Strengthening systems and building trust for lasting change in the Western Balkans
The partners of the Empowered WB project have joined forces to strengthen systems and mechanisms that promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs), improve their economic empowerment, and expand their access to essential services within their communities. By working collaboratively through joint regional initiatives, the project partners are committed to reinforcing social services, enhancing inclusive education, and improving employment opportunities for PwDs. These efforts aim to remove barriers and create fairer, more accessible environments that enable persons with disabilities to participate fully and equally in society. In practical terms, this includes the development of new tools for inclusive policymaking, training for local authorities and service providers, and the promotion of models that successfully connect persons with disabilities with the labor market. Attention will also be given to bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that inclusion reaches even the most underserved communities. 🎯 In the upcoming period, the partners will also focus on deepening mutual trust and cooperation, not only between institutions and organizations but also with the disability community itself. This trust-building is essential for the long-term sustainability of project outcomes and for developing policies that are truly reflective of the needs and rights of PwDs. The Empowered project stands as a regional platform for capacity building and policy improvement, supporting stakeholders at local, national, and regional levels to work together toward common goals. ⏩️⏩️ Through integrated actions, cross-sector collaboration, and shared learning, Empowered promotes inclusive development as a core value, not a side goal. Every activity is guided by the principle that no one should be left behind. 🌍 As the project continues to grow and reach new communities, it offers a unique opportunity to transform how inclusion is understood and practiced throughout the Western Balkans. Together, we are not only building stronger systems — we are building a more inclusive future for all.
From commitment to action: bridging the gap between legislation and implementation for persons with disabilities in the Western Balkans
All countries of the Western Balkans have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), committing to uphold the principles of dignity, equality, non-discrimination, accessibility, and full participation of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in society. 📜 Over the past decade, these countries have taken important steps to align national legislation with international standards. Laws have been adopted or amended to guarantee rights to education, employment, healthcare, and independent living for PwDs. Serbia, for example, adopted the law on the prevention of discrimination against persons with disabilities as early as 2006, and North Macedonia integrated disability rights in its anti-discrimination legislation in 2020. Similar progress has been made in Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. ❗However, despite these formal commitments, implementation remains uneven and often symbolic, with real-life improvements for PwDs still limited in scope and depth. According to the European Commission’s 2023 progress reports, challenges include: A 2022 regional assessment by the European Disability Forum (EDF) revealed that more than 70% of PwDs in the Western Balkans remain unemployed, with significant barriers to access in both public and private sectors. In addition, less than 50% of public buildings across the region are fully accessible, while inclusive education remains more of an exception than a rule. 🔍 These persistent gaps between policy and practice underscore the urgent need for systemic reform, institutional capacity building, and inclusive implementation strategies. Through the Empowered WB project, we aim to support this transition from legislative alignment to practical, inclusive implementation. Our goal is to:▶️ promote policy harmonization across the region, focusing on good practices that are adaptable and sustainable▶️ strengthen the capacities of local authorities, civil society organizations, and service providers to implement inclusive measures▶️ facilitate regional cooperation and peer learning, enabling stakeholders to overcome common challenges▶️ focus on employment and economic inclusion as key entry points for full participation of PwDs▶️ ensure that PwDs and their representative organizations are at the center of the process — from planning to evaluation 📌 By building stronger mechanisms for accountability, resource allocation, and community-based support, Empowered will help translate legal commitments into concrete improvements in the daily lives of over 20,000 persons with disabilities in the region. True inclusion cannot be achieved through legislation alone — it requires political will, operational coordination, and meaningful engagement at every level of society.
