Second working group meeting in Dimitrovgrad fosters collaborative social protection
The EMPOWERED project continues its dedicated efforts to enhance social inclusion across the Western Balkans. Recently, a pivotal event took place in Dimitrovgrad, hosting the second Empowered Working Group meeting, meticulously facilitated by IDC – Initiative for Development and Cooperation. This gathering convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the local self-government, the Center for Social Work, various local associations, and other key community figures. The primary objective of this productive session was to engage participants in a comprehensive discussion on the intricacies of how institutions, organizations, and beneficiaries navigate the existing social protection system. Attendees shared valuable experiences, openly identified persistent challenges, and collaboratively proposed innovative strategies to enhance cooperation and streamline access to essential social services. The dialogue focused on fostering a more responsive and efficient system that genuinely serves the needs of all community members, particularly persons with disabilities. Through this open and constructive dialogue, participants exchanged valuable perspectives and insights. These contributions are instrumental in refining local policies and practices, ultimately strengthening the framework for social inclusion and bolstering community support within Dimitrovgrad. The EMPOWERED project firmly believes that such collaborative forums are vital for building consensus and developing sustainable solutions that reflect the unique needs of each community. The successful organization and outcome of this working group meeting underscore the commitment of all involved parties to collectively advance the project’s goals. The EMPOWERED team, alongside IDC Serbia and its partners, remains dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual has equal access to opportunities and support.
Empowered working group meeting – Dimitrovgrad with IDC Serbia
The second Empowered Working Group meeting was held in Dimitrovgrad, bringing together representatives of the local self-government, Center for Social Work, associations, and other key stakeholders. 🤝 Together, participants discussed how institutions, organizations, and beneficiaries navigate the social protection system — sharing experiences, identifying challenges, and proposing practical ways to improve cooperation and access to services. Through open and constructive dialogue, participants exchanged valuable perspectives that will contribute to strengthening inclusion, community support, and the overall effectiveness of social protection mechanisms.
IDC – Second working group meeting in Novi Pazar advances inclusion efforts
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.
Strengthening Inclusion Through Dialogue in Novi Pazar
The second Empowered Working Group meeting was held in Novi Pazar, gathering representatives of the local self-government, Center for Social Work, associations, and other relevant institutions and stakeholders. During the meeting, participants discussed upcoming activities — focus groups, interviews, trainings, and career guidance and counseling — and shared their experiences and insights from the field. By exchanging perspectives between institutions, organizations, and beneficiaries, we gained a deeper understanding of the current situation and challenges within the local social protection system. Special emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation between institutions, civil society organizations, and the community, as well as on developing concrete proposals to improve services and access to rights for persons with disabilities. We extend our gratitude to all participants for their constructive suggestions, open dialogue, and joint efforts toward building more inclusive local communities. 💬 #EmpoweredWB #Inclusion #SocialProtection #NoviPazar #ASBSEE #IDC #WesternBalkans Partners:City of Novi Pazar • ASB South East Europe • LIR CD • Alfa Centar Nikšić • Albanian Disability Rights Foundation • PREDA Plus Foundation • CDI Macedonia • Forum mladih sa invaliditetom Srbije • Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Foča: Community voices for an inclusive futur
Within the #Empowered project, three focus groups were organized in Foča by LIR CD, gathering professionals working with persons with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and persons with disabilities themselves. The aim of these discussions was to better understand everyday challenges, needs, and priorities related to inclusion and access to rights and services. Through open and honest conversations, participants shared their personal experiences — from difficulties in accessing health and social protection services to the lack of adapted infrastructure and limited employment opportunities. Parents highlighted the need for better institutional cooperation, early intervention, and more inclusive educational environments for their children, while professionals emphasized the importance of continuous training and intersectoral collaboration. ➡️ These exchanges created space for mutual understanding and collective reflection on how local policies can be improved to make inclusion not just a concept, but a lived reality in Foča. Participants also expressed their belief that the upcoming Local Inclusion Plan, developed within the Empowered project, will serve as a concrete step toward strengthening local mechanisms of support and ensuring that no one is left behind. The discussions were deeply emotional and inspiring — many shared their hopes that their voices will be heard, that the process will lead to visible and sustainable change, and that Foča will continue to build a community based on solidarity, equality, and mutual respect.
IDC working group meeting in Leskovac – joint steps toward stronger local support systems
The EMPOWERED project continued its impactful work recently with a crucial Working Group meeting held in Leskovac. IDC, partner for Serbia in the #EMPOWERED project, organized this second gathering, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders. Valuable perspectives were shared by representatives from local institutions, civil society organizations, and, critically, beneficiaries of social protection services. Through an open and constructive dialogue, participants engaged in detailed discussions on several important topics, aiming to strengthen local support systems: Thanks to the constructive suggestions and shared experiences, all involved parties agreed on tangible steps to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and advance more inclusive local policies. This collaborative approach underscores the EMPOWERED project’s commitment to empowering local communities to build sustainable and equitable social systems. The EMPOWERED team extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their constructive dialogue and active engagement. Together, we are building an environment where every voice matters and social protection systems become more accessible and fair for all.
