Coordination Meeting of Women with Disabilities Forum

3rd April, 2009

Chaired by,

Abia Akram,

Women Coordinator,

Disabled Peoples’ Organization (PDPO/DPI – Pakistan)

Introductory Session

"Getting to Know Each Other“

Ms. PakeezaMs. SaimaMs. UzmaMs. ShamshaMs. IffatMs. HusnaMs. NaheedMs. SaimaMs. RehanaMs. FarzeenMs. Noor

Why a Forum of Leading Women with Disabilities?

• Many women are leaders but don't think of themselves as leaders...."

• "Leadership of women with disabilities is sadly lacking among the general community, in DPOs...."

• "It is important for us to keep the issue of women with disabilities alive...."

• "we need to break down the barriers that prevent us from being inclusion and equal opportunities...."

• "We can make an impression....."

Points discussed during meeting:

• Identifying the issue • researching background information on the

issue• identifying what we can do to help • working in groups to talk about how small feel

about the issues• exchanging information and pooling ideas • working through any disagreements • clarifying any issues of confusion

Forum will focus on:

• Encouragement & empowerment

• briefing and sharing (knowing the facts and reporting back)

• group participation

• information

• knowledge

• sharing decision-making

• giving everyone a go

• mentoring - passing on knowledge and skills

• leads from behind

• accountability

• leading and learning

Recommendations:

• collect data and specific outreach efforts to include women with disabilities.

• partnership with organizations led by WWD

• involvement in all policy and decision making and in projects: as staff, volunteers, participants, and evaluators.

• prepare women and girls for careers and gainful employment.

• • Health service personnel must be trained to

offer informed

Conclusion:

• Deadline of sharing profiles of women with disabilities is 2nd May, 2009

• Skype meeting with leaders of International Forums of WWD on Saturday, 18th April

• Coordination through yahoo group from Wednesday, 8th April

• Next meeting

Acknowledgment:

• On behalf of PDPO/DPI – Pakistan, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those participants

• Thankful to MilestoneMilestone for facilitating this meeting in their office.

Thanks…