Bridge Workshop Module on Access for Disability Desk Officers

The workshop was organized for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disability offices in the thirty-six (36) states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The objective was to continue efforts towards greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s electoral process as preparations for the 2023 general elections gather momentum.

For INEC activities to be carried out in compliance with international norms and standards, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), this Bridge workshop was necessary. Sponsored by the European Center for Electoral Support (ECES), the five-day workshop began with an opening session attended by senior INEC and ECES officials and other guests.

In accordance with the BRIDGE methodology, participants were actively involved in the learning process through discussions, group work, role-playing, brainstorming, and presentations in all sessions of the workshop. In addition, global best practices from the CPRD and other human rights charters related to access for people with disabilities in the electoral process were mined and experiences proposed for adaptation to local EMB (INEC) efforts.

For their attendance and involvement in the course, certificates of participation were awarded to participants to cap off the workshop.