By Tasline Otieno, Programs Coordinator, Consortium of Disabled Persons Organizations in Kenya (CDPOK)

Gender justice is fundamental to an equitable society, yet for women with disabilities, this pursuit comes with unique and compounded challenges. As a Gender and Development expert, I am driven by the conviction that every individual, regardless of gender or ability, deserves equal opportunities to thrive. Through my role as Programs Coordinator at the Consortium of Disabled Persons Organizations in Kenya (CDPOK), I work to dismantle systemic barriers and foster inclusive policies that empower women with disabilities economically, socially, and politically.

One of the core aspects of my work has been advocating for policies that promote gender equality and social inclusion. Engaging in various working groups on gender justice has allowed me to contribute to shaping policy discourse and driving systemic change. I have published three research papers that reinforce the urgency of disability-inclusive gender policies and have actively participated in reviewing and pushing for policies that ensure the meaningful inclusion of women with disabilities in leadership structures. A significant milestone in this advocacy was engaging with political parties, which resulted in a notable increase in the representation of women with disabilities in disability leagues within key political entities.

Women with disabilities and adolescent girls remain at the heart of my efforts. These groups face multiple layers of discrimination, limiting their access to education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles. My work focuses on amplifying their voices, ensuring they are recognized as active participants in the development process. Economic independence is a crucial pillar of gender justice, and I have facilitated capacity-building programs that have empowered over 300 women with business and financial management skills. Many of these women have gone on to establish small businesses, breaking free from financial dependence and improving their overall livelihoods. Additionally, through collaborations with financial institutions, I have successfully lobbied for more accessible loan and grant opportunities tailored specifically for women with disabilities.

Despite progress, deep-rooted cultural norms and resistance to gender equality continue to pose significant barriers, particularly when it comes to leadership and decision-making spaces. Patriarchal systems often exclude women from holding influential positions, making it imperative to shift mindsets at the community level. I have addressed this challenge through targeted community engagement, working closely with local leaders, elders, and key stakeholders to foster conversations that challenge outdated norms and promote inclusivity. Organizing community dialogues and training sessions has been instrumental in reaching over 1,000 community members and has played a role in shifting attitudes towards gender equality and social inclusion.

Beyond advocacy and training, research has been a critical tool in shaping my interventions. My work has directly influenced four community-based projects aimed at addressing the needs of marginalized groups, with a focus on economic inclusion, leadership empowerment, and access to essential services. The insights drawn from these initiatives reinforce the need for sustainable, long-term efforts in advancing gender justice for women with disabilities.

The journey toward gender justice is ongoing and demands sustained advocacy, policy reforms, and community-driven solutions. Breaking down systemic barriers requires collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, and communities. At CDPOK, we remain committed to strengthening advocacy for disability-inclusive gender policies, expanding economic opportunities for women with disabilities, and challenging discriminatory norms that hinder their full participation in society. By continuing to push for these changes, we can create a future where women with disabilities are not only empowered and represented but are given the tools to lead and thrive.