The Union Malienne des Aveugles (Malian Union of the Blind or UMAV) originates from the Association Malienne pour la Promotion Sociale des Aveugles which was established in 2014. It is a national association which is led by visually impaired people themselves -with some minor exceptions. The main goal of UMAV is to promote equal opportunity of visually impaired people compared to all citizens and to allow blind people to participate in socio-economic development and prevention against blindness.

UMAV is recognised as a public utility structure and offers several essential services, such as the operation of ophthalmology, an optic shop for corrective glasses, special school or institute for blind people, units of chalk making for small income-generating activities. Furthermore they launched a campaign tracking the prevention and ocular care to reduce blindness in Mali in collaboration with public bodies and partners.

The Voice-funded project of the Union Malienne des Aveugles (UMAV) focuses on the socio-economic and political inclusion of people with disabilities in rural areas and will be implemented in the local government circles (cercle) of Kolokani, Kati, Kangaba and Dioïla from August 2017 to July 2020.

This project involves 1,486 beneficiaries, who are visually, auditory and/or physically handicapped. The innovation is about the inclusion of these communities  in the development plan of the local government and municipalities. Women’s leadership and their inclusive governance are especially reinforced. Activities include advocacy, sensitisation and training organised by and for people with disabilities (PWDs) and administrative, political and traditional authorities so that the needs and expectations, that have been neglected for are for a long time, are taken into account.

A potential result of this project is an increase of the economic and social position as well as living standards of PWDs in rural areas through income-generating activities. Further it aims to increase the knowledge and the respect of the rights of PWDs, improve their image, positively change the perception of populations about people with disabilities and influence the political decisions taken in their favour.