Within indigenous communities such as the Maasai, youth and people with disabilities (PWDs) are often left marginalised, with no voice to speak out about their rights and have limited space for political participation. They are not involved in any of the democratic processes from the family up to the local government level.

PWDs, on the other hand, are not given the opportunity to take part in a leadership position, involved in political issues, decision-making and policy development. They have less ability to drive their agenda and nonactive to participate in the development process.

The project Empowerment & Democratic Participation for People with Disabilities is raising the voices of PWDs and strengthen the space for political participation, to ensure PWDs and young people in the indigenous community will be empowered and given the opportunity to solve their problems and mobilise other youth/PWDs to participate in democratic and development issues.

The larger part of the Maasai community is informed, engaged and raise awareness in the promotion and protection of persons with disability rights.

Persons with Disabilities (PWD) suffer a double jeopardy brought about by the disability itself and then compounded by the lack of adequate training and technical support to enable them overcome the disability and lead a near-normal life.  Systems to enable PWD so that they can enjoy their rights are minimal and as a result the level of awareness of the civil rights and political participation is curtailed.   The social environment is at times also hostile to PWD with discrimination and marginalization being rampant.  Okoa means rescue in Swahili. 

Okoa directly reached 199 (112 males and 87 females) Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and empowered them through training, technical support, and monitoring visits. In addition, the project’s media campaign raised the voices and rights of PWDs, by engaging over 2250 people through local radio, newspapers, and television.  Creating an enabling environment is very important.   

OKOA empowered 75 (43 males and 32 females) PWDs by training them on their roles as citizens and leaders. The training improved their confidence and knowledge on leadership skills and democratic participation. The 75 participants also received training on the Bill of Rights and its limitations as outlined by the 1977 Tanzanian Constitution to advocate for their rights.  Knowledge of one’s rights and obligations enables political and civic participation in the spirit of no one left behind and nothing for us without us.     

Okoa conducted a strategic meeting that engaged 20 decision makers.  During the meeting, Okoa and decision-makers discussed creating a more favourable environment for the participation of PWDs in the decision-making process and leadership positions. They also discussed creating spaces for political participation and positions in local government.  

OKOA built relationships with the local government through the project, NGOs like Tanzania Federation of Disabled People’s Organizations (SHIVYAWATA), and local and national media houses.  Creation of networks and linkages broadens the response and strengthens the capacity to advocate for rights and political space.  In future, OKOA intends to scale up their project and support PWDs and youth rightsholders through training on self-awareness to be able to recognise opportunities presented to them and become more responsible.   

Okoa seeks to change the lives of the PWD by bridging their struggle to utilize every opportunity available to them.