“The journey of the end of discrimination against PWDs Nigeria has just begun. We may not be where we want to be but with what is going on today, we’re definitely not where we used to be…Keep pushing. Victoria ascerta!”
If 2021 was significant for being a bridge-year for Voice between phase 1 and the extension phase, in 2022 we went full steam ahead on all areas of programme im- plementation to make up for time lost at the peak of the pandemic. This meant redoubling our efforts to launch the bulk of the call for proposals and subsequently, approving the majority of grants within the year. It also included leveraging on our decentralised teams and ways of working to deepen linking and learning at the local, national and regional levels. Finally, it involved the laying of groundwork for new partnerships and nurtur- ing of existing ones, to strengthen systems of support for Voice rightsholder groups. As an example, this year we are proud to have finally brought to fruition Voice’s collaboration with the FREE fund. Through pooling resources and learning, we together channelled support to nine (9) initiatives for economic empowerment by young women and adolescent girls in Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania, a dire necessity in the wake of the COVID- 19 pandemic. Voice is happy to share with you the 2022 Annual Report, unfolding narratives from various components of the programme. You will be inspired by strides of pride from grassroots LGBTQI+ organisations in Mindanao, Philippines, Tanzanian women making waves in creating a gender-equal fisheries industry, people with disabil- ities in Nigeria taking flight towards more accessible air transportation, and an indigenous community in Indonesia retracing their cultural heritage through food with the intention of keeping it alive for the generations to come. We are excited to turn the pages with you, with hopes of continuing on with more passion and grit.
A rightsholder under the Artvocate project performing at an event hosted by Street Project Foundation on International Youth Day.
DR. CHIKE OKOGWU, FOUNDER AND CHIEF RESPONSIBILITY OFFICER, CARE NIGERIA
Rightsholders from Indonesia demand for access to health and employment for people with psychosocial disabilities
Aluta continua In 2022, the storm clouds of war, polarisation and re- pression further darkened over all of us. What continued to hold us aloft is the steadfastness, creativity and spirit of rightsholder groups and their movements. Often holding the line against further regression came at great personal and collective cost to them. Yet, they persisted! In recognition and in gratitude, this document is an effort to lift up the narratives of determination, fortitude and enthusiasm of the five rightsholders groups that Voice serves. We do not take your sacrifices for granted and dedicate this annual report to you.
“I would rather spend time in prison than allow a company to steal our forests” ANONYMOUS AFRICAN ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDER SPEAKING AT THE FIRST-EVER AFRICAN ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDERS REGIONAL MEETING
Elderly farmers in the Philippines advocating for their rights to social services 1
An Artvocate performing on stage on the event hosted by Street Project Foundation on International Youth Meeting
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