Voice For Disabled
Young girls with disabilities face significant barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, commodities, and services, both globally and in Tanzania. Globally, it is estimated that there are more than 1 billion people with disabilities, with nearly 80% living in developing countries. Women and girls with disabilities are three times more likely to experience gender-based violence, including sexual abuse, and are often excluded from SRHR education and services.
In Tanzania, where approximately 9.3% of the population has a disability, the challenges are particularly acute. Young girls with disabilities face double discrimination due to their gender and disability, often leading to social isolation and limited access to education, including comprehensive sexuality education. This lack of information and services leaves them vulnerable to unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and gender-based violence.
Additionally, healthcare facilities often lack the necessary infrastructure and trained personnel to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities, further limiting access to SRHR services. A study conducted in Tanzania found that only 32% of healthcare facilities had ramps, and only 38% had accessible toilets, making it physically difficult for people with disabilities to access these facilities.
Furthermore, cultural norms and stigmatization often deter young girls with disabilities from seeking essential SRHR care due to fear of judgment, social, financial, or other repercussions. This is compounded by the lack of confidentiality and privacy in healthcare settings, making it difficult for them to seek care without fear of disclosure of their disabilities or SRHR needs.
Voice for Disabled is a movement aimed at addressing these specific challenges faced by young girls with disabilities in accessing SRHR information, commodities, and services. Through advocacy, awareness-raising, and collaboration with healthcare providers, we aim to break down the barriers that prevent these young girls from realizing their rights to the highest attainable standard of health.
By doing so, we hope to contribute to the global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.7, which calls for universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, and to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of health and well-being.
Voice for Disabled is a movement dedicated to promoting the rights of young girls with disabilities to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Our solution combines advocacy, awareness-raising, and capacity-building to ensure that these young girls have access to the information, commodities, and services they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and their lives.
Here's how it works:
Advocacy: We work with policymakers and influencers at the local, national, and global levels to advocate for policies and programs that support the SRHR of young girls with disabilities. We engage in dialogues with stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to highlight the specific needs and challenges faced by these girls and to call for their inclusion in SRHR policies and programs.
Awareness-Raising: We conduct awareness-raising campaigns in communities to challenge the stigma and discrimination faced by young girls with disabilities. Through community workshops, social media campaigns, and other platforms, we share information about the rights of these girls and the importance of ensuring their access to SRHR services.
Capacity-Building: We work with healthcare providers to build their capacity to provide inclusive and accessible SRHR services to young girls with disabilities. This includes training on disability inclusion, as well as providing resources and support to make healthcare facilities more accessible.
Since January 2023, we have conducted 12 sessions in which we have empowered more than 700 disabled young girls with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for their SRHR. These sessions have covered a range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, consent, and healthy relationships, as well as specific issues faced by young girls with disabilities, such as vulnerability to violence and barriers to accessing healthcare.
Our solution is simple yet effective, and it is rooted in the belief that all young girls, regardless of their disability status, have the right to make informed decisions about their bodies and their lives. By empowering these girls and advocating for their rights, we are taking a step towards a more inclusive and equitable world where everyone has access to the SRHR services they need.
Our solution serves young girls with disabilities age 12-25, a demographic often marginalized in society and overlooked in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) policies and programs. These girls face a unique set of challenges that impact their ability to access SRHR services, including physical barriers, communication barriers, stigma, and discrimination.
The young girls we serve are currently underserved in several ways:
Lack of Accessible Information: Information about SRHR is often not available in formats that are accessible to girls with disabilities, such as braille or sign language.
Physical Barriers: Many healthcare facilities are not equipped to serve people with disabilities, with physical barriers that prevent access to services.
Stigma and Discrimination: Girls with disabilities face stigma and discrimination from both society and healthcare providers, which can deter them from seeking SRHR services.
Communication Barriers: Girls with hearing or speech impairments may face communication barriers when trying to access SRHR services.
Our solution addresses the needs of these young girls by providing them with accessible information, advocating for more inclusive healthcare facilities, and challenging the stigma and discrimination they face. Specifically, we:
Provide Accessible Information: We develop and disseminate SRHR information in formats that are accessible to girls with disabilities, such as braille, sign language, and easy-to-read materials.
Advocate for Inclusive Healthcare Facilities: We work with healthcare providers to make their facilities more accessible to people with disabilities, including ramps, sign language interpreters, and other accommodations.
