The Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) is a disabled-led platform uniting Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and advocates across the Commonwealth to advance disability rights, equality, and inclusion. Representing national umbrella bodies in 52 Commonwealth countries, CDPF works to amplify collective voices, influence policy, and ensure that disabled people are meaningfully included in decisions that affect their lives.
Symposium Implementing Disability Rights Across the Commonwealth
On 5 November 2026, the day after CHOGM in Antigua the Government of Antigua Barbuda, The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum are jointly organising a day’s Symposium Implementing Disability Rights Across the Commonwealth. This is supported by IFCO and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
2026 Commonwealth Women’s Forum
The fifth Commonwealth Women’s Forum will be held in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from 2 to 4 November 2026, alongside the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Speakers at the women’s forum from CDPF are:
CDPF Chair – Sarah Muthoni Kamau
Vice-Chair – Kerryann Ifill
Joint Assistant Secretary Equalities – Patience Ogolo-Dickson
Women’s Representative – Gaudence Mushimiyimana
Our Work
Commonwealth
Disabled Women’s
Forum
The Forum brings together women representatives from the CDPF’s member organisations to amplify the voices, rights and priorities of disabled women and girls across the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth
Disabled Youth
Forum
Firmly rooted in the social model of disability, the forum is dedicated to dismantling societal barriers, promoting inclusivity, and amplifying the voices of disabled youth.
Disability
Inclusion Action
Plan
To affirm the commitment of Commonwealth Member Countries to the realisation of the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities in the Commonwealth
Latest News
- 2026 Commonwealth Women’s ForumThe fifth Commonwealth Women’s Forum will be held in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from 2 to 4 November 2026, alongside the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The 2026 Forum will bring together representatives from governments, civil society, development organisations and youth groups to explore practical ways to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment…
- Tonga ratifies U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with DisabilitiesTonga has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Tonga’s UN Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Viliami Vaʻinga Tōnē, deposited the instrument of ratification with the United Nations on 4 September. He said it was a milestone in Tonga’s commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
- Newsletter – August 2026IN THIS ISSUE: From the General Secretary’s Desk; Driving Change: CDPF Activities & Initiatives; In Focus; On the Ground: Members in Action; Voices & Perspectives; News Updates; Worth the Read
- A Call for an Independent Review into the Treatment, Support and Protection of Autistic and Neurodivergent Staff in Higher EducationA letter to Cambridge University concerning the profound questions about the treatment, support and protection of autistic, neurodivergent and disabled people within higher education settings following the death of Professor Arday.
- CHOGM 2026The Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum, Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda are organising a 1-day Symposium on Implementing Disability Rights across the Commonwealth.
- Newsletter – May 2026In this issue: Update from the General Secretary’s Desk, Introducing CDPF Executive Committee 2026-2027, CDPF Annual General Meeting 2026, In the News, Voices & Perspectives, Driving Change: CDPF Activities & Initiatives, On the Ground: Members in Action