Introduction

True gender equality and inclusive development remain elusive without explicitly addressing the unique experiences at the intersection of gender and disability. Women and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities often face compounded discrimination, experiencing heightened barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and political participation, alongside increased vulnerability to violence and marginalization. Conventional development programs often overlook these intersecting identities, leading to interventions that are neither truly gender-responsive nor disability-inclusive. By adopting an intersectional lens, we can illuminate these complex realities, dismantle systemic barriers, and foster environments where all individuals, regardless of their gender or disability status, can fully realize their rights and contribute to society. This essential training course focuses on Gender and Disability Inclusion, equipping participants to champion intersectional equity.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip development practitioners, humanitarian actors, policymakers, and advocates with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to integrate gender and disability inclusion into their programs and policies. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the human rights frameworks underpinning both gender equality and disability rights, learn how to conduct intersectional analysis, and explore strategies for designing accessible and inclusive interventions. The course will delve into topics such as inclusive communication, universal design principles, empowering women and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities, and advocating for disability-inclusive policies. By mastering the principles and methodologies of gender and disability inclusion, participants will be empowered to create truly equitable and transformative programs that leave no one behind.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Development and Humanitarian Professionals
• Gender Equality Specialists
• Disability Rights Advocates and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
• Policy Makers and Government Officials
• Program Managers and Coordinators
• Social Workers and Community Development Workers
• Educators and Trainers
• Healthcare Professionals
• Human Rights Defenders

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of gender, disability, and intersectionality.
• Analyze the compounded discrimination faced by women and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities.
• Comprehend relevant international human rights frameworks (CRPD, CEDAW) and their interlinkages.
• Learn to conduct intersectional analysis specifically focusing on gender and disability.
• Develop skills in designing and implementing disability-inclusive and gender-responsive programs.
• Acquire strategies for inclusive communication and accessible information.
• Explore approaches for empowering women and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities as leaders.
• Identify and address barriers to access (physical, attitudinal, institutional).
• Examine best practices and case studies of successful gender and disability inclusion initiatives.
• Develop a practical action plan for integrating gender and disability inclusion into their work.
• Enhance advocacy skills for inclusive policies and practices.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Gender and Disability Inclusion

• Defining disability: medical vs. social models of disability.
• Understanding gender as a social construct and its intersection with disability.
• The concept of intersectionality: how gender and disability intersect with other identities.
• Human rights-based approach to disability and gender equality.
• Global statistics and prevalence of gender and disability.

Module 2: International Legal Frameworks

• The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): key articles and obligations.
• The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and its relevance to women with disabilities.
• Intersection of CRPD and CEDAW: a synergistic approach.
• Other relevant human rights treaties and their application.
• Role of international and regional disability and women's rights movements.

Module 3: Intersectional Analysis of Gender and Disability

• Tools and methodologies for conducting intersectional analysis.
• Identifying compounded discrimination and barriers faced by specific groups.
• Understanding power dynamics and structural inequalities.
• Collecting and analyzing disaggregated data (by gender, disability type, age, etc.).
• Ethical considerations in researching and programming for marginalized groups.

Module 4: Inclusive Programming and Project Design

• Applying universal design principles to program development.
• Ensuring accessibility in all program components (physical, information, communication).
• Designing gender-responsive and disability-inclusive activities.
• Budgeting for disability inclusion and accessibility.
• Developing inclusive logical frameworks and theories of change.

Module 5: Inclusive Communication and Accessible Information

• Principles of inclusive communication: clear, concise, accessible.
• Different communication formats: Easy-Read, Braille, sign language, audio.
• Accessible digital platforms and online content.
• Role of assistive technologies in communication.
• Engaging diverse communication preferences in programming.

Module 6: Empowering Women and Gender-Diverse Individuals with Disabilities

• Addressing attitudinal barriers and harmful stereotypes.
• Fostering leadership and participation of women and gender-diverse individuals with disabilities.
• Supporting their advocacy and self-representation.
• Breaking the cycle of violence: specific GBV risks and response for women with disabilities.
• Promoting their economic empowerment and livelihoods.

Module 7: Addressing Specific Sectoral Barriers

• Inclusive education for girls and gender-diverse youth with disabilities.
• Accessible healthcare services and sexual/reproductive health rights.
• Inclusive employment and vocational training.
• Disability-inclusive humanitarian action and disaster risk reduction.
• Participation in political and public life.

Module 8: Advocacy and Policy for Gender and Disability Inclusion

• Developing advocacy messages for intersectional inclusion.
• Engaging with policymakers and legislative bodies.
• Advocating for disability-inclusive budgeting and resource allocation.
• Strengthening collaboration between gender and disability movements.
• Monitoring and reporting on gender and disability inclusion commitments.

Module 9: Challenges, Best Practices, and Future Directions

• Common challenges in implementing gender and disability inclusion.
• Documenting and scaling up best practices from diverse contexts.
• Fostering organizational culture shift towards intersectional inclusion.
• The role of technology and innovation in breaking barriers.
• Visioning a future of truly inclusive and equitable development for all.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training