The Sub-Regional Networking Forum for Women with Disability Advocates

“Laws are only as powerful as their implementation.”

At the Sub-Regional Networking Forum for Women with Disability Advocates from Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi, held in Nairobi, Habiba Osman from the Malawi Human Rights Commission called for real accountability. In her words, “paper commitments mean little without action that protects, resources that empower, and systems that include.”

She highlighted how, despite progressive laws and global commitments, women and girls with disabilities across the region continue to face violence, exclusion, and barriers to justice, emphasizing the need to turn promises into real change through meaningful inclusion, gender-responsive budgeting, and stronger accountability at every level.

Habiba’s words echo the spirit of the convening, from the margins to the centre, women with disabilities are shaping the regional agenda to end violence against women and girls.

Hon. Dennita Ghati shared a powerful reminder: “Policies must be inclusive.” Because Inclusion means women with disabilities having a real say in decisions that impact them.