Digital Storytelling for Evidence-informed Advocacy
Advocacy is central to the work of organisations of people with disabilities (OPDs), but they are not always adequately equipped to collect, apply, and communicate research evidence in their work. This limits the uptake and impact of advocacy efforts to drive change and advance the rights of women with disabilities.
Together with Sentra Advokasi Perempuan, Diafbel dan Anak (SAPDA), we trained Fellows from three Indonesian OPDs to develop digital stories for evidence-informed advocacy on issues impacting women with disabilities.
This project was funded by DFAT through the Australia Awards, a prestigious international Scholarships and Fellowships. The stories presented here were produced by OPD staff and supported by the Nossal Institute, University of Melbourne.
Sentra Advokasi Perempuan, Difabel dan Anak (SAPDA: Advocacy Centre for the Disabled, Women, and Children) was established in 2005 with the goal of creating an inclusive and supportive society for women and children with disabilities in Indonesia, including ensuring basic rights and equity in education, health, and employment.
Nossal supported SAPDA Fellows to co-facilitate digital storytelling training workshops in Melbourne as part of a train-the-trainer component of the Fellowship.
After returning to Indonesia, SAPDA supported Fellows from other OPDs to produce digital stories based on interviews with women with disabilities about a key issue.
These are the videos produced.
Content warning: these videos contain personal recollections of discrimination and violence, including themes and descriptions of sexual assault and trauma. Viewer discretion is advised.
SEHATI
Paguyuban Difabel, or “SEHATI”, was founded in 1997 in Sukoharjo, Central Java. Part of SEHATI’s mission is to build towards economic empowerment for people with disabilities. SEHATI works with local community and government and non-government actors to advocate for equitable opportunities for professional skills development and inclusive employment.
Dwi’s Story
Dwi is 28 years old and works for an insurance company. She identifies as a little person with a physical disability and hearing impairment. In this video, Dwi explains her initial apprehension towards applying for jobs and how reasonable accommodations enable her to maintain employment and do the same work as her colleagues.
Watch the video in Indonesian.
Ba(wa)yang
Bawayang is a Deaf organisation based in Yogyakarta in central Java. Bawayang’s mission is to promote disability inclusion, Deaf culture, and social justice in Indonesian society through advocacy and performance art.
Unmasked
Vania is a young woman photographer who identifies as Deaf. Her story is about the impacts of experiencing sexual abuse as a child and having barriers to communicating with her parents. She explains the importance of learning sign language, embracing Deaf identity, and dealing with trauma as a young adult.
Watch the video in Indonesian.
Pemuda Inklusi Indonesia
Pemuda Inklusi (Youth Inclusion) Indonesia (PII) is an OPD based in Jember, East Java. PII works with young people with and without disabilities to promote greater inclusion and equity, focusing on disability rights and reproductive health.
My disability is not my barrier
Waqiatul is a 42-year-old mother with low vision. She is married with two children. Stigma and prejudice towards women with disabilities having children is common. Waqiatul’s story illustrates how, in a supportive environment, starting a family and raising children is possible and normal for women with disabilities.