Building bridges for inclusion: New PPC Guide and local plans on the way through the Empowered project
In the coming months, the Empowered project will take a major step forward by developing a comprehensive Public-Private-Civil (PPC) Partnership Guide—a strategic and practical tool designed to foster effective collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society actors. ✏️ This guide will serve as a key resource for stakeholders at the local level, including the 6️⃣ partner organizations involved in the project across the Western Balkans. It will offer actionable strategies, real-world examples, and adaptable frameworks that support inclusion efforts for persons with disabilities (PwDs). 📍 As part of the development process, bilateral workshops will be organized to facilitate knowledge exchange, share best practices, and address day-to-day challenges faced by local actors. These workshops will help strengthen the ability of partners to coordinate efforts, develop trust, and build systems that truly work for everyone. 💡 Alongside the guide, each participating municipality will also design and implement Local Inclusion Plans and Projects, tailored to their community’s specific needs. These plans will provide sustainable, community-based solutions that improve access, services, and opportunities for more than 20,000 persons with disabilities across the region. 🎯 The combined impact of the PPC Guide, workshops, and local action plans will be far-reaching. Not only will they help build long-term local capacity for inclusion, but they will also contribute to broader, region-wide progress in the area of disability rights, equal participation, and social innovation. ✅ Empowered is about turning dialogue into action—and action into impact. By empowering municipalities, civil society, and private sector actors to work together in new ways, we are setting the stage for lasting, inclusive change.
Strengthening local partnerships: Empowered project expands to the Municipality of Travnik
✍️ As part of the ongoing efforts within the Empowered WB project, we are proud to continue our collaboration in the municipality of Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This step highlights our commitment to fostering inclusive communities through strong and lasting partnerships at the local level. 🤝 On Wednesday, November 13, representatives of LIR CD and ASB South East Europe met with the mayor of Travnik, Mr. Kenan Dautović, to formalize the partnership by signing a partnership agreement for the joint implementation of the project. The meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss future activities and agree on key priorities in the local context. 📌🎯 The meeting was highly constructive and forward-looking, emphasizing a mutual vision of inclusion, cooperation, and social responsibility. Mayor Dautović expressed his full support for the project and highlighted the municipality’s openness to working across all sectors to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. ➡️➡️ Specific activities were outlined, focusing on improving accessibility, enhancing local services, and ensuring that persons with disabilities in Travnik are not only supported but also empowered to participate fully in community life. These activities will be designed and implemented through collaboration between the municipal government, civil society, and representatives of persons with disabilities themselves. This partnership demonstrates the importance of local leadership and ownership in achieving lasting and meaningful inclusion. By taking concrete actions and working hand in hand with communities, Empowered aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice. 🌍 The work in Travnik will serve as a model for other local governments across the Western Balkans, showcasing how inclusive development begins at the local level. We are excited to move forward with this partnership and look forward to sharing the journey and successes ahead.
First steps toward inclusion: Empowered project kicks off in Bosnia and Herzegovina
📍 The first activities within the Empowered WB project have officially started, marking an important step forward in promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities at the local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina. ▶️ As part of this regional initiative, collaboration has been established with three municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the municipality of Foča, which is now actively joining the Empowered network. This cooperation is a key element in ensuring that inclusion policies are implemented where they matter most – in the local communities. ✅ On Wednesday, November 6th, representatives of LIR CD and ASB South East Europe met with the mayor of Foča, Mr. Milan Vukadinović, to formally sign a Partnership Agreement. This agreement confirms the shared commitment to jointly implement the Empowered project and to cooperate closely on activities that will enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities. 🤝 The meeting was held in a positive and constructive atmosphere, with open dialogue and a strong sense of mutual trust. Smiles from all participants reflected the enthusiasm and readiness to build a meaningful and productive partnership. This collaboration represents a concrete step toward local ownership, community development, and the creation of more inclusive services and spaces. By working together from the very beginning, we are laying the foundation for sustainable change that responds to the real needs of persons with disabilities. 📌 In the coming months, Foča and the other municipalities will participate in workshops, consultations, and awareness-raising campaigns, all tailored to strengthen institutional capacity and community support. We are excited to move forward and are confident that this is just the beginning of a successful journey.🌍 Together, we will create a more inclusive Western Balkans—starting from the local level, with strong partnerships and shared goals.
