Creating Room at the Table: SKF’s Community Dialogue with JONAPWD
At Supertouch Kindness Foundation (SKF), inclusion is not a concept — it’s a commitment. In 2024, that commitment took a bold step forward through a community dialogue with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) across Mubi North, Hong, and Michika LGAs in Adamawa State.
In partnership with Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF), this dialogue was more than a meeting — it was a movement to break barriers, amplify voices, and develop local strategies to address gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
Listening First, Acting Together
The room was filled with determination and honesty as over 50 JONAPWD members and local leaders came together to share lived experiences — from stigma and discrimination to inaccessible health centers and silenced voices.
“This is the first time I feel that our concerns are being addressed with real solutions. Now, we have hope for a safer community.”
— Emmanuel Yantre, hearing-impaired participant
These stories weren’t just shared — they were heard, and they shaped action.
Turning Conversations Into Strategy
As the sessions progressed, participants:
- Identified gaps in GBV referral pathways
- Addressed confidentiality and accessibility challenges
- Developed community-based action plans for disability-inclusive support systems
By the end of the dialogue, 90% of attendees reported improved understanding of how to access and use GBV referral systems. This isn’t just progress — it’s a blueprint for sustainability.
The Power of Partnership
The dialogue reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration. With support from RHHF, and the passion of community leaders and disability advocates, SKF is helping to build a system where no one is left behind — especially those most often overlooked.
What Comes Next?
Community dialogues like this are just the beginning. SKF remains committed to:
- Strengthening referral systems and survivor support
- Advocating for disability-inclusive policies
- Supporting grassroots leadership through COMBAT teams and peer networks
Together, we’re not just talking about inclusion. We’re building it — brick by brick, voice by voice.
