World Hearing Day 2025

 

World Hearing Day 2025

World Hearing Day is observed on March 3rd every year. It's a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care for all. The theme for 2025 is "Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All." This year's focus is on breaking the stigma around hearing loss and encouraging proactive steps toward better hearing health.

Hearing loss is a significant public health issue affecting millions worldwide. According to WHO, over 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing impairment, and this number is expected to rise. The campaign emphasizes the importance of early detection, regular hearing check-ups, and the use of hearing aids and assistive devices without stigma.

Some key steps to safeguard hearing include:

• Lowering the volume and following the 60/60 rule (listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes).
• Wearing ear protection in loud environments.
• Avoid inserting objects into the ear.
• Treating ear infections promptly.
• Getting regular hearing screenings.
• Empowering individuals on hearing care
• Campaign to raise awareness on hearing care
• Networking on hear care

Changing mindsets about hearing loss involves shifting societal attitudes and beliefs. By normalizing hearing aids and assistive devices, educating the public, and promoting advocacy, we can make people feel more comfortable seeking help. Open discussions about hearing loss within families, communities, and workplaces create supportive environments, while campaigns like World Hearing Day highlight the importance of hearing health.

Prioritizing hearing health means encouraging regular screenings, early detection, and intervention using hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices. Inclusive communication practices and supporting research can also foster a more inclusive society where everyone can participate fully, regardless of their hearing ability. This not only improves the lives of individuals with hearing loss but also fosters a culture of empathy, understanding, and support.

HANDS Foundation is already a member of the World Hearing Day campaign. If you're interested in more details or want to participate in World Hearing Day events, you can find more information by clicking on the link to the Word Hearing Website.

International Zero Discrimination Day

 

International Zero Discrimination Day

Observed annually on March 1st, the United Nations' Zero Discrimination Day serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of the fundamental human right to live a life free from prejudice, stigma, and marginalization. This day underscores the urgent and ongoing need to combat all forms of discrimination, whether based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other status. As we approach Zero Discrimination Day 2025, the call for a more equitable and inclusive world resonates even more strongly. It's crucial to delve deeper into the multifaceted challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked experiences of South Asians with disabilities. Their experiences represent a complex intersection of discrimination, demanding focused attention and concerted action.

The Multifaceted Context of Disability

Disability is not a monolithic concept. It encompasses a wide spectrum of physical, sensory, intellectual, cognitive, and mental impairments, some visible and others invisible. It is an integral and natural part of the human experience, affecting individuals across all demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds because of barriers. Despite its prevalence, persons with disabilities often encounter significant, systemic barriers that impede their full participation and inclusion in society. These barriers are not simply physical; they are often deeply rooted in societal attitudes, cultural norms, and systemic inequalities. They can manifest as inaccessible infrastructure, discriminatory practices, various heartening terminologies, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and pervasive social stigma.

South Asians with Disabilities

South Asians with disabilities often face a double, sometimes even triple, burden of discrimination. They are marginalized not only as members of the disability community but also as individuals belonging to an ethnic minority group or sexual identity. Within their own communities, they may encounter cultural stigma, misconceptions surrounding the causes of disability, and even outright rejection. Disability may be viewed through a lens of shame, superstition, or as a punishment for past transgressions, leading to isolation and a lack of support for both the individual and their family. Furthermore, they often experience discrimination in the broader society due to their ethnicity, language, religious beliefs, or cultural practices. This intersectional discrimination, where multiple forms of prejudice converge, creates a complex web of disadvantage, leading to profound social exclusion, economic hardship, limited access to essential services, and diminished opportunities for personal growth and development.

The challenges faced by South Asians with disabilities are often exacerbated by poverty, lack of access to assistive technologies, limited availability of rehabilitation services, and inadequate representation in decision-making processes. These factors contribute to a cycle of marginalization, making it difficult for individuals to overcome the barriers they face and realize their full potential. The lack of disaggregated data on disability within South Asian communities further complicates the issue, making it difficult to accurately assess the prevalence of disability and develop targeted interventions.

