Caroline Naluwemba
Caroline Naluwemba (she/her) is a dedicated self-advocate from Inclusion Uganda, championing the rights of peers with intellectual disabilities. She volunteers with the International Rescue Committee and Inclusion International’s “Inclusive and Accountable” project. Born in Kampala in 1988, she holds diplomas in project planning from Makerere University and fashion design from NIAAD. Caroline founded an advocacy group and researches disability inclusion, including employer attitudes. Inspired by her mother, who has always fought for her rights since childhood ever since she developed cerebral palsy, she is also the CEO of Caroline Fashions, training self-advocates in tailoring and crafts. Caroline uses her experiences to impact families and communities positively.
Report
Key Findings
Two self-advocate leaders will collaborate with Harvard Law School Project on Disability (HPOD) to research the involvement of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in preparing shadow reports. Under the guidance of HPOD’s Hezzy Smith and Anne Fracht, the fellows will explore how self-advocates engage in shadow reporting to the UN CRPD Committee, identifying barriers and strategies used to ensure their voices are heard. They will review reports submitted by both self-advocates and other disability rights groups and conduct interviews with participating self-advocates. The research aims to highlight successful strategies, such as Hungary’s easy-read reports, and provide insights for future advocacy efforts.
HPOD is committed to enabling civil society, and especially persons with disabilities and their representative organizations to undertake informed human rights advocacy. We provide human rights training and education, facilitate the development of international law and policy, encourage inclusive development practices, share technical assistance on strategic litigation, and stimulate new thinking about the abilities of persons with disabilities and their human rights.