Training Myanmar DPOs on Disability Rights, Media, and Elections

On October 12-13, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) held a Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) training on “Disability Rights, Media, and Elections” for 25 people representing five disabled people’s organizations (DPOs) in Yangon, Myanmar including IFES’ local partner the Myanmar Independent Living Initiative (MILI). IFES Senior Inclusion Officer Rebecca Aaberg facilitated the training, which built the capacities of disability rights advocates to engage media professionals on rights-based reporting of inclusive electoral processes.

Using BRIDGE’s interactive adult learning methodology, participants discussed how participation of persons with disabilities is portrayed by media, what makes photos inclusive of persons with disabilities, and how to write stories that focus on accessible elections. MILI and its network of DPOs will use the skills gained from the training to enhance their advocacy and awareness efforts in support of their five-year policy platform, which seeks to advance electoral and political rights for persons with disabilities.

The “Disability Rights, Media, and Elections” BRIDGE training was supported by the Australian Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, United Kingdom Department for International Development, and United States Agency for International Development.