Nelly Caleb: Championing Disability Rights in Vanuatu and Beyond
In the island nation of Vanuatu, where climate impacts and social barriers often compound the challenges faced by people with disabilities, one leader’s voice has been pivotal in advancing equality, inclusion, and dignity. Nelly Caleb, National Coordinator of the Vanuatu Disability Promotion & Advocacy Association (VDPA), stands as a powerful advocate for disability rights, community participation, and systemic change.
A Leader with Lived Experience
Nelly Caleb brings personal insight and lived experience to her advocacy work. As someone closely connected to the disability community in Vanuatu, she understands firsthand the social, educational, and physical barriers many people with disabilities face — from inaccessible infrastructure to deep-seated stigma. Her leadership is rooted in listening, empowerment, and a belief that everyone deserves a place at the decision-making table.
Advocating for Inclusion and Accessibility
Under Nelly’s leadership, VDPA has become one of Vanuatu’s most respected voices for disability inclusion. She works tirelessly to highlight how people with disabilities — especially women and girls — are often excluded from key social, educational, and humanitarian processes. In many communities, women with disabilities are among the most marginalised, facing double or even triple layers of discrimination simply because of their gender and disability status.
Nelly has spoken publicly about the need for people with disabilities to be included not just in conversations, but in policy-making and implementation. She advocates for accessible schools, workplaces, evacuation centres, and public spaces, ensuring that services and infrastructure meet the needs of all citizens.
Disability Inclusion in Emergencies and Development
Living in a nation that experiences frequent cyclones and extreme weather events, Nelly also brings a crucial disaster-inclusion lens to her work. She has highlighted how people with disabilities are often overlooked in disaster planning and emergency response, resulting in unnecessary exclusion and harm. Nelly’s advocacy focuses on ensuring that emergency procedures — from evacuation routes to shelter access — are designed with accessibility in mind so that no one is left behind when crises strike. Her work includes participating in forums and workshops, raising awareness about discrimination, and pushing for disability-inclusive planning at both national and regional levels. In discussions about disability rights under international frameworks like the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Nelly has represented VDPA to help ensure that commitments translate into real-world change.
Empowering Future Generations
A core part of Nelly’s advocacy is about building the power and confidence of others. Through training, community workshops, and leadership development, she works to ensure that women and girls with disabilities are equipped to speak up, lead, and influence decisions that affect their lives. This isn’t just about participation — it’s about leadership, agency, and recognition.
A Voice for Change
Today, under Nelly Caleb’s guidance, VDPA continues to grow stronger and more impactful. Her work is a reminder that meaningful inclusion requires persistent advocacy, deep community engagement, and the willingness to challenge exclusionary systems. As she often emphasises — advocating for disability rights is not just a professional pursuit, but a commitment to human dignity, equal participation, and social justice for all.
