Preparing to advocate for inclusive employment in Kenya We have been working with self-advocates from some of our member organisations in Africa to prepare for an inclusive employment advocacy campaign they will deliver in 2022. In November, our Programme Manager Nathan and Programme Fellow Simon arranged a 2-day workshop with self-advocates from Down Syndrome Society of Kenya (DSSK) to see how they are getting on. The workshop began with a presentation, prepared by a group of the self-advocates, on Article 27 of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD). “States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others” - Article 27, CRPD The presentation was followed by an open discussion about the sorts of jobs the self-advocates would like to do. A few of the self-advocates already have jobs, including working as a labourer, on a farm and in a factory. Nathan and Simon spent time talking to the self-advocates about the right to good working conditions. Some of the self-advocates who already have jobs said they don't have good working conditions. The person who works on a farm said that people often pay him less than his crops are worth. The person who is a labourer said that he is made to work harder than other people, is often called names at work and often receives less money than other people doing the same job. The group discussed the barriers they face in accessing employment and potential solutions. Finally, the self-advocates worked in small groups to plan a video about the right to work, thinking about the key messages they would like to communicate. The discussions were interspersed with energising sessions in which everyone learnt a dance routine. The workshop was enjoyed by all and the self-advocates, as well as the team at DSSK, are excited for the advocacy campaign in 2022. We look forward to hearing their advocacy messages next year! Read more about this project: EMPLOYMENT ADVOCACY This project is funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). The content of our website does not necessarily reflect the views of NORAD. Manage Cookie Preferences