Susan Sabano
My name is Susan Sabano, a self-advocate from Uganda living with cerebral palsy. And am so passionate about Disability inclusion. My journey in advocating for disability rights and social inclusion is fuelled by personal experience and a commitment to creating equal opportunities, especially for youth with disabilities. I am seeking to join the CIVICUS Board of Directors, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a strong dedication to enhancing the lives of marginalized communities.
I earned a degree in Social Work from East Africa Polytechnic College, Kyambogo in Uganda, which provides a solid foundation for my advocacy work. For the past five years, I have served as a Program Officer at the Umbrella Cerebral Palsy Network Association, focusing on economic empowerment and advocating for inclusive employment for individuals with cerebral palsy in both formal and informal sectors. My grassroots work leading livelihood projects has provided vital support to families impacted by disabilities, particularly those with limited educational backgrounds and economic resources.
One of my significant initiatives, the "12.4% to Work" project, aims to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Through this initiative, I have facilitated stakeholder meetings with mainstream employers, successfully helping seventeen young professionals with disabilities secure jobs. Additionally, I have coordinated various economic empowerment projects, training forty young people with cerebral palsy as model entrepreneurs, and supporting over 1,023 individuals across ten districts of Uganda in achieving self-employment. My efforts have also led to the establishment of fifteen Economic Support Groups to promote sustainable livelihood development.
I am an active leader in the disability rights community, serving on the board of Show Abilities Uganda (SAU), which advocates for inclusive development and decision-making for youth with disabilities and a youth with Disabilities council Member. In this role, I manage strategic operations and organizational oversight, ensuring youth with Disabilities voices are represented in policy discussions, including SRHR and even and won the International Conference on Family Planning youth Trailblazers Award 2025( https://youtu.be/0nX--1TnUMY?si=7DjPgV4TMb4vLyly.I am also the African Representative for the common Wealth Disabled Youth Forum, where my work amplifies the voices of young people with disabilities across the Commonwealth.
As a member of the CIVICUS Youth Action Team (YAT), I engage in governance, strategic planning, and partnership efforts to improve life opportunities for marginalized communities. My experiences as a young leader and self-advocate uniquely position me to contribute to CIVICUS’s mission of fostering inclusive civic space and empowering individuals to exercise their rights.
Joining the CIVICUS Board of Directors excites me as it represents an opportunity to enhance my impact on disability rights advocacy while contributing to a more inclusive society. My lived experiences as a person with cerebral palsy, combined with my expertise in institutional governance, gender inclusion, and sustainable development, will allow for meaningful contributions to CIVICUS’s goals. Together, we can create a world where all individuals can realize their full potential, regardless of their abilities.
As a passionate disability rights advocate, I bring lived experience, strategic insights, and a deep commitment to fostering social inclusion. My aspirations for joining the board include enhancing policies for equitable opportunities, promoting accessibility, and amplifying the voices of persons with Disabilities, ensuring they have a meaningful role in shaping decisions that affect their lives in CIVICUS.
Additionally, I am committed to improving communication and collaboration within the CIVICUS community. By establishing regular feedback loops among members, we can prioritize the needs of persons with Disabilities. My experience with organizations like Show Abilities Uganda reinforces the importance of strategic planning and operational excellence in advocacy work, and I intend to leverage this expertise to support CIVICUS’s governance structures.
In summary, I bring my experience and collaborative spirit as a member of the CIVICUS Youth Action Team (YAT) to the board, striving to uplift persons with Disabilities voices and build a more equitable world for all. Together, we can create a vibrant civil society that champions the rights of every individual, regardless of their background, Race and Disability.
- What is your favourite quote by someone who inspires you?
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive." – Maya Angelou. This quote inspires my advocacy for disability rights and my commitment to fostering a thriving community for everyone, especially those with disabilities.
- What skills are you most proud of or want to learn?
I take pride in my skills in advocacy, strategic management, and grassroots engagement, and I aim to enhance my expertise in inclusive digital advocacy tools.
- What is your vision for civil society?
My vision for civil society is inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
- What lesson(s) have you learnt from failure?
I’ve learned that failure is a stepping stone to growth; setbacks have refined my strategies and underscored the importance of resilience, community feedback, and collaboration in achieving meaningful change.
