African Journalists with Disabilities (AJwD) has announced a strategic partnership with Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAi) to host a high-level webinar titled “Reframing the Narratives: Storytelling and Disability Rights.”

The virtual event, scheduled for Tuesday 19^th May, 2026 by 10am(GMT +1)will bring together journalists, media practitioners, disability rights advocates, development professionals, and communication experts from across Africa and beyond. It aims to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote inclusive storytelling that reflects the realities, dignity, and rights of persons with disabilities.

According to Yinka Olaito, AJwd Africa lead, “The webinar will explore how the media can move beyond charity-based and sensational narratives towards stories that amplify agency, resilience, leadership, innovation, and equal rights for persons with disabilities”.

The initiative comes amid growing conversations around ethical journalism, inclusive communication, and the role of storytelling in shaping public attitudes, policies, and development outcomes.

Speaking ahead of the event, Executive Director of GSAI , Adaora Jack, described the collaboration as both timely and necessary.

“We are pleased to welcome this as a timely development. Across Africa and globally, there is an urgent need to rethink how disability issues are represented in the media and public discourse. Storytelling is powerful, and when used responsibly, it can drive inclusion, dignity, policy change, and social transformation,” she said.

She added that the webinar would create an important platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration among journalists and advocates committed to advancing disability rights through ethical and impactful communication.

AJwD noted that the webinar aligns with its broader mission of strengthening inclusive journalism and increasing the visibility and participation of journalists with disabilities across the continent.

The organization said the conversation would also examine how language, framing, visuals, and editorial choices influence public perceptions of disability, while highlighting practical approaches for journalists and content creators to adopt more rights-based and inclusive reporting methods.

Participants are expected to gain insights into disability-sensitive storytelling, intersectionality, media ethics, representation, and the importance of centering the voices and lived experiences of persons with disabilities in newsrooms and digital platforms.

The webinar will feature presentations, panel discussions, and interactive engagements with experts in media, gender, disability inclusion, and strategic communications.

AJwD emphasized that partnerships such as this reflect the growing momentum around inclusive media ecosystems in Africa and the recognition that sustainable development cannot be achieved without inclusive representation and accessible communication.

The organisation further called on journalists, civil society organisations, students, development actors, and media institutions to participate actively in the webinar and support efforts aimed at transforming narratives around disability and social inclusion.

Observers say the collaboration between AJwD and GSAi signals a deeper commitment to building a media landscape where persons with disabilities are not merely subjects of stories, but active storytellers, leaders, and contributors to shaping Africa’s future narrative