Fostering Inclusion: First EMPOWERED Working Group Meeting Held in Leskovac
Driving forward the EMPOWERED project’s mission, Leskovac recently hosted its first Working Group meeting for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Spearheaded by IDC, this gathering formally initiated a dedicated process aimed at creating truly inclusive local policies within the municipality. This inaugural meeting served as a crucial platform for members, representing various local institutions, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders, to familiarize themselves with the overarching goals and planned activities of the EMPOWERED project. Discussions focused on laying the groundwork for developing a robust Local Inclusion Plan, specifically addressing the needs and rights of persons with disabilities within Leskovac. Participants collectively outlined the immediate next steps required to build a stronger and more inclusive community. The EMPOWERED project, through its collaborative approach, underscores the belief that sustainable change is achieved by bringing together diverse local stakeholders. This meeting initiated a vital participatory process, ensuring that the development of inclusive local policies is informed by a wide range of perspectives and experiences. The EMPOWERED team extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and commitment during this foundational meeting. Their dedication is essential in guiding Leskovac towards a future where every individual can thrive and fully participate in society.
International day of independent living for persons with disabilities
International Day of Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities – United for Dignified and Autonomous Life in the Community Today, May 5th, we mark the International Day of Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities – a day dedicated to the ongoing fight for the right of every individual to live with dignity, independence, and equality, regardless of physical, sensory, or intellectual barriers. For the EMPOWERED project, this day is a strong reminder of a core value we advocate for every day across the Western Balkans: independent living is not a privilege – it is a fundamental human right. Despite gradual progress, persons with disabilities in our region still face significant challenges in realizing this right. According to a regional report by AGE Platform Europe and SeConS, less than 1.5%* of persons with disabilities in Western Balkan countries have access to formal services that enable independent living – such as personal assistance, home-based support, or accessible housing. These services are often limited to temporary or donor-funded projects, inconsistently financed, and largely unavailable in smaller towns and rural areas. The EMPOWERED project addresses these gaps through: ✅ Regional cooperation among organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), decision-makers, and local authorities;✅ Political dialogue aimed at improving legislation and public policies that safeguard the right to independent living;✅ Development of Local Action Plans for Inclusion in six Western Balkan countries, created with the direct participation of persons with disabilities;✅ Establishment and strengthening of community-based support services, enabling persons with disabilities to live independently, with choice and control over their own lives. These efforts all aim toward one goal: to ensure sustainable, systemic support for persons with disabilities in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the principles of non-discrimination, equality, and full participation. Independent living means having the right to choose where, with whom, and how to live.On this day – and every other day – we affirm that inclusion is not optional. It is a duty. *Source: Long-Term Care of Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities in the Western Balkans – AGE Platform Europe & SeConS, 2023.
Empowered WB – building stronger communities
At the heart of the Empowered WB initiative are the Local Inclusion Plans – key strategic documents developed to foster sustainable and meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities across the Western Balkans. 📊 These strategies have been carefully crafted through close collaboration with municipalities, local organizations, and groups representing persons with disabilities (PwDs). They are designed to serve as practical blueprints for improving access to education, employment opportunities, and social support systems at the local level. A central focus of the Empowered WB approach is to ensure that persons with disabilities are directly involved in the decision-making processes. By prioritizing their voices and experiences, the initiative ensures that the services and policies created truly reflect the real needs of the community and drive meaningful, lasting change. An important institutional achievement within this comprehensive framework is the partnership with the Employment Agency of Kosovo*. A cooperation agreement was recently signed between the Agency and the PREDA Plus Foundation, reinforcing the commitment to inclusive employment strategies and greater institutional support for persons with disabilities. Through these joint efforts, Empowered WB is building strong, community-driven foundations for inclusive societies—where accessibility, dignity, and opportunity are at the center of everyday life.
The core values that drive the Empowered WB project
What drives us at Empowered WB?Our project is built on a foundation of strong values that guide every action we take. These principles shape our vision for a more inclusive and equitable Western Balkans region. 💡 Inclusion – We believe that everyone deserves a place in society, with equal opportunities to participate, contribute, and thrive.⚖️ Equality – Our efforts are rooted in promoting equal rights and access for all, ensuring that no one is left behind.🤝 Dignity and Respect – We value every individual’s voice and experience, fostering a culture where all persons are treated with honor and understanding.🚀 Empowerment – We support persons with disabilities to not only participate but to lead and drive change within their communities.🌍 Collaboration – True impact is achieved through collective action. By working together, we amplify our efforts and create lasting solutions.🔎 Transparency and Accountability – We are committed to being open, responsible, and focused on delivering measurable results.📜 Human Rights – Our work is firmly guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ensuring that human rights are at the core of everything we do. ✨ Through these shared values, we are building a region where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is actively lived, and every person has the opportunity to realize their full potential. Together, we are making inclusion not just an ideal—but a reality in everyday life.