Working with Disability, Power, and Systems in Africa

For more than four decades, I have worked alongside persons with disabilities, their organisations, governments, and partners across Africa: in communities, institutions, and policy spaces that were not designed with disability in mind.

Much of my work sits at the intersection of lived experience and systems: where people are navigating real barriers in their daily lives, and institutions are struggling to translate rights, policies, and commitments into practice. I am often invited into spaces where things feel stuck or fragmented — where there is pressure to move forward, but not yet enough clarity, trust, or alignment to do so well.

A long-standing engagement in movement work has shaped my practice, lived proximity to disability, and senior leadership roles in public administration. I bring this experience into my work quietly and deliberately, with respect for self-representation and a deep understanding of the political, social, and institutional contexts in which disability inclusion work unfolds on the continent.

What I Do

I support disability inclusion work that is grounded, ethical, and implementable. This includes:

• strengthening disability-inclusive governance and institutional practice

• supporting the implementation and accountability of disability-related policies

• working with organisations of persons with disabilities to build advocacy confidence, strategy, and readiness

• facilitating dialogue between rights-holders and duty-bearers in complex or fragile contexts

• providing coaching-informed advisory support to leaders and practitioners navigating demanding roles

A central part of my work is contributing to a stronger disability inclusion ecosystem in Africa. This includes intentionally partnering with and creating opportunities for emerging and mid-career consultants with disabilities, often working alongside them as equals and, where appropriate, supporting them to take on lead or senior roles.

How I Work

I work collaboratively, attentively, and with care. My approach combines advisory, facilitation, and coaching-informed practice, always paying attention to power, context, and lived experience.

I value spaces where people can think clearly, speak honestly, and engage across differences without rushing to a resolution. Much of this work requires patience, ethical judgement, and a willingness to sit with complexity rather than bypass it.

I also work with organisations and DEIB partners engaging disability inclusion within corporate, institutional, and workplace contexts. More on this can be found on the Corporate and DEIB Partnerships page. 

This is not transactional work. It is relational, reflective, and shaped over time.

Working Together

If you are working in disability inclusion and are looking for thoughtful, grounded support, whether in government, civil society, development programmes, or organisational leadership, I welcome conversations about how we might work together.