Unraveling the Roots of Disability Discrimination

Disability discrimination is a complex phenomenon with roots in a variety of interconnected factors, including:

• Lack of Awareness and Understanding: A fundamental cause of discrimination is the widespread lack of accurate information and understanding about disability. Misconceptions, stereotypes, and fear often fuel prejudice and negative attitudes. Many people are simply unaware of the diverse range of disabilities and the challenges faced by individuals living with them.
• Cultural Stigma and Misconceptions: In some cultures, disability is shrouded in stigma and viewed through a lens of shame or misfortune. This can lead to discrimination and exclusion of individuals with disabilities, preventing them from accessing support and resources.
• Fear and Discomfort: Some individuals may feel uncomfortable or even fearful around people with disabilities due to a lack of familiarity or understanding. This discomfort can lead to avoidance, exclusion, and discriminatory behavior.
• Systemic Barriers: Beyond individual attitudes, systemic, policy and institutional barriers play a significant role in perpetuating disability discrimination. These barriers can include inaccessible infrastructure, discriminatory hiring practices, limited access to education and healthcare, and a lack of representation in decision-making bodies.
• Socioeconomic Condition: Poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, limiting their access to resources, opportunities, and support.

Solutions for Disability Discrimination

Combating disability discrimination requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, involving individuals, communities, governments, and organizations working together. Key strategies include:

• Raising Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns and educational programs are essential for challenging stereotypes, dispelling misconceptions, and promoting a more inclusive understanding of disability. These initiatives should target schools, workplaces, communities, and the media.
• Universal Design: Ensuring that physical and digital environments are accessible to persons with disabilities is crucial for their full participation in society. This includes accessible buildings, transportation, websites, and assistive technologies. The principles of universal design, which aim to create environments that are usable by everyone to the greatest extent possible, should be incorporated into all aspects of design and planning.
• Implementation of Legal Framework: Robust legal frameworks that protect the rights of persons with disabilities are essential for ensuring equality and justice. These laws should prohibit discrimination in all areas of life, including employment, education, healthcare, and housing. Effective enforcement mechanisms are crucial for ensuring that these laws are implemented and that individuals with disabilities have access to redressal mechanisms.
• Empowerment: Supporting persons with disabilities to advocate for their rights, participate fully in their communities, and contribute their talents and skills is vital for promoting inclusion. This includes providing access to education, training, employment opportunities, and leadership development programs.
• Inclusive Education: Inclusive education, where students with and without disabilities learn together in the same classrooms, is essential for fostering understanding, breaking down stereotypes, and creating more inclusive classrooms.
• Support Services: Access to quality rehabilitation services, assistive technologies, and support services is crucial for enabling individuals with disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives.
• Disability Data: Collecting disaggregated data on disability within South Asian communities is essential for understanding the specific challenges faced by this population and developing targeted interventions. Further research is needed to explore the cultural and social factors that contribute to disability discrimination in these communities.
• Partnerships: Addressing disability discrimination requires collaboration and partnerships between governments, NGOs, community organizations, and individuals with disabilities. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

On Zero Discrimination Day 2025, let us not only reaffirm our commitment to building a world free from discrimination but also amplify the voices of South Asians with disabilities. Let us move beyond mere tolerance and embrace a culture of inclusion, where everyone, regardless of their abilities or background, can live a life of dignity, respect, and opportunity. By working together to dismantle barriers, challenge prejudices, and promote inclusion, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. This requires a sustained effort, a commitment to listening to and learning from the experiences of marginalized communities, and a willingness to challenge our own biases and assumptions. Only then can we truly achieve a world where zero discrimination is a reality, not just an aspiration.

Grants Opportunities for DPOs in Pakistan

 

Disability Grants for DPOs in Pakistan

Securing funding is a constant challenge for Disabled Persons' Organizations (DPOs) in Pakistan, especially given the country's complex socio-economic landscape. While government support exists, DPOs often need to explore diverse funding avenues, including local resources, INGOs, UN agencies, and international donors. This guide focuses on how grassroots DPOs can effectively approach grant acquisition and fundraising, moving beyond a simple charity-based model.

