Association (NATA).

Outside of this forum, there are several nonprofits working to help multidimensional poverty and disability in Tonga. One of these groups is CARE International which has been in Tonga since 2019 in order to help communities to prepare for natural disasters. CARE has several programs around the world and encourages its involved members to focus on two main takeaways, being involved in short-term in activities and being involved in the long-term shift in people’s lives. In 2025, it reached 12,762 people struggling in Tonga. With organizations like CARE International, the damaging effects of multidimensional poverty and inequalities for people with disability are reducing.

Looking Ahead

Poverty informs disability in many ways. Access to appropriate care may not be possible due to multidimensional poverty factors. Accessible infrastructure makes living with disabilities much more difficult. Multidimensional poverty in Tonga, especially among children and in rural areas, persists due to the dependency on agriculture for the majority of the population. Severe storms and reduced coastlines due to the changing climate make an agricultural-based economy fragile and, therefore, more difficult to rise out of poverty. Recognition of the problem is the first step in improving the living conditions of impoverished people and people with disabilities.

– Arden Schultz

Arden is based in Milford, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Disability and Poverty in Vanuatu: 5 Initiatives To Combat the Crisis

Disability and Poverty in VanuatuVanuatu, a small island country in the South Pacific, suffers from severe poverty rates, especially among the disabled community. Women and children suffer the most in terms of disability and inequality. 

Disability and poverty in Vanuatu have widened the economic gap; without access to the proper education or special needs to navigate the world, poverty rates continue to rise. Organizations and government initiatives are emerging to bridge the gap between the disabled and the rest of society.

Economic Background of Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a lower- to middle-income island country that has experienced declining economic growth in recent years—5.8% economic growth in 2023, 1% growth in 2024 and 1.5% growth in 2025. Statistics show a low school attendance rate with only 52% attending junior secondary school and 26% showing up for senior secondary school. Child labor is a frequent problem in the country as well, as a large portion of kids between the ages of 5 and 17 have been exploited for it. The poverty rate in Vanuatu is roughly 19.50%, which is the equivalent of $3 USD. The multi-dimensional poverty rate is at a stark 27.31%. 

The types of disabilities the people experience are often more along the lines of learning disabilities, issues with reading and writing, and mathematical calculations. Children often drop out of school as a result of not having glasses to see properly. Here are five initiatives that are addressing disability and poverty in Vanuatu.

1. Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP)

The Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) is an initiative that helps students with disabilities gain access to programs that cater to their specific needs, while providing targeted support for each career path. The Partnership works closely with the Ministry of Education to develop programs such as disability specific education programs and new skills policies, giving providers the ability to qualify individuals for training programs. The program also offers sign language training to better assist the deaf community. The program offers a renewed chance for people in the disabled community to live meaningful lives and contribute to the economy and society. Individuals with disabilities who were prevented from success in the past are finding renewed opportunities in tourism, farming, food distribution, construction and business investments.

2. Vanuatu Disability Promotion & Advocacy Association (VDPA)

Established in 1999, this organization serves as the primary advocacy group for the disabled community. Despite the United Nations’ ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Vanuatu still struggles to implement effective programs. With the VDPA, advocacy has continued to grow over the years since this ratification. It has been able to provide capacity building that strengthens disability organizations across the country, and the organization partners with the VSP to create collaborative approaches to disability programs. It also spreads awareness to change attitudes and remove barriers already in place.

3. Vanuatu Society for People With Disability (VSPD)

The Vanuatu Society for People with Disability (VSPD) offers access programs so that people with disabilities have easier access to their rights, specific services and opportunities to be able to contribute and support their society. The VSPD also supports advocating for community-based inclusive development, which also supports both boys and girls within the community, and also bridges gender gaps in the country’s disability problem. With the nation’s National Gender Equality Policy (NGEP), the VSPD focuses on contributing to the end of violence and discrimination against women and girls. The VSPD has a strong partnership with NGOs and government agencies, including Save the Children, Oxfam, CARE and World Vision, to assist with implementing their vision and breaking down the barriers for the disabled community.

4. VSPD and VDPA Partnership – Strategic Plans for 2024–2029

In 2025, the VSPD and VAPD partnered to develop a strategic set of plans for the years 2024 to 2029 to strengthen and further their disability advocacy programs. The plans are set to fully implement the National Disability-Inclusive Development Policy, which aims to fully remove the barriers for the disabled, and the Inclusive Education Policy, to align with the United Nations CRPD.

