In 1963, African countries came together and formed the The Organisation of African Unity, O.A.U. The organisation was formed to foster unity and partnership amongst the African countries, after much struggle to gain independence from colonialism. In 1981, the Organisation of African Unity (it was rebranded to the African Union) developed the African Disability Protocol to address rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities in the African context owing to the unique set of circumstances in the continent.
Africa has 1 billion people with diverse cultural heritage customs and believes and diverse languages. The Protocol was developed to protect persons with disabilities from harmful practices arising from cultural beliefs and initiate efforts for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in political, social and economic activities and improve their lives. Member states of the African Union have to sign and ratify the Protocol for it to be in effect in their countries.
Similar to the UNCRPD, Article 21 of the African Disability Protocol guarantees the right to participate in public and political life. In the article, member states are encouraged to do civic education, to encourage persons with disabilities to participate in political matters. There is also the clarion call to avail election and political information in Accessible formats.
While there is a long way to go, a few successes can be reported starting with the East African Youth Assembly, where the speaker to the Assembly, Ashura Michael, is hearing impaired. In the Kenyan Elections, she tried her hand to become the Senator for Nairobi before dropping the bid and featuring in a political reality show Ms President. Ashura is also a lawyer and passionate about women, deaf and general disability rights.
Like Nelson Mandela said, it always seems impossible until its done. It can be done so why not do it?.