The Inclusion Café series aims to bring together actors in development cooperation and inclusion to learn from each other’s expertise and exchange on a variety of topics. In consideration of the “super election year” 2024, the upcoming edition will address challenges and achievements of disability inclusion in elections worldwide. With an estimated 2 billion voters from 60 countries going to the polls this year alone, the question arises as to how accessible elections are for the 16% of the world population living with a disability? What does it take to ensure the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities – whether as voters, candidates, campaign workers or in other functions?
These and further questions will be explored with the support of a panel of experts, who will give us an insight into their first-hand experience in advocating for political participation of persons with disabilities. Learn about the achievements and challenges of disability inclusion in the Indian General Elections 2024 from Smitha Sadasivan, disability consultant to the Election Commission of India. Judge Monica Mbarú will give us insights into the barriers faced by candidates with disabilities in Kenya, illustrated by examples of current court cases. Disability and Women’s rights activist Yeni Rosa Damayanti will focus on the often-overlooked topic of voting rights for persons with psychosocial disabilities, with a specific look at Indonesia. Additionally, we are looking forward to the insights and questions from our network members in the Q&A session.
Due to popular request for further networking opportunities with fellow inclusion enthusiasts, we will host a short networking session after the main event. All participants are welcome to stay for another half hour to connect, ask questions, and forge new alliances on any inclusion related topic that interests them.
Network membership is required to attend the event. If you are not yet a member of the Living Inclusion Network, sign-up to receive the invitation for this and future events.
Title: The Super Election Year 2024: Participation without Barriers? – Let’s talk about elections and disability inclusion worldwide!
Date: Wednesday 18 September 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am CET (+ 30 minutes open space networking)
Where? Online (to receive the link sign up to the Living Inclusion Network)