5. Provincial Disability Officers and Committees

The Ministry of Justice and Community Services partnered with the VSP to put disability officers and committees in highly populated parts of Vanuatu. The officers work with committees to ensure these programs are properly implemented and that the proper resources are available to create success for the national mission.

Looking Ahead

These initiatives have taken steps to alleviate disability and poverty in Vanuatu, advancing its target to addressing their poverty issues and human rights advancement. 

– Benjamin Elland

Benjamin is based in East Lansing, MI, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Disability and Poverty in the Marshall Islands

Disability and Poverty in the Marshall IslandsThe Republic of the Marshall Islands faces significant challenges related to poverty, geographic isolation and climate vulnerability. For people with disabilities, these challenges often create additional barriers to education, employment and health care. Disability and poverty in the Marshall Islands remain closely connected, making it difficult for many individuals to achieve economic stability and independence.

Link Between Disability and Poverty

The Republic of the Marshall Islands consists of 29 coral atolls and five islands in the North Pacific and has a population of about 40,000 people. The country’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of people with disabilities through policies that promote inclusion and equal opportunities. 

A 2024 United Nations survey of 308 people with disabilities found that many continue to face significant barriers to employment and accessibility. About 85% of those surveyed were unemployed, with respondents citing inaccessible workplaces, limited workplace accommodations and discrimination by employers as major obstacles. The report also noted that noncommunicable diseases, particularly diabetes, have contributed to disabilities such as amputations and vision loss. In addition, the long-term effects of nuclear testing continue to affect some Marshallese, creating ongoing health challenges and highlighting the need for continued international support.

The government and local disability advocates have also worked to increase public awareness. In partnership with the College of Marshall Islands, the Disability Coordination Office and the Marshall Islands Disabled Persons Organization recently organized a community “wheel-a-thon” to promote disability inclusion and increase visibility for people with disabilities.

Barriers to Education and Employment

Education plays a critical role in reducing poverty. However, children with disabilities often encounter barriers that limit their participation in school. Some schools lack accessible infrastructure, while others have limited resources to support students in diverse learning needs. 

Employment opportunities also remain limited. A 2024 survey of persons with disabilities in the Marshall Islands found that approximately 85% of respondents were unemployed. Respondents identified inaccessible workplaces, employer bias and a lack of accommodations as major obstacles to finding work. 

Without access to education and employment opportunities, many people with disabilities remain dependent on family support or government assistance. This cycle can contribute to long-term poverty and social exclusion. 

Government Efforts to Promote Inclusion 

The Marshall Islands government has taken important steps to improve opportunities for people with disabilities. In 2015, the country enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. The law promotes disability inclusive development and seeks to protect the rights of people with disabilities in areas such as education, employment and public services.

The government also established a Disability Coordination Office to help implement disability related policies and programs. Recent efforts have focused on improving accessibility, increasing participation in public life, and strengthening support services.

In 2025, the government expanded social protection initiatives through the Social Support Scheme Act. The program provides income support to elderly citizens and persons with disabilities, helping vulnerable populations meet basic needs. Eligible beneficiaries receive at least $1,200 annually through the program.

The Role of the Marshall Islands Disabled Persons Organization 

The Marshall Islands Disabled Persons Organization (MIDPO) serves as a leading advocate for disability rights and inclusion. MIDPO works alongside government agencies and regional partners to improve accessibility and increase awareness of disability issues.

In 2025, MIDPO launched an accessibility bus funded through the Asian Development Bank’s COVID-19 Assistance Fund. The service helps people with disabilities travel to essential services, community events and other important destinations. Improved transportation can increase access to education, health care and employment opportunities.

MIDPO also participated in the Pacific Disability Forum’s “Growing Stronger Together” initiative, which strengthened the organization’s capacity to advocate for disability inclusive policies and programs.

Looking Ahead

Disability and poverty in the Marshall Islands remain interconnected challenges. Limited access to education, employment and essential services continues to affect many individuals with disabilities. However, government reforms, social support programs and the work of organizations such as MIDPO demonstrate meaningful progress.

By expanding inclusive education, improving accessibility and strengthening economic opportunities, the Marshall Islands can continue reducing poverty among people with disabilities. These efforts can help ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to participate fully in society and build more secure futures.

– Terrell Munford

Terrell is based in West Deptford, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Disability and Poverty in Tuvalu

Disability and Poverty in TuvaluAccording to a 2018 study by PacificData.org, 466 people in Tuvalu live with a disability. With little accessibility around the islands and in workplaces, many of these individuals tragically fall into disability poverty. Here is more information about disability and poverty in Tuvalu.

About Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a collection of small South Pacific islands with a population of approximately 11,500 people. It is a developing nation but is full of coconut trees, which provide the country’s main export.

Formally a British colony, Tuvalu’s population significantly diminished in the mid-nineteenth century from 20,000 to a mere 3,000. Multiple factors affected this shift, but most notably: the severe European enslavement of Tuvaluan people (more than half the population by 1863) and diseases brought over from Europe.

The islands were named the Ellice Islands in 1819 after a British MP who travelled there. However, after gaining independence from Britain in 1975, the islands were renamed Tuvalu, meaning ‘eight standing together’ in reference to the eight islands that made up the country, with a ninth later being included as part of the state as well. 

Disability Poverty in Tuvalu Today

Life can be tough in Tuvalu; as a small nation with little foreign trade, work is scarce. A Tuvaluan may work in the agricultural or farming industries to make use of the country’s natural resources; however, this type of work typically involves hard labor, which further limits career opportunities for people with physical disabilities.

People like Sinkiagi Taulamati (a former carpenter) had to give up work in the wake of amputation surgery. In a 2021 interview with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Taulamati noted that thereafter, he struggled to provide for his family as there were no other suitable work opportunities for him.

Welfare for Disabled Tuvaluans

In 2015, Tuvalu introduced the ‘Disability Support Scheme’ for those struggling in disability poverty. This was a welfare benefit scheme for disabled Tuvaluans which provided money for people who could not work due to their disability. However, access to this benefit was extremely limited, only including the congenitally disabled (from birth) and paralyzed people.

This act excluded disabilities that developed later in life, including amputees such as Sinkiagi Taulamati. Although Tuvalu amended it the following year, Pacific Data found that only eighty-seven people were receiving the benefit in 2018. 

Progress for Disabled Tuvaluans

Despite little government intervention, the Tuvaluan people have not given up on those living in disability poverty. In 2009, the first and only non-government organization in aid of disabled people in the country originated.

Fusi Alofa Association (FAA) advocates for disabled welfare in Tuvalu through lobbying activities in an effort to draw attention to the difficulties faced by disabled Tuvaluans, such as poverty, inaccessibility around the islands and education.

While the FAA remains the only organization of its kind in Tuvalu, it has amassed support from the Commonwealth Foundation, which has provided funding that allows the organization to flourish in its mission to stand up for disabled Tuvaluans.

In 2017, partnering with the Australian government, the FAA conducted a study to provide important data on disability and poverty in Tuvalu. This study not only demonstrated that a great deal of disabled Tuvaluans live in poverty but the FAA ensured jobs for disabled people like Taupaka Uatea, through the project, who worked as an FAA researcher.

Looking Ahead

Although disability poverty remains an issue in Tuvalu, the FAA has helped to provide work for disabled individuals as well as conduct surveys that accurately demonstrate the widespread problem and raise awareness of the difficulties that disabled Tuvaluans face.

– Lisa Jane Bryant

Lisa is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Turkmenistan: Breaking the Cycle

Disability and Poverty in TurkmenistanMore than 1 billion people live with disabilities worldwide. Most of them face the same pattern: exclusion from education, from work and from the basic support that makes stability possible. Disability and poverty in Turkmenistan follow that same pattern, reinforcing each other in ways that are hard to break. According to the World Bank, people with disabilities face structural barriers that push them toward poverty and keep them there.

Barriers for People with Disabilities in Turkmenistan

Starting with education, because that is where everything else begins. For decades, children with disabilities in Turkmenistan were placed in residential facilities or excluded from school altogether. According to a 2024 UNICEF report that The BEARR Trust highlighted, approximately 7% of children with disabilities in Turkmenistan have never attended school, while nearly 60% of children with severe disabilities do not receive disability cash benefits.

Employment presents another significant challenge for people with disabilities in Turkmenistan. Workplaces are not built for accessibility. Hiring practices do not account for inclusion and sitting underneath all of it is stigma, the kind that not only makes it harder to find work but also harder to access health care and to be seen as a full participant in community life. These barriers reinforce long-term economic instability for people with disabilities.

International organizations and regional advocacy groups have pushed for stronger disability inclusion policies in employment. UNICEF and the World Bank have both supported broader disability inclusion initiatives across Central Asia, including efforts focused on accessibility, social protection and workforce participation. While Turkmenistan still faces major barriers in employment access for people with disabilities, these programs aim to strengthen long-term inclusion efforts.

