The EMPOWERED project, dedicated to advancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities and fostering regional cooperation across the Western Balkans, recently convened its second working group meeting in Novi Pazar. Organized by IDC, the meeting brought together diverse stakeholders to collaborate on enhancing social protection services and strengthening community support.
Participants engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a range of critical themes. These included upcoming project activities such as focus groups, interviews, trainings, and career guidance and counseling sessions, providing a platform for valuable exchange of experiences and practical insights. A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to local strategic documents, the financing mechanisms for social protection services, and crucially, the position and needs of service beneficiaries. This approach allowed for a deeper understanding of the current situation and challenges inherent within the local social protection system.
Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation between institutions, civil society organizations, and the broader community. The goal was to develop specific, actionable proposals aimed at improving the delivery of services and ensuring better access to rights for persons with disabilities. Through these open discussions, participants identified key areas for intervention and formulated concrete suggestions to address existing gaps.
This meeting underscored the project’s commitment to a participatory approach, recognizing that sustainable change can only be achieved through the joint efforts of all stakeholders. The EMPOWERED project, through such local engagements, aims to empower communities to build more inclusive environments where persons with disabilities can thrive and fully participate.
The EMPOWERED team extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their constructive suggestions, open dialogue, and collective efforts toward building more inclusive local communities.