Caravan SRH for PW 2024
Location: Ohrid, Bitola, Gostivar, Veles, Shtip
Date: 13 April, 16 April, 20 April, 11 May, 15 May
Overall objective:
The purpose of these 5 sessions was to facilitate constructive discussions and provide support on sensitive topics pertaining to the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities, particularly regarding gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health.
Attendance and Participation:
The sessions attracted a diverse group of participants, with 110 persons with
disabilities and a few assistants in attendance. The discussions were characterized by
active engagement and a genuine interest in addressing the challenges faced by persons
with disabilities in relation to gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health.
Key Discussion Points:
Constructive Dialogue: The discussions were marked by openness and constructive
dialogue, creating a safe space for participants to share their experiences and concerns.
Interest in Concrete Topics: Participants expressed a keen interest in delving into more
concrete topics related to sexuality, including discussions on navigating intimate
relationships and addressing challenges encountered during sexual activity.
Overcoming Challenges: Individuals with disabilities shared their experiences and sought
guidance on overcoming barriers and challenges related to sexual activity, emphasizing
the need for practical solutions and support mechanisms.
- Informative Initiatives:
- Addressing the Lack of Information: Persons with disabilities often lack access to information regarding preventive examinations tailored to their needs.
- Ministry of Health Programs Awareness: There is a necessity to inform individuals with disabilities about the available programs offered by the Ministry of Health.
- Educational Deficiencies: Introduction of disability-specific education within the mainstream educational system is imperative; notably absent in schools catering to the deaf community.
- Rights Awareness and Representation:
- Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Despite ratification by MK in 2011, individuals with disabilities remain largely unaware of their rights under this global agreement.
- Challenges with Reporting Violence: Authorized interpreters are unable to report incidents of violence on behalf of deaf individuals due to institutional barriers and lack of sign language proficiency among law enforcement.
- Sexual Health and Education:
- Inadequate Sexual Education: Accessibility to sexual education is limited, exacerbating vulnerabilities among persons with disabilities.
- Barriers to Health Facilities: Physical inaccessibility to health facilities further impedes access to essential sexual health services.
- Information Accessibility: Lack of accessible information regarding sexual health exacerbates disparities in care.
- Parental Education Gap: There is a notable absence of resources and support for parental education within the context of disability.
- Advocacy and Empowerment:
- Addressing Stereotypes: Attention must be paid to language use and the perpetuation of stereotypes in addressing individuals with disabilities.
- Rights Advocacy: Advocacy efforts should focus on promoting awareness and implementation of the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Policy and Infrastructure: Advocating for policy changes and infrastructure adaptations to better accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities in various spheres of life.
- Community Engagement and Support:
- Municipal Awareness: Municipalities, transportation, and government bodies need heightened awareness regarding the accessibility requirements of persons with disabilities.
- Legal Empowerment: Empowering individuals with disabilities to seek legal recourse when their rights are violated, exemplified by legal actions such as the sidewalk height lawsuit in Delchevo.
- Healthcare Accessibility and Support:
- Rehabilitation and Psychological Support: Urgent attention is needed to address the lack of rehabilitation centers and psychological support services for persons with disabilities.
- Professional Collaboration: Inclusion of persons with disabilities in professional medical associations fosters collaboration and ensures their needs are adequately represented.
- Education and Training:
- Medical Professionals’ Training: Efforts should be made to incorporate basic sign language training into medical education curricula to enhance communication with deaf patients.
- Rights Education: Education initiatives targeting both persons with disabilities and healthcare providers are essential to ensure awareness and enforcement of rights.
- Systemic Improvements:
- Comprehensive Mapping of Services: Conducting regional assessments of existing services in collaboration with the disability community is crucial for identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
- Communication Accessibility: Overhauling communication protocols in healthcare settings, including ambulances, to accommodate individuals with various disabilities.
By addressing these multifaceted challenges through targeted interventions and systemic changes, society can strive towards true inclusivity and equality for persons with disabilities.
Prepared by Macedonian Association of Gynecologist and Obstetricians