The Link Between Disability and Poverty

Poverty in Turkmenistan remains difficult to measure accurately because publicly available government data is limited. However, international economic reporting shows that many households continue to face financial instability, particularly in rural areas. People with disabilities often experience even higher economic vulnerability due to limited employment opportunities and inconsistent access to benefits and support services.

Disability and poverty in Turkmenistan do not just coexist. They create each other. Poverty means inadequate health care, poor living conditions, and no early intervention for children who need it. Those conditions increase disability rates. Disability, in turn, limits access to education and employment, which keeps income low. The World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia disability inclusion brief describes this as a bidirectional cycle, particularly acute in countries with weak social protection systems.

Efforts to Improve Disability Inclusion

UNICEF has worked with Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Education to expand inclusive education programs through pilot schools, accessibility improvements and teacher training initiatives. In January 2025, UNICEF and the Ministry continued specialized training programs for teachers, school administrators and education professionals working in inclusive classrooms in Ashgabat. These programs aim to improve mainstream classroom access for children with disabilities nationwide, though access in rural areas remains limited.

Turkmenistan made a major commitment in 2008 by ratifying the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. That ratification required legal frameworks protecting equal access to education, employment and social services. The World Bank has since worked with policymakers in the region to examine how benefits are distributed and where coverage falls short for people with severe disabilities.

The BEARR Trust, a U.K.-based organization founded in 1991, has tracked this work from the outside. It monitors social welfare conditions across the former Soviet Union, documents what is happening on the ground and produces the kind of independent analysis that governments and NGOs need to know where to direct resources.

A Path Forward

Progress on disability and poverty in Turkmenistan is real. More children with disabilities are in mainstream classrooms than a decade ago. Policy frameworks are stronger. International partnerships are deepening, but real progress and enough progress are not the same thing. Employment discrimination persists. Benefit access remains uneven. Rural communities are still largely left out.

Experts and advocacy organizations continue to emphasize that inclusive education, enforceable employment protections and stronger social support systems are necessary to reduce the long-term effects of disability and poverty in Turkmenistan.

– Sarah Jeanelle Taylor

Sarah is based in Belleville, MI, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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The Fight for Justice: Disabilities in Libya

Disabilities in LibyaIn its long history, Libya has endured prolonged periods of turbulence and instability as it continues to rebuild its infrastructure. While most international headlines focus on Libya’s oil production and political transitions, the world often neglects a significant segment of the Libyan population. People with disabilities in Libya face a dual struggle: one born out of a fractured health care system, while they overcome the remnants of war in the form of landmines. 

To rebuild Libya, Libyan leaders and the international community must prioritize the rights and inclusion of these citizens.

Disabilities in Libya

Libya, since the 2012 overthrow of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, has been embroiled in a constant state of warfare. The history of warfare negatively impacts those living with disabilities; even in the fleeting moments of calm, the lingering effects of war remain. The conflict has left a deadly, invisible legacy in the streets of Sirte, Tripoli and Benghazi: unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to claim lives and trap families in a cycle of poverty years after guns fall silent.

Unlike traditional minefields found in Iraq or Syria, Libya’s contamination plagues densely populated cities. The HALO Trust reports that urban centers remain littered with “suicide” mines, booby traps and cluster munitions. Cities like Sirte, under occupation by ISIS until 2016, suffer from explosives hidden within the rubble of homes, schools and hospitals.

This contamination prevents displaced families from returning, effectively freezing the economic recovery of entire neighborhoods. Conflict-related injuries in Libya, in particular landmines, commonly result in permanent disabilities.

Survivors

A survivor of landmines, Omar Musa, a taxi driver from Tawergha, fled his home in 2011 to escape the violence. When he finally returned seven years later, he discovered a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) wedged into one of his palm trees. Musa did not touch the device. Instead, he contacted the Free Fields Foundation (FFF), a local NGO supported by the European Union. Today, Musa works with the FFF, training other returnees to find unexploded devices.

For others, the experience with mines is less fortunate. Mahmoud, a professional deminer, was blinded when a mine went off while working alongside his brother, Muhammed, for a professional demining team. Muhammed was killed instantly in the blast. Mahmoud was stripped of his sight and had to have his leg amputated. 

While many would see this as an unavoidable tragedy of war, Mahmoud identifies it as a deliberate crime. He points directly to the Russian Wagner Group and the forces of Khalifa Hafter, who retreated from the area in 2020 but left behind a landscape of prohibited anti-personnel mines and “trick” explosives designed to maim civilians and first responders alike. Mahmoud refused to accept his disability, transforming his survival into a vocal campaign for legal reparations.

