Annual Report 2025
A Year of Strong Results
In 2025, Abilis Foundation continued to support organisations of persons with disabilities across Africa, Asia and Ukraine. Through project funding, capacity building and advocacy, the Foundation worked to advance disability rights, inclusion and equal participation in society
The year marked the final year of Abilis's 2022–2025 programme period. Despite conflict, political instability and other challenges in several programme countries, organisations of persons with disabilities continued to create positive change in their communities.
2025 at a Glance
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132 new projects approved
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174 projects completed
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€1.45 million in grant funding
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18,485 direct project participants
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84% of new projects advanced the rights of women and girls with disabilities
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10 programme countries supported by Abilis
Strengthening Organisations of Persons with Disabilities
Strong organisations are essential for protecting and advancing disability rights.
In 2025, all completed projects helped strengthen organisations of persons with disabilities. Organisations improved their skills in leadership, project management, advocacy and cooperation with public authorities. Across programme countries, disability organisations played a greater role in promoting rights and influencing decision-making.
Many organisations also contributed to monitoring the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and participated in national advocacy processes.
Advancing Disability Inclusion
All completed projects promoted disability inclusion and equal participation.
Projects raised awareness of disability rights, reduced discrimination and strengthened dialogue between organisations of persons with disabilities and public authorities. Country programmes supported policy discussions and advocacy efforts that aimed to create more inclusive communities and institutions.
An external evaluation completed during the year confirmed that the programme successfully reached diverse disability organisations, including grassroots organisations that often have limited access to funding opportunities.
Women and Girls with Disabilities
The rights of women and girls with disabilities remained a key priority throughout the year.
In 84% of new projects, advancing the rights and status of women and girls with disabilities was identified as a primary or secondary objective. Projects supported women-led organisations, peer support groups and initiatives that promoted participation, leadership and economic empowerment.
Many projects also addressed sexual and reproductive health and rights, safeguarding and gender equality. Women and girls with disabilities increasingly participated as leaders, advocates and decision-makers in their communities
Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment
Economic independence helps persons with disabilities participate fully in society.
Approximately 45% of completed projects supported livelihoods and economic opportunities. Activities included vocational training, entrepreneurship support and income-generating initiatives. Participants gained skills, improved their earning opportunities and strengthened their economic independence.
Special attention was given to supporting women and girls with disabilities, who often face additional barriers to employment and economic participation.
Building Resilience in Times of Crisis
Persons with disabilities are often among those most affected by disasters, humanitarian crises and conflict.
In 2025, Abilis supported disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction initiatives in Myanmar and Nepal. Nine new disaster risk reduction projects were launched, and fourteen organisations received training on disability-inclusive preparedness and emergency response.
Support also continued in challenging environments, including Myanmar and Ukraine, where organisations of persons with disabilities worked to promote inclusion and support their communities during ongoing crises.
Highlights from Programme Countries
Ethiopia
The programme strengthened grassroots organisations and organisations led by women with disabilities through training, mentoring and project support.
Mozambique
Projects promoted disability inclusion, women's empowerment and local advocacy while increasing the participation of persons with disabilities in community development.
Myanmar
The programme combined disability rights work with resilience-building and humanitarian support in a complex operating environment.
Nepal
Projects advanced disability rights, livelihoods, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and policy dialogue with public authorities.
Tajikistan
The programme strengthened local disability organisations and supported advocacy, livelihoods and the participation of women with disabilities.
Tanzania
Projects focused on economic empowerment, leadership development and opportunities for women with disabilities.
Uganda
Capacity-building, monitoring and grants strengthened grassroots disability organisations and promoted disability rights and inclusion.
Ukraine
The programme supported persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and war veterans through local disability organisations working in challenging humanitarian circumstances.
Vietnam
Projects strengthened organisations of persons with disabilities, supported livelihoods and promoted sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Looking Ahead
The results of 2025 show the importance of local leadership and the active participation of persons with disabilities in development and decision-making. Across programme countries, organisations of persons with disabilities continued to strengthen their communities, advocate for their rights and promote more inclusive societies.
As a new programme period begins, Abilis Foundation remains committed to supporting organisations of persons with disabilities and advancing disability rights around the world.
Download the Full Report
For detailed results, country reports and programme information, please download the full Annual Report 2025 (PDF)