Breaking barriers: Tackling root causes of exclusion for persons with disabilities in the Western Balkans
The inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs) across the Western Balkans continues to face a number of deeply rooted and systemic challenges, which affect every aspect of daily life and access to equal opportunities. These obstacles include:🔸 societal stigma and discrimination🔹 limited awareness and weak advocacy structures🔸 a lack of inclusive local strategies and implementation plans🔹 gaps between legislation and actual policy implementation🔸 insufficient funding and resources, especially at the local level🔹 lack of physical and digital accessibility🔸 inadequate educational and vocational training options🔹 persistent employment challenges and exclusion from the labor market ➡️ Within the framework of the Empowered project, these critical barriers will be directly addressed through targeted activities, strategic partnerships, and inclusive dialogue. Our aim is to build a society where no one is left behind, where inclusion is not just a policy goal but a lived reality for all. The project will promote the creation of inclusive local action plans, ensure active involvement of people with disabilities in decision-making, and support civil society in holding institutions accountable. Efforts will also be made to bridge the policy-to-practice gap, with a strong focus on improving access to public services, information, education, and employment for PwDs. Training sessions, awareness campaigns, and consultations will be tailored to involve local governments, institutions, employers, and communities. We believe that lasting change can only happen through long-term commitment, multi-sector collaboration, and direct engagement with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations. 📌 Empowered will implement comprehensive and sustainable measures that aim to transform not only policies, but mindsets—creating communities where persons with disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and equal opportunities. By strengthening community capacities and amplifying the voices of PwDs, this project will help turn challenges into actions and obstacles into opportunities for inclusive development.
Empowered – Strengthening regional cooperation for the inclusion of persons with disabilities
The 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 project will be implemented in six countries of the Western Balkans with the primary goal of promoting the social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs) through regional cooperation, structured dialogue, and long-term development. ➡️ The project aims to empower PwDs and their representative organizations by creating opportunities for open regional dialogue, strengthening their advocacy efforts, and building a culture of cooperation and mutual learning. By exchanging best practices and jointly developing community-based support systems, the project will pave the way for more inclusive and resilient societies across the region. Empowered will particularly focus on the specific needs of blind and deaf persons, often among the most marginalized within the disability community, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are respected in every step of the process. Through a series of national and regional workshops, conferences, and public campaigns, the project will raise awareness, promote institutional support, and build bridges between people, governments, and civil society. The project also strives to strengthen cross-border networks and create regional models that can be replicated in other parts of Europe. These models will include accessible employment services, inclusive education approaches, and innovative tools to help PwDs access information and opportunities. The initiative is committed to developing sustainable support systems that extend beyond the life of the project. Inclusion is not a one-time effort—it is a continuous process that requires policy changes, accessible environments, and societal awareness. By working together across borders, we can ensure that no one is left behind. 🤝 Partners involved in the project include: 🔹 LIR Civil Society (LIR CD)🔹 PREDA Plus Foundation🔹 Alfa Centar Nikšić🔹 Community Development Institute (CDI), North Macedonia🔹 Initiative for Development and Cooperation (IDC), Serbia🔹 Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF) Together, we believe that regional solidarity, knowledge exchange, and shared responsibility are key to building a future where every person with a disability is recognized, supported, and fully included in all aspects of life.
We are starting!
We’re excited to launch the new 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 project, focused on strengthening the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs) across the Western Balkans. Led by the German organization Arbeiter Samariter Bund Deutschland e.V. and funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the project will span 44 months, from September 1, 2024, to April 30, 2028. Partners: LIR Civil Society (LIR CD) LIR CD PREDA Plus PREDA Plus Foundation Alfa Center Alfa Centar Niksic Community Development Institute (CDI) CDI Macedonia – ИРЗ Македонија Initiative for development and cooperation (IDC) IDC Serbia Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF) Albanian Disability Rights Foundation The main goal of the project is to promote the inclusion of PwDs through regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans. Specifically, the project aims to empower PwDs and their organizations through regional dialogue and advocacy, sharing best practices, and jointly developing community support systems. In the target communities, representatives from various sectors will enhance their ability to coordinate and implement joint initiatives that promote social investments in education and employment for over 20,000 PwDs. During implementation, recommendations on effective partnerships between the public, private, and civil sectors will be developed. During the project, PwDs and their organizations will use forums for regional dialogue and networking to define needs at the local, national, and regional levels. By sharing best practices related to partnerships between the public, private, and civil sectors, the project will lay the foundation for restructuring social investment funds to better support PwD inclusion.