Challenge Stigma and Discrimination: Through our awareness-raising campaigns, we challenge the stigma and discrimination faced by young girls with disabilities and promote their inclusion in SRHR policies and programs.
Build Capacity of Healthcare Providers: We provide training and resources to healthcare providers to build their capacity to serve young girls with disabilities and to ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect.
By addressing the specific needs of young girls with disabilities, our solution will have a profound impact on their lives. It will empower them with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for their SRHR, improve their access to SRHR services, and challenge the stigma and discrimination they face. In turn, this will contribute to their overall well-being and help to create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has access to the SRHR services they need.
I, as the team lead, have a profound personal connection to this challenge. Growing up with a close relative who has a disability, I have witnessed firsthand the myriad of barriers that young girls with disabilities face in accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services. This personal experience has fueled my passion and commitment to advocate for the rights and inclusion of girls with disabilities in SRHR policies and programs.
Our team is a diverse group of individuals who are deeply committed to serving the community we aim to help. Several team members have disabilities themselves or have close family members with disabilities, which gives us a unique and personal understanding of the challenges faced by our target population. This proximity to the community ensures that we are well-positioned to design and deliver a solution that is truly responsive to their needs.
We are actively engaging with the communities we serve to understand their needs and involve them in the development of our solution. We have conducted extensive consultations with young girls with disabilities, their families, and community leaders to gain insights into their experiences and the specific barriers they face in accessing SRHR services. These consultations have been instrumental in shaping our solution and ensuring that it is tailored to meet the needs of the community.
We are committed to continuously involving the community in the design and implementation of our solution. We have established a community advisory board consisting of young girls with disabilities, their families, and community leaders. This board provides ongoing feedback and guidance on our program, ensuring that our solution remains grounded in the needs and priorities of the community.
Also, we have implemented a participatory approach to our program, actively involving young girls with disabilities in the development of our SRHR information materials. We have facilitated workshops where they can share their experiences, ask questions, and provide input on the content and format of our materials. This approach ensures that our materials are accessible, culturally relevant, and truly resonate with the girls we serve.
- Improve the SRH outcomes of young people and address root cause barriers to SRHR care.
- Tanzania
- Pilot: An organization testing a product, service, or business model with a small number of users
Since the inception of our project in January 2023, we have conducted 12 sessions and successfully empowered more than 700 young girls with disabilities, providing them with crucial sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and support. These sessions were meticulously designed to address the unique challenges faced by young girls with disabilities in accessing SRHR services and information, ensuring that the content is accessible, inclusive, and tailored to their specific needs.
Our solution is not merely a service; it is a movement aimed at creating a significant impact in the lives of young girls with disabilities. By empowering them with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for their SRHR rights, we are contributing to a future where these girls can live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
However, our vision doesn't stop here. By the end of 2024, we aim to expand our reach and serve approximately 21,000 young girls with disabilities. To achieve this, we plan to scale our sessions and partnerships with local organizations and communities, ensuring that our solution is accessible to as many young girls with disabilities as possible.
To support our growth, we will continuously evaluate the impact of our sessions, gathering feedback from participants and stakeholders to make necessary adjustments and improvements. We will also engage with local communities and organizations to understand the unique needs of the populations we are serving, ensuring that our solution is always relevant and effective.
We will leverage technology to enhance our reach and impact. This includes developing online platforms and resources that young girls with disabilities can access from the comfort of their homes, breaking down geographical and physical barriers to SRHR information and support.
Our solution, Voice for Disabled, is innovative in the way it specifically targets and addresses the sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) needs of young girls with disabilities, a group often overlooked and underserved in many communities.
Targeted Approach: Our program is designed specifically for young girls with disabilities, taking into consideration the unique challenges they face in accessing SRHR information and services. By focusing on this specific group, we are able to tailor our interventions to meet their unique needs, ensuring they are not left behind in the fight for SRHR.
Inclusive Education and Empowerment Sessions: We have conducted 12 sessions since January 2023, reaching over 700 disabled young girls. These sessions are not just about providing information; they are designed to be interactive, inclusive, and empowering, giving the girls the tools they need to advocate for their own rights and health.