The Fight for Inclusion

In Libya, losing a limb often has devastating results. While landmines themselves physically harm, a fractured health care system ensures the injuries remain permanent. The “right to health” in Libya has become a luxury that few survivors can afford. Libya once boasted one of the highest Human Development Indices in Africa, providing free health care to its citizens; today, that system is in near collapse. 

Only a handful of physical rehabilitation centers (PRCs) remain operational in cities such as Tripoli, Misrata and Benghazi. Survivors in rural or southern regions must travel hundreds of miles through dangerous territory to access basic fittings. In response, the United Nations Support Mission recently issued a National Charter that includes a bold 7% quota for persons with disabilities in the next government and across all sovereign councils. 

Director Al-Awjali has called for a transition from traditional social care to true political empowerment, positioning women with disabilities as “decision-makers” rather than just service recipients. True inclusion requires more than medical aid; it requires a seat at the table. The Libyan Forum of Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with international partners such as UNICEF, is also working to break the stigma by advocating for political representation, which serves as a bedrock for other rights. 

These advocates keep the path open for people like Mahmoud to continue to stride forward in a nation plagued by war for more than a decade.

– Haydn Goodboy

Haydn is based in Massachusetts, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Inclusive Employment in Ashgabat Is Providing Hope

Inclusive Employment in AshgabatTurkmenistan emerged as one of the many countries formed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December of 1991. Throughout much of its history, the country has been a footnote in international relations. The Soviet Union appointed its first President and Chairman of the Turkman Communist Party, Saparmurat Niyazov, in 1985. Niyazov supported the 1991 coup plotters in Moscow and continued to rule the country until 2006. His long tenure set the for the nation’s future, as a post-Soviet dictatorship. While this political landscape remained rigid for decades, the economic reality in the country, particularly the capital of Ashgabat, presents a growing challenge for many residents facing poverty and disabilities.

In Ashgabat, the official poverty figures are difficult to verify due to the Turkman government’s restrictions, but independent reports suggest there is a dire reality. While the city is well known for its glowing white marble staircases and golden statues, many residents struggle to afford basic necessities. Reports compiled in 2024 indicate that 47% of Turkmenistan’s working population lives in near poverty,” earning between $3.65 and $6.85 per day. For the disabled, the situation is far more concerning as they often face social isolation and a lack of accessible infrastructure. This correlates directly with sky high poverty rates. It is necessary to ensure that the city’s modern landscape includes all resident, regardless of physical or cognitive ability is a significant hurdle. Here is information about the implementation of inclusive employment in Ashgabat.

Bridging the Employment Gap

As part of this expansive transformation, a key shift away from the cycle of isolation for people with disabilities occurred. This transition to a market economy exposed a significant employment gap, leaving many people with disabilities unable to reach their work goals. This resulted in the group remaining largely excluded from the workforce in many sectors. While the situation appears negative, the Turkman government has taken strides in establishing a place for people with disabilities to find work and escape poverty. In 2008, the government under the leadership of the late President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the government signed the United Nations Convention of People with Disabilities. This move signaled a commitment to inclusive employment across the nation.

The Necessary Legal Protections

For the disabled residents of the nation, this was not just a symbolic gesture, it served as a key starting point for legislative reform. The government later added legal protections, including updating its social protection code to redefine disability as a social limitation rather than a medical one. The government also aimed to provide spaces for people with disabilities in the workforce and carve out specific opportunities for disabled people to gain jobs. This foundation supports Turkmenistan’s quest to create inclusive employment in Ashgabat, fostering a culture of inclusive employment regardless of physical or mental disabilities.

Support From Beyond the Government

While the government itself has made strides in helping disabled people access the workplace, many non-governmental organizations have also helped residents break the cycle of poverty. One of the most notable has been Yenme. At the end of 2022, Yenme received a grant from the United Nations to fund a new social program, “A World Without Gender Inequality.”  This program empowers women with disabilities through specialist training and vocational skills. To date, the program has directly impacted dozens of women, such as Gulnar a woman with dwarfism who gained financial independence through sewing training, contributing to a broader feeling of inclusive employment in Ashgabat. Currently, 75% of Yenme’s total beneficiaries are women and girls seeking to overcome societal barriers.

There have been significant strides to uplift the impacted people with disabilities in Turkmenistan aiming toward a goal of ultimate eradication in Ashgabat. The implementation of much-needed legal protections is paving the way for inclusive employment, offering significant hope that real change can be formulated in the country.

