Our journey to St. Anna Hospital in Tabora marked another remarkable chapter in ADOT’s ongoing mission to promote inclusivity and empowerment through the “Unlocking Voices of Tanzanian Females with Disabilities on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)” initiative. The morning began with a sense of purpose and anticipation as the ADOT team, local leaders, healthcare workers, and community stakeholders gathered under the hospital’s welcoming shade. The event was more than just a campaign — it was a powerful movement to amplify voices that are often unheard and to challenge long-standing barriers faced by women and girls with disabilities in accessing SRHR information and services.

The sessions were filled with heartfelt discussions, testimonies, and participatory dialogues that shed light on the real experiences of persons with disabilities. Many shared the struggles they face — from limited access to health facilities, to stigma and misconceptions surrounding their right to sexual and reproductive health. Through these open conversations, the ADOT team encouraged participants to see ability beyond disability, emphasizing that every person, regardless of physical or mental condition, deserves respect, understanding, and the right to make informed choices about their body and health.

Stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and community representatives, engaged deeply in the discussions, exploring practical ways to make SRHR services more inclusive and accessible. The atmosphere was charged with hope as participants pledged to carry forward the lessons learned — to ensure that disability is no longer a barrier to dignity or health. The initiative also served as a bridge between different groups, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility in advancing inclusive healthcare.

As the day drew to a close, the ADOT team led a symbolic tree-planting activity on the hospital grounds. Each sapling represented growth, resilience, and sustainability — a living reminder of the day’s message: that empowerment and inclusion, much like trees, take root and flourish when nurtured with care.

The “Unlocking Voices” initiative left a lasting impression on everyone present. It was not only a platform for awareness but also a catalyst for changing perceptions, strengthening partnerships, and reaffirming the belief that a healthy, inclusive society is built when everyone’s voice — especially those too often overlooked — is heard, valued, and respected.