Establishment of the Disability Working Group (DWG) in Cameroon

As part of the our Phase 3-Leave No One Behind! project in Cameroon, a Disability Working Group (DWG) was formed to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in humanitarian action. This initiative was undertaken through collaboration between OPD Leaders, and representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Civil Protection, and supported by  CBM and Care.

The Disability Working Group was established following a 3-day training session held in Yaoundé from March 20th to 22nd, 2024, which was attended by a total of 20 participants from various regions of Cameroon. The DWG members aim to intervene in humanitarian coordination and will support humanitarian actors in making their interventions inclusive, for example by providing guidance on tool development and adaptation to ensure the participation of people with disabilities.

The Disability Working Group comprises 16 active members, including a Chairman, Co-Lead, Information Management Officer, and regional Representatives. The group’s primary goal is to operationalise the IASC Guidelines on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities by mainstreaming disability inclusion in humanitarian response. To achieve this, the DWG has developed a one-year action plan outlining specific steps to be taken by its members. Through this plan, they seek to facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of  humanitarian action across Cameroon.

With the establishment of the DWG and the formulation of a comprehensive action plan, efforts are underway to ensure that people with disabilities are not overlooked in humanitarian initiatives in Cameroon. By providing support and guidance to humanitarian organizations, the DWG aims to foster a more inclusive approach to project management. Through their collective efforts, they strive to create meaningful opportunities for the participation and empowerment of people with disabilities, thereby contributing to a more equitable and just society in Cameroon.

Text by Fasika Meherete, CBM