– Haydn Goodboy

Haydn is based in Massachuetts, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Disability and Poverty in Gabon

Disability and Poverty in GabonDisability and poverty in Gabon are a little more complicated than in most African countries. Gabon is an oil-rich country, yet the poverty rate is higher, especially in rural areas, where it is 59.5%. The bigger cities, like Libreville and Port Gentil, account for 48% of the national population, but 28% of their residents are poor. In particular, poverty affects people with disabilities. The majority of this population lives in the urban areas where the poverty rate is already quite high, and they are dependent on family support. Poor people are more vulnerable to food stress, and they can experience diseases due to malnutrition.

The Situation

Disability and poverty are almost inseparable. Because one feeds the other; people with disabilities have a lower chance of getting an education and a chance of work, which will lead to poverty in general. Also, people with disabilities often have higher costs due to their health-related needs.

Youth employment is also an issue in Gabon. This country is oil-rich and therefore needs skilled workers in construction, wood processing, renewable energy and communication technologies. However, these educations were limited until quite recently. Since the Gabonese government launched PROCEDE in 2016, their aim is to lower the gap in education in those skill training and job opportunities.

Political Conditions of the Country

The coup leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, won the 2025 election and ended a more than 50-year political dynasty without bloodshed. He secured more than 90% of the vote, an outcome many did not expect. His support stems from promises to advance development and combat corruption.

Poverty grew more quickly in the past years due to countries’ corrupt leaders, where the 2% of these people were the decision makers for the almost 80% people’s wages and rights. They diverted the funds for specific organizations, and the country had to borrow money to pay some of its debt.

Agriculture and Fishing

Basic agriculture and farming contributed only a little to the country’s food production. Still, sugar refining at Franceville and palm-oil processing at Lambarene have a huge impact on the country’s development. Gabon is also one of the world’s leading producers of timber and manganese.

The country recently launched a ranger’s battle for baby sea turtle survival against the odds, aiming to reach as many people and organizations as possible, despite financial cuts. 

A 40-year-old Alain Banguiya continues to complete his duties even though he has not been paid for two months, but still says, “We have a duty to fight to the end, to keep our spirits up.” This shows the determination of the country’s citizens in many areas that need assistance.

Finance and Economics

The United States, Belgium and China are among Gabon’s main trading partners, providing substantial investment. The majority of imports are from South Korea, France and China, while exports are largely directed to China, France and the Netherlands.

Transportation remains a major challenge. The country has long lacked efficient transportation infrastructure and, for a long time, relied on light aircraft for air travel, but those were insufficient for exporting heavier materials like timber, which is a major issue in the country.

Gabon is also a major oil producer. BW Energy Gabon received a 25-year extension for the Dussafu Marin production license, extending it from 2028 to 2053. This long-term provides reserving investments, production and a higher chance of stability in oil production planning.

Gabon also launched the Emergency Community Development Programme (PUDC), and its aim is to reduce social inequalities by creating more economic opportunities, strengthening the governance and improving access to basic services.

The government is also working to expand its Fintech hub, enabling businesses to accept multiple payment methods and expanding broader financial access. This could open new entrepreneurial opportunities and expand services to rural areas, though progress depends on government incentives and digital infrastructure.

Education, Disability and Poverty in Gabon

Disability and poverty in Gabon affect younger people in education, too. In the urban areas, there is a lack of educational infrastructure and educators. Also, due to a lower level of focus on these areas, sexual harassment of children is higher.

The education system is similar to France’s and is officially mandatory for kids ages 6 to 16. Gabon, with the support of its government and UNICEF, collected data on people living with disabilities through the Census Campaign. This data shows that 15,967 people live with disabilities across nine regions, with 27.21% aged 0 to 18.

Disability rates are higher in rural areas, where access to education can be limited. Government efforts focus on improving access, supporting young mothers in education and ensuring that all children receive schooling. 

In particular, the disability rate is higher in women, where in many rural areas, males are prioritized for making a living and their education comes as a priority. However, the help and support of the government and its legislation about making education mandatory are addressing those problems.

Positive Notes

Many know Gabon for its natural beauty, which its agricultural and trade deals complement. The country has significant potential for eco-tourism and several websites help decide which part to visit and provide entry information for the country. Gabon is one of the African countries with steadily growing potential, supported by education for everyone, especially for kids with disabilities.

– Sibel Yasharoglu

Sibel is based in Leicester, UK and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash