Eric gives a voice to young people with disabilities

Eric Ngabonziza is deeply committed to advocating for the rights and interests of young people with disabilities. Whether in his home country of Rwanda or internationally, including at the Global Disability Summit in Berlin, Eric is dedicated to making a difference. As a deaf individual, he personally understands the challenges faced by people with disabilities. “The resilience of young people with disabilities is truly inspiring.”

You are committed to promoting the participation of young people with disabilities. Why?
“I was fortunate to become involved in platforms for people with disabilities at a young age. It helped me understand my rights and gave me the confidence to actively participate in society.”

“When I was growing up, I witnessed the challenges young people with disabilities in Rwanda faced in accessing basic services like education and healthcare. Communication, in particular, was a major barrier. This realization, along with the support and guidance I received from NUDOR (a partner of Liliane Fonds), inspired me to deepen my advocacy. It led me to become involved with the Regional Youth with Disabilities Council.”

How did you become an advocate for youth participation?
“In 2019, I volunteered with UWEZO, an organisation focused on youth empowerment. I also served as a sign language instructor for the National Union of Disabilities of Rwanda. Recently, I expanded my advocacy on a broader level through my role in the Regional Youth with Disabilities Council, which is part of the Make Way program.”

Have your views evolved over time?
“Absolutely. Over the years, I’ve come to realize how complex the issues young people with disabilities face can be, especially in relation to SRHR (sexual and reproductive health and rights). My perspective has shifted; I now see more clearly that advocacy must address systemic challenges, such as access to education and SRHR-related healthcare services.”

So, what does participation achieve?
“When young people with disabilities are actively involved in decision-making processes, it leads to more inclusive, accessible, and effective solutions. This is particularly important in areas like healthcare, education, and technology.”

What continues to inspire you?
“I’m inspired by the resilience and potential I see in young people with disabilities. Growing up, I saw how societal barriers limited opportunities for many individuals, especially in areas like SRHR and access to education. This motivated me to advocate for greater inclusion.”

“Throughout my work, I’ve been inspired by my mentors. And certainly, seeing the struggles of young people with disabilities firsthand fuelled my desire to get involved and work for change. Their determination and resilience in the face of adversity have driven me to contribute to making a difference.”

Looking ahead ten years, what do you hope to have achieved?
“I hope to see a world where young people with disabilities have full access to the services they need in all sectors: education, healthcare, social services, and livelihoods. My goal is to help build strong advocacy platforms for inclusion, ensuring that young people with disabilities have the support they need to lead healthy, empowered lives.”

And in the short term: what do you hope to achieve at the Global Disability Summit?
“At the Global Disability Summit, I hope to highlight the intersectionality of disability and SRHR. I want to emphasize the different strategies that can be used to advocate for the challenges young people with disabilities face in accessing SRHR services. This includes addressing gender-based violence and ensuring the availability of accessible technology worldwide.”

What motivates you to attend this event, and what will your role be?
“The opportunity to represent young people with disabilities motivates me, especially on issues that are often overlooked, like SRHR and gender-based violence. The summit provides a unique platform to raise awareness and collaborate with others to find practical solutions.”

“At the invitation of Liliane Fonds, I will attend several panels and discussions, particularly around accessibility, SRHR, and advocacy. Liliane Fonds invited me because they saw my work advocating for SRHR in Rwanda and believe my insights will contribute to discussions about young people with disabilities.”

Are you looking forward to participating?
“Yes, I’m very excited! This isn’t my first international summit, but it’s the first time I’ll be focusing specifically on disability and SRHR at such a high level. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with other advocates and stakeholders, learn about new initiatives, and contribute to the global conversation.”

Eric Ngabonziza is a 32-year-old advocate and member of the Make Way Regional Youth Council of Disabilities. He works to promote Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for youth with disabilities and collaborates with a sign language institution to enhance accessibility and inclusion.

Interested in Liliane Fonds’ role at at the Global Summit? Read this article to find out more!