Community Engagement: Our solution also involves engaging with the wider community to foster a supportive environment for young girls with disabilities. We work with families, community leaders, and other stakeholders to challenge and change the societal attitudes and norms that can act as barriers to these girls accessing their SRHR.
Leveraging Technology: We are also exploring ways to leverage technology to reach more girls with disabilities, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas. By developing online platforms and using mobile technology, we can provide these girls with access to SRHR information and services, no matter where they are.
Sustainable Model: Our business model is also innovative. By partnering with other organizations and leveraging existing resources, we are able to deliver our solution in a cost-effective and sustainable way. This approach not only maximizes our impact but also ensures the long-term sustainability of our program.
Potential for Scalability and Replicability: Our solution has the potential to be scaled up and replicated in other communities and regions, further amplifying its impact. The framework we have developed can be adapted to meet the needs of young girls with disabilities in different contexts, making it a versatile and impactful solution.
Next Year Impact Goals:
Reach 21,000 More Young Girls with Disabilities: In the next year, our primary goal is to expand our reach and provide SRHR education and empowerment sessions to an additional 5,000 young girls with disabilities in our target communities. We will achieve this by scaling up our sessions and increasing our outreach efforts.
Establish Regional Partnerships: We aim to establish partnerships with regional organizations and stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and scalability of our solution. These partnerships will help us reach more communities and enhance the impact of our program.
Launch Online Platform: Within the next year, we plan to launch an online platform that will provide accessible SRHR information and resources to young girls with disabilities, particularly those in remote or underserved areas. This platform will leverage technology to expand our reach.
Next Five Years Impact Goals:
Serve 120,000 Young Girls with Disabilities: Over the next five years, our overarching goal is to serve a total of 100,000 young girls with disabilities. We will achieve this by continually scaling up our program and expanding our partnerships to reach more communities.
Advocate for Inclusive SRHR Policies: We aspire to be a leading advocate for inclusive SRHR policies at the local, national, and global levels. By leveraging our experiences and data, we aim to influence policy changes that prioritize the SRHR rights of young girls with disabilities.
Strengthen Local Capacities: In collaboration with local organizations and communities, we will work to build the capacity of healthcare providers and educators to better serve young girls with disabilities. This capacity-building approach will ensure sustainability and impact beyond our direct interventions.
Catalyze Broader Change: We aim to catalyze broader positive impacts by serving as a model for inclusive SRHR programs that can be replicated in other regions and countries. We will actively share our best practices and collaborate with organizations working in similar spaces to drive systemic change.
To achieve these impact goals, we will continue to engage with communities, gather feedback, and adapt our program to the evolving needs of young girls with disabilities.
We will also invest in monitoring and evaluation to measure our progress and refine our approach. By building strong partnerships, leveraging technology, and advocating for policy changes, we believe we can create a transformational impact on the lives of young girls with disabilities, ensuring their SRHR rights are upheld and respected.
Our theory of change centers on the belief that when young girls with disabilities are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need, they can become advocates for their own sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). By focusing on this specific group and addressing the unique barriers they face, we aim to create a positive ripple effect that transforms not only their lives but also their communities.
Activities:
SRHR Education and Empowerment: Our program conducts SRHR education and empowerment sessions tailored to the needs of young girls with disabilities. These sessions provide them with accessible information about their SRHR and equip them with advocacy skills.
Community Engagement: We actively engage with the wider community, including families, community leaders, and healthcare providers. Through awareness-raising campaigns and advocacy efforts, we challenge and change societal attitudes and norms that hinder access to SRHR for young girls with disabilities.
Online Platform: We are developing an online platform that will provide accessible SRHR information and resources to girls in remote or underserved areas. This technology-driven approach will break down geographical barriers.
Outputs:
Informed and Empowered Girls: Our program's immediate outputs include young girls with disabilities who are informed about their SRHR rights and empowered to advocate for them.
Community Support: We also aim to build support within the community, with families and leaders recognizing the importance of inclusive SRHR and advocating for its implementation.
Online Resource: The online platform will be an output that provides accessible SRHR information to girls, enabling them to access crucial resources independently.
Outcomes:
Improved SRHR Outcomes: Empowered girls are more likely to access SRHR services and make informed decisions about their health, resulting in improved SRHR outcomes.
Policy and Norm Change: As communities become more aware and supportive, we anticipate changes in policies and norms that prioritize the SRHR rights of young girls with disabilities.
