Awareness Session for Persons with Disabilities on Electoral Participation in Najaf

As part of the “Women for Democracy” project activities in Najaf Governorate, and within the framework of the “With Your Voice We Shape Change” campaign, the project team organized an awareness session in cooperation with Uma Organization for Human Rights. The event was held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Barda Hotel Hall.

The session was attended by a group of men and women with disabilities. Mr. Hashem Al-Nafakh, Head of Uma Organization, delivered a lecture focused on the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in elections. He highlighted the measures taken by the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) to facilitate their participation.

The discussion also addressed the key challenges faced by this group during elections, such as the inaccessibility of some polling centers, the lack of supportive staff with disabilities at polling stations, and the absence of parliamentary candidates representing their community, which limits the ability to convey their voices and concerns effectively.