NUDOR submits shadow report to CEDAW Committee: Advocating for Women and Girls with Disabilities in Rwanda
12 February 2025
In 2024, NUDOR submitted an important shadow report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), highlighting the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities in Rwanda. These women face multiple layers of discrimination, due to intersecting factors such as gender, age, and disability.
CEDAW is an international treaty that monitors the elimination of gender-based discrimination. Countries that sign the treaty are required to report on their progress annually. However, shadow reports from local organizations like National Union of Disability Organisations in Rwanda (NUDOR) provide important additional context, offering a clearer picture of the situation on the ground.
Ariane Dusenge, Country Coordinator for the Make Way program in Rwanda, plays a key role at NUDOR. In an interview with Liliane Fonds, Ariane discussed her work, the CEDAW process, and her commitment to advocating for marginalized communities, especially youth and women facing additional vulnerabilities.
Watch the full interview here:
The shadow report submitted by NUDOR provides critical insights into areas like political participation, education, employment, and sexual and reproductive health. It highlights both the legal challenges and practical barriers women and girls with disabilities face. This report helps the CEDAW Committee understand the real challenges on the ground and informs recommendations for improving the rights and opportunities of these women.
NUDOR’s work is focused on amplifying the voices of women and girls with disabilities both nationally and internationally. The organization aims to ensure their inclusion in broader discussions on women’s and disability rights, ensuring that their needs are heard and acted upon.
For more information about NUDOR, please visit www.nudor.org.