Scalability and Replicability: By serving as a model program, we aim to catalyze broader change. Other organizations and communities can replicate our approach, expanding the reach of inclusive SRHR initiatives.
Impact:
Transformational Impact: Through our targeted approach and advocacy efforts, we expect to create a transformational impact on the lives of young girls with disabilities. They will have the tools and support to lead healthier, more empowered lives.
Inclusive Society: Over time, we envision an inclusive society where the SRHR rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities, are respected and upheld.
Our theory of change is grounded in the belief that empowering young girls with disabilities with SRHR knowledge and advocacy skills can lead to improved outcomes for them and broader systemic changes in attitudes, policies, and norms. By addressing the unique challenges faced by this group and leveraging technology, we aim to create a positive ripple effect that benefits not only the girls we serve but also their communities and society as a whole.
- Tanzania
- Tanzania
- Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit
Our solution team currently consists of:
Full-time staff: 5 dedicated individuals who are fully committed to the development and implementation of our program.
Part-time staff: 2 team members who contribute their expertise and support on a part-time basis, complementing our efforts.
Contractors and volunteers: 2 We engage with a network of volunteers and contractors who provide specialized services such as content development, technical support, and community outreach.
We have been actively working on our solution, Voice for Disabled, since January 2023. In this relatively short period, we have made significant strides in empowering young girls with disabilities with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Our commitment to this cause drives our ongoing efforts to create a positive and lasting impact in the lives of these girls and their communities.
Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work is at the core of our mission and values. We recognize the importance of ensuring that our program is not only inclusive but actively seeks to address the unique challenges faced by young girls with disabilities from diverse backgrounds. Here are the key aspects of our approach:
Diverse Leadership Team: Our leadership team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We have intentionally sought team members with diverse backgrounds, including different disabilities, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and experiences. This diversity at the leadership level ensures that our program is culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of our participants.
Inclusive Design: Our program's design is inherently inclusive. We work closely with young girls with disabilities to understand their individual needs and preferences, ensuring that our SRHR education and empowerment sessions are accessible and relevant to all participants, regardless of their specific disabilities.
Accessibility and Language: We prioritize making our materials and resources accessible to individuals with various disabilities, including those who use assistive technologies. Additionally, we offer our sessions in multiple languages to accommodate the linguistic diversity of our target communities.
Cultural Competency: We invest in ongoing training and development for our team to build cultural competency. This enables us to engage with diverse communities in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
Community Engagement: We actively engage with community leaders, families, and local organizations to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion for young girls with disabilities. We work collaboratively with these stakeholders to ensure that our program aligns with local customs and traditions.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement: We actively seek feedback from our participants and communities to identify areas where we can improve our inclusivity efforts. This feedback loop is essential for ensuring that our program remains responsive to evolving needs.
Advocacy for Systemic Change: In addition to our direct service provision, we advocate for systemic change to address the broader issues of discrimination and exclusion that young girls with disabilities face. We collaborate with disability rights organizations and policymakers to drive policy changes that advance inclusivity and equity.
Commitment to Equity: Equity is a fundamental principle in our work. We recognize that achieving equality may require different resources and support for individuals with varying needs. Therefore, we strive to provide equitable access to SRHR education and support.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is not static but dynamic. We are continually learning, adapting, and evolving our approach to ensure that we are not only meeting but exceeding the standards for inclusive and equitable service delivery.
By actively incorporating these principles into every aspect of our work, we aim to create a world where all young girls with disabilities can access their SRHR rights and lead fulfilling lives free from discrimination and exclusion.
Our business model is designed to provide value to young girls with disabilities by offering them comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education and empowerment sessions. We recognize that these girls often face unique challenges in accessing SRHR information and support, and our model is tailored to address these needs.
Key Components of Our Business Model:
SRHR Education and Empowerment Sessions: Our core offering is the delivery of SRHR education and empowerment sessions specifically designed for young girls with disabilities. These sessions cover a range of topics related to SRHR, including reproductive anatomy, menstrual hygiene, contraception, consent, and rights.
Community Engagement: We actively engage with the wider community, including families, community leaders, and healthcare providers. By raising awareness about the importance of inclusive SRHR and advocating for the rights of young girls with disabilities, we create a supportive ecosystem that enhances the impact of our program.
