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National and local advocacy

Public policy is the framework that guides how states provide for the population, address social challenges, or ensure adherence to legal norms, while advocacy describes the process of influencing public policy.

On this page we want to illustrate the role it can play as part of a holistic approach in your toolkit to reduce stigma.

Advocacy is about ensuring there are systems in place directly targeting discriminatory behaviour, removing discriminatory laws and policies, and ensuring that anti-discriminatory policies are in place and enforced.

That said, policy often reflects societal and structural stigma, which affects the priorities for developing and enforcing policies, as well as budget allocations to implement change. This means it is often important to tackle the stigma found within those responsible for directing public policy, including government officials and parliamentarians.

On this page we largely focus on more about change in policy and its implementation. It complements work with local leadership and their role in advocacy at the local level.

We can also educate people on anti-discriminatory disability policies and laws through media campaigns, training and community engagement.

This approach can help to reduce:

Social stigma.   Internalised stigma.

Stigma by association   Structural stigma.

About the four types of stigma

Examples of advocacy approaches

Policy

Supporting regional, national and local policy development and ratification.

Legal

Identifying incoherent laws and policies, and working with relevant people to change them.

Accountability

Influencing systems that hold governments and others to account on policy implementation.

Funding

Monitoring and influencing the allocation of funding to reduce discrimination or holding others accountable.

Case study 1
Sightsavers’ campaigning – at global level

Sightsavers’ campaigning work calls for the rights of people with disabilities to be upheld, and for leaders to be held accountable, so everyone has the right to education, health care and employment, and to have a say in decision making.

It includes both global actions and national campaigns.

The organisation partners with local, national and international organisations and amplifies the voice of local disability advocates to ensure their voices are heard. Watch the video clip below to learn more (the video starts playing from 12 minutes 39 seconds).

My motive is to motivate people about the person with disability and advocate for them, that they are not a curse or a burden. If I don’t do this, I don’t feel alive.
Taqwa, disability activist
Sightsavers campaigning

Case study 2
Discrimination and advocacy in Zimbabwe

Sightsavers’ Equal Zimbabwe campaign is lobbying for disability rights, including reduced discrimination in education, employment and justice, by working with people with disabilities and organisations of people with disabilities within the country.

The goal is to make sure people with disabilities have clear, enforceable rights, as aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Watch the video clip below to learn more (the video starts playing from 2 minutes 14 seconds).

We need to lobby for policies and laws. We have good, strong policies that are not followed. If they are not implemented, it’s as good as if we don’t have them.
Equal Zimbabwe campaign

Case study 3
Youth advocacy/leadership engagement in Uganda

As part of the Anyim Maber (Brighter Future) youth advocacy project in Uganda, youth wing leaders were trained in advocacy and stigma reduction. They engaged with peers and community members on disability inclusion, challenging stereotypes, sharing personal testimonies and promoting empathy within their communities.

A group of people in Uganda inside a room, smiling for the camera. Some have visible disabilities.

The training helped youth leaders to challenge stereotypes. © Challenges Group.

An extract from one participant’s story illustrates how direct contact with local leaders can and the value of peer support groups can contribute to different types of stigma reduction processes.

Opio Geoffrey’s story

“I have a physical disability and I live in in Gulu district, Uganda. Living with a disability has meant overcoming countless challenges, many of which limited not only my participation but also my opportunities.

“Through this project, I found not just support but also a platform to lead. My election as secretary for the Gulu district youth wing was transformative. It gave me the confidence and opportunity to become a voice for young people with disabilities in my district.

“For me, the exposure has broken down many barriers. The joint meetings and collaborative sessions have given me direct access to several government officials. Where I once hesitated to approach leaders, I now do so with confidence and purpose. I speak boldly on behalf of youth with disabilities, advocating for their inclusion in economic and social programmes.”

The sessions have given me direct access to government officials. Where I once hesitated to approach leaders, I now do so with confidence and purpose.
Opio Geoffrey, project participant
Brighter Future project
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