Advocacy and self-advocacy

The two concepts of advocacy and self-advocacy have been associated with welfare states, civil activism, empowerment, rights-based grassroots groups and professions, which advance social justice for insular minorities.

How do the two concepts relate, are they mutually exclusive or is one subsumed. This article discusses the origins, distinctions, benefits and contemporary use of both concepts in relation to people with disabilities. The two concepts are explored with a view to understand prevailing challenges in society pertaining to people with disabilities, and as a measure of progress.   

Historically, the establishment viewed advocacy and self-advocacy groups suspiciously.  They were often accused of sowing discord, inciting citizens and posing security threats in that they challenge the status quo. A good example is the early Pan-Africanist groups and individuals who mooted ideas of independence of African states post the 1884 Berlin Conference. They were viewed with great discontent and often labelled as radicals, terrorists, and outcasts and constantly put under surveillance by colonialists because they advocated for change.

Editor's Comment
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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