Online Platform: To complement our in-person sessions and reach girls in remote or underserved areas, we are developing an online platform. This platform will provide accessible SRHR information, resources, and support, ensuring that girls can access crucial information independently.
Partnerships: We collaborate with regional organizations, NGOs, and stakeholders to enhance the sustainability and scalability of our program. These partnerships may involve joint advocacy efforts, resource sharing, and leveraging existing networks.
Value Proposition:
Empowering Young Girls with Disabilities: Our primary value proposition is the empowerment of young girls with disabilities. We equip them with knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for their SRHR rights and make informed decisions about their health.
Inclusivity: We address the unique challenges faced by this specific group, ensuring that SRHR education is inclusive and accessible. Our program is designed to break down barriers to information and support.
Community Support: We provide value to the wider community by fostering a culture of inclusivity and advocacy. Families, community leaders, and healthcare providers benefit from increased awareness and understanding of the SRHR needs of young girls with disabilities.
Revenue Model:
Our revenue model is a hybrid approach that combines both nonprofit and partnership-based elements:
Grants and Donations: We actively seek grants and donations from foundations, international organizations, and individuals who share our commitment to inclusive SRHR. These funds support the core operations and expansion of our program.
Partnerships: We explore partnerships with regional organizations and stakeholders that align with our mission. These partnerships may involve joint funding opportunities, resource sharing, and collaborative advocacy efforts.
Online Platform: While our in-person sessions are provided free of charge to participants, we may generate revenue through the online platform by offering premium content or services to a wider audience. This revenue can be reinvested into the program.
Our business model ensures that we can continue to provide SRHR education and empowerment to young girls with disabilities while actively seeking resources to expand our reach and impact. It combines sustainability with a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that our program remains accessible to those who need it most.
- Individual consumers or stakeholders (B2C)
Our plan for becoming financially sustainable involves a multi-pronged approach that combines various revenue streams, partnerships, and strategic initiatives. Our goal is to ensure that our program can continue to thrive and expand while maintaining its core mission of providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education and empowerment to young girls with disabilities. Here are the key components of our sustainability plan:
1. Grants and Donations: We will continue to actively seek grants and donations from foundations, international organizations, and individuals who are aligned with our mission and values. These funds will support our core operations, program expansion, and the development of new initiatives.
2. Partnership-Based Funding: We will explore partnerships with regional organizations, NGOs, and stakeholders that share our commitment to inclusive SRHR. These partnerships may include joint funding opportunities, resource sharing, and collaborative advocacy efforts.
3. Diversification of Funding Sources: To reduce dependency on any single funding source, we will work towards diversifying our revenue streams. This may involve identifying new grant opportunities, engaging with corporate social responsibility programs, and cultivating relationships with potential donors.
4. Online Platform Revenue: As we launch our online platform to provide accessible SRHR information and resources, we will explore revenue-generation strategies. This may include offering premium content or services to a wider audience, potentially generating income that can be reinvested into the program.
5. Social Enterprise Initiatives: We will explore opportunities to establish social enterprise initiatives that align with our mission. These initiatives may involve the creation of products or services that generate revenue while contributing to our overarching goal of empowering young girls with disabilities.
6. Impact Investment: We will explore impact investment opportunities that can provide both financial support and strategic guidance. Impact investors who share our vision for inclusive SRHR can play a pivotal role in our long-term sustainability.
7. Strategic Planning and Budgeting: We will engage in strategic planning and budgeting to ensure that our revenue streams cover expected expenses. This involves careful financial management, cost-effectiveness measures, and regular monitoring of our financial sustainability.
8. Community Engagement and Fundraising: We will actively engage with our target communities and mobilize grassroots fundraising efforts. This may include community events, crowdfunding campaigns, and involving community members in advocating for our cause.
9. Impact Measurement and Reporting: We will continue to invest in robust impact measurement and reporting mechanisms to demonstrate the effectiveness of our program to current and potential donors and partners. Clear evidence of impact enhances our attractiveness to funders.
10. Scaling with Impact: As we grow, we will prioritize scaling with impact, ensuring that each expansion is well-planned and aligned with our mission. This approach maximizes the reach of our program while maintaining its quality and impact.
By combining these strategies, we aim to achieve financial sustainability that allows us to not only sustain our core operations but also expand our reach and impact over the long term.