Funding Sources

Local philanthropy offers significant potential for DPOs in Pakistan.  To tap into this resource, DPOs should proactively identify and cultivate relationships with local philanthropists, businesses, and community groups that share an interest in disability rights.  A strategic approach involves showcasing the DPO's impact through compelling narratives and data, demonstrating how their work aligns with the philanthropic goals of potential donors.

DPOs in Pakistan can explore Zakat and Waqf as potential funding sources.  Collaboration with local religious leaders and communities can be particularly helpful in understanding the distribution mechanisms and eligibility criteria for these funds.  Raising awareness within the community about the DPO's work and how it benefits persons with disabilities can also increase the likelihood of receiving support from Zakat and Waqf resources. In this regard DPOs may approach HANDS Foundation for technical support.

Although navigating the bureaucratic processes can be complex, government grants represent a potential funding source for DPOs in Pakistan like Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) is doing in Sindh.  DPOs should prioritize engaging with provincial social welfare departments and thoroughly research available programs that support disability inclusion. Cultivating relationships with key officials can be beneficial in navigating the application process.

INGOs represent a diverse range of funding opportunities for DPOs in Pakistan.  Organizations like the CBM, SightSavers, and others working on disability-related issues offer various grant programs and partnerships.  DPOs should conduct thorough research to identify INGOs whose funding priorities align with their specific needs and project goals.

The UNCT's growing emphasis on inclusion in Pakistan creates a favorable environment for DPOs to collaborate with UN agencies in pakistan. These agencies often have disability rights projects and may offer funding or partnership opportunities.  Building relationships with UN staff and participating in UN-organized events focused on inclusion can open doors to collaboration.

International foundations and donor agencies offer valuable funding opportunities for DPOs in Pakistan, often through calls for project proposals.  DPOs should proactively research organizations like the Disability Rights Fund, the Open Society Foundations, and other European and North American foundations that focus on disability rights or inclusive development.  Careful review of their guidelines and targeted proposal development are crucial for success.

 Connecting with the Overseas Pakistanis can be a powerful way for DPOs to access funding.  Many overseas Pakistanis feel a strong connection to their homeland and may be particularly interested in supporting causes that benefit their fellow citizens, especially those with disabilities.  DPOs should actively engage with diaspora organizations and individuals, highlighting the shared identity and purpose of empowering persons with disabilities in Pakistan.

Building Capacity for Grant Acquisition

DPOs should prioritize proposal writing training to enhance their fundraising efforts.  Seeking out workshops offered by experienced grant writers or organizations specializing in capacity building can be particularly helpful.  Focus on developing a proposal template and practicing writing different sections to build confidence and competence.

While local funding opportunities may not always require English proficiency, strong English language skills are essential for accessing international grants.  Investing in English language training for key staff members involved in fundraising and proposal writing provides a significant strategic advantage in the competitive international funding landscape. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help DPOs to overcome on their English language skills.

Networking is crucial for DPOs, but it's not enough to simply collect business cards.  Following up after conferences, workshops, and events is essential for nurturing relationships and turning connections into potential funding opportunities.  DPOs should send personalized emails, share relevant information, and schedule follow-up meetings to continue the conversation.

While internal financial management training is crucial, DPOs should also strive to have independent audits conducted regularly.  This provides an additional layer of accountability and demonstrates a commitment to transparency to donors.  Smaller DPOs can explore partnerships with local accounting firms to make audits more affordable.

Securing funding is only the first step; effective project management is crucial for successful grant implementation.  Recognizing that many DPOs, particularly smaller organizations, may lack formal project management training, targeted support is essential.  Training should focus on practical skills in project planning, monitoring, and evaluation, tailored to the specific needs and capacity of the DPO.  Mentorship programs pairing DPOs with experienced project managers can be particularly valuable. HANDS could be a best platform to provide such technical support including trainings.

Moving Beyond Charity

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Pakistan's local legal framework provide a strong foundation for promoting a rights-based approach to disability.  DPOs should frame their proposals and fundraising efforts around this framework, emphasizing the inclusion, empowerment, and dignity of persons with disabilities.  Avoid portraying persons with disabilities as objects of pity or charity, instead focusing on their rights and potential.

