- Economic Empowerment
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December is a global moment to celebrate diversity, shift mindsets, and advocate for disability inclusion. This year, under the theme “Inclusion Is for Everyone,” we shine a spotlight on the leadership, creativity, and vision of young women and men with disabilities across Africa and their right to inclusive employment, accessible systems, and dignified, fulfilling work.
Why “Inclusion Is for Everyone” Matters
Across Africa and around the world, people with disabilities still face systemic barriers to education, employment, public services, and community participation. Yet, every day, young people with disabilities are demonstrating that inclusion is not only possible, it is transformative.
Inclusion fuels innovation, drives resilience, strengthens communities, and accelerates shared prosperity. When everyone belongs, societies thrive. When workplaces welcome all abilities, creativity expands. When public systems are accessible, development becomes equitable.
This year’s theme reminds us that disability inclusion is not a niche issue, it is a universal imperative.
What “Inclusion Is for Everyone” Means
Our campaign, launched across 3–5 December, aims to spotlight disability inclusion in action by:
- Showcasing the leadership and solutions of youth with disabilities
- Elevating OPD voices that shape policy and inclusion agendas
- Encouraging employers, governments, and communities to redesign systems and workplaces with accessibility at the centre
- Inviting the public to rethink what an inclusive world could look like
Through powerful photo stories and youth-led video features, we imagine a future where inclusion is embedded in everyday life: buildings designed for all, workplaces that welcome diverse abilities, media that communicate inclusively, and public systems shaped with, not for, people with disabilities. This vision is echoed in the insights shared by national OPDs participating in the campaign.
From the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD):
“If the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations could redesign the world to make it inclusive for everyone, we would ensure that every employer reserves 20% job positions for persons with disabilities.” – GFD
From the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK):
“If the UDPK could redesign the world to make it more inclusive for everyone, we would build systems where meaningful participation is guaranteed, lived experiences shape every decision and inclusive policies are implemented with measurable accountability.” -UDPK
And from the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria (JONAPWD):
“If the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria could redesign the world, we would ensure that all national budgets are disability inclusive.” – JONAPWD
These powerful redesign ideas show how OPD leadership drives meaningful, systemic change, from workplace equity to national planning.
How You Can Get Involved
Join our continent-wide call to action:
We invite employers, policymakers, young people, educators, creators, and allies to share their ideas for accessibility and inclusion, whether it’s a workplace innovation, a policy change, or a community-based solution.
Your contributions may be featured on our digital platforms as part of the campaign.
Expected Impact
Through this creative and interactive initiative, we aim to spark a powerful continental conversation that:
- Normalises accessibility as a shared societal value
- Amplifies youth-led and OPD-led solutions
- Strengthens alliances with employers, policymakers, and media
- Encourages inclusive design and inclusive hiring across sectors
By elevating the leadership of young people with disabilities, we reinforce a long-term commitment: building inclusive communities where everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive. Follow and join the conversation using #InclusionIsForEveryone and #IDPD2025.
Part of the We Can Work Programme
This campaign is part of the We Can Work programme, implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation (MCF) and the African Disability Forum (ADF).
Together, we are working to create sustainable pathways to inclusive employment for young people with disabilities across Africa, ensuring that accessibility, opportunity, and dignity become standard practice, not exceptional effort.
