The Rwanda Organization of Women with Disabilities (UNABU), in partnership with the Rwanda Environmental Conservation Organization (RECOR) and the Center for Rule of Law Rwanda (CERULAR), hosted a three-day workshop on disability-inclusive climate change action in Rwanda from May 22. For stakeholders involved in climate change, persons with disabilities, as well as governmental institutions and non-governmental organizations, it was an opportunity for climate change mitigation and adaptation stakeholders to learn about the fundamental concepts of disability, disability rights, inclusion and inclusive change program design and implementation, as well as the intersection of gender. ALSO READ: Kananga keen on promoting inclusive education, well-being of persons with disability According to Iyakaremye Theogene, a disability activist working with UNABU, addressing the effects of climate change on women with disabilities requires expanding knowledge, understanding, and inclusive practices and policies. “We will learn about the existing strategies related to climate change and persons with disabilities, as well as the obstacles and gaps that exist, so that they can advocate for sustainable development,” Iyakaremye said. Iyakaremye also emphasized on the importance of institutions having a profound grasp of what has to be done about climate change without leaving people with disabilities behind. CERULAR is a leading non-profit organization with the mission of strengthening the culture of the rule of law in Rwanda. In the workshop, they are very keen on the global and national strategies, policies, and interventions needed to make sure that those interventions are delivered per key sectors of mitigation and adaptation, as Nkurunziza David, the project coordinator at CERULAR explained. “We want to know in this session what happens to those with disabilities in the event of a disaster, as well as who assists them and what the repercussions are. After that, we'll give them the big picture so they can put solutions in place that support individuals with disabilities,” Nkurunziza added. ALSO READ: Don’t despair, perhaps it’s a different ability UNABU obtained advocacy funds to campaign for inclusive climate change initiatives, policies, strategies, and programmes to respond to the specific needs of women and girls with disabilities under the project Inclusive climate change mitigation and adaptation for All.'' the organization also developed interconnected strategies, including implementing the project in collaboration with specialist groups such as RECOR and CERULAR in climate change and policy analysis. Emmanuel Bugingo, the director of local economic development at the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), addressed the government's role in involving individuals with disabilities. “We have policies to encourage the community and people with disabilities to participate in various government programmes, and we strive for the inclusion of people with disabilities in government programmes so that they can participate and receive assistance as needed,” Bugingo stated.