Demonstrating impact is crucial for attracting funding, but effectively communicating this impact can be challenging for many DPOs.  While data and testimonials are important, crafting compelling stories that resonate with donors can be difficult.  Training and mentorship in storytelling, impact reporting, and basic photography/videography can be invaluable for DPOs.

A fundraising strategy is not a static document; it should be regularly reviewed and adapted as needed.  The funding landscape is constantly changing, and DPOs must be flexible and responsive to new opportunities and challenges.  Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of fundraising activities and making adjustments to the strategy is essential.

Diversifying funding sources is essential for DPO sustainability.  By cultivating relationships with multiple donors, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies, DPOs can create a more stable and predictable funding stream.  This diversification allows the organization to focus on its mission without being overly dependent on any single source.

Tangible Suggestions for Grassroots DPOs

Starting local is a smart strategy for DPOs. Building relationships with local philanthropists and businesses provides a solid foundation for fundraising efforts. Small grants or seed money can be invaluable in these early stages, allowing the organization to demonstrate its impact and build a credible track record.

Peer learning is ideal but challenging in Pakistan.  Explore alternative learning avenues like conferences, online forums, and mentorship programs. Given the challenges of peer learning in Pakistan, focusing on mentorship and capacity building may be more effective.  Connecting DPOs with experienced fundraisers, grant writers, and project managers can provide valuable guidance and support.  Investing in training programs offered by established NGOs or development organizations can also build DPO capacity. Even intermediary organizations,  like HANDS Foundation, Doaba Foundation or other national NGOs or INGOs like CBM, SightSavers, HI or other development support organizations, can play a key role in facilitating peer learning among DPOs.  These organizations can act as conveners, bringing DPOs together for workshops, training sessions, and networking events. The networks like CBID Network Pakistan, ADDTF, NFWWDs, PILC Network can be used a support platforms for this purpose.

Mentorship is not just about short-term fixes; it's about long-term development.  DPOs should seek mentors who are committed to supporting their growth over time, providing ongoing guidance and encouragement.  Organizations like HANDS Foundation are facilitating these long-term mentoring relationships in Pakistan.

Online resources play a crucial role in DPO capacity building.  Platforms like GrantStation and FundsforNGOs offer valuable training materials and resources on proposal writing, fundraising strategy, and financial management.  DPOs should leverage these resources, along with others listed below, to strengthen their organizational capacity.

Foundation Center (Candid)

Instrumentl

GrantWatch

ProFellow

Devex

UNDB Online (United Nations Development Business)

ReliefWeb

Those DPOs are interested in training or capacity building can use 

TechSoup: Offers discounted software and resources for nonprofits, including training materials.

NonprofitReady: Provides free and low-cost online courses on various nonprofit management topics.

Idealist: Offers resources for nonprofits, including job postings and training materials.

In Pakistan DPOs can explore these online resources

BrightSpyre and Rozee.pk, Indeed Pakistan, LinkedIn, Mustakbil.pk,  or WorkNomad.pk

last but not least you can visit All Sanghar Handicaps' Association (ASHA) or subscribe Virtual Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (VRCD) on web, WhatsApp and Facebook for updating you with such useful information in future.

Beyond using existing platforms, DPOs should prioritize developing their own online presence.  A professional website and active social media profiles are essential for showcasing their work, communicating their impact, and attracting potential donors.  The website should include information about the DPO's mission, programs, achievements, and contact details.  Regularly updating the website and social media channels with news, stories, and calls to action is crucial for engaging audiences and building support. 

Navigating the funding landscape in Pakistan requires persistence, strategic thinking, and capacity building. New funding opportunities are posted regularly, so it's important to check online resources frequently. By embracing a rights-based approach, demonstrating impact, and building strong relationships, grassroots DPOs can secure the resources they need to empower persons with disabilities and promote inclusion. Finding funding can take time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't get funded right away. Keep searching and applying for grants that are a good fit for your organization.