Together, We Make Inclusion Real
DKF is a women-led foundation advancing the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. We partner with communities, donors, and organisations to turn care into practical action in education, health, livelihoods, and protection.
Our Vision
A Nigeria where people with disabilities thrive as equal participants in every part of life. We centre women and girls so no one is left behind.
Our Mission
- Remove barriers that keep persons with disabilities out of school, work, and care.
- Expand access to healthcare, psychosocial support, and NHIS enrolment.
- Equip women and girls with financial literacy, bank accounts, grants, and skills for business.
- Provide humanitarian assistance, food security, and accessible WASH in times of crisis.
- Champion disability rights and policy change through community voice and evidence.
Executive Director’s Message
Dear Partners, Supporters, and Friends,
Transformation begins with believing in the unlimited potential of every
individual, regardless of ability. This truth drives everything we do at DKF.
In Nigeria’s northeastern communities, we have witnessed what becomes possible when barriers are dismantled and opportunities are intentionally created.
As a women-led organization, we understand that true inclusion requires addressing the intersection of disability and gender.
This lived experience informs our approach and ensures that
the voices of women and girls with disabilities are centered in the solutions we create.
DKF’s strength lies in our belief that persons with disabilities are agents of their own transformation.
We cultivate leadership, build local capacity, and create pathways for sustainable change that extends far beyond our direct involvement.
Our community-based approach ensures that lasting transformation is owned by the communities themselves.
I envision a Nigeria where disability inclusion is woven into the fabric of our society.
This vision drives our expansion into emerging areas like climate resilience and technology integration, recognizing that persons
with disabilities must be at the forefront of solving tomorrow’s challenges.
The transformation we seek requires collective action. I invite you to join us as active participants in creating the inclusive society we all deserve.
Together, we are redefining what it means to belong, contribute, and thrive in Nigeria.
With gratitude and determination.
Deborah Birdling Bubwa
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Deborah Birdling Bubwa
Abdullahi Toungo
Timya C. Kumzuwam
Aishatu Abdullahi Abba
Treasurer
Hannatu Baraja James
William Wakili Midala
Rev. Ruth Ulea
How DKF Came to Life
2013
A SIMPLE ACT OF CARE
DKF began when Deborah Birdling Bubwa took guardianship of three-year-old Jesse after his father was killed by Boko Haram. Paying a deaf classmate’s fees sparked the Back to School project.
2018-19
LAYING THE FOUNDATION
The Back to School effort grew into a women-led organisation focused on disability inclusion, formally launching in the 2018/2019 academic year.
2020
REGISTERED & SCALING PROGRAMMES
DKF registered as an NGO on 8 January 2020 and expanded work in education, health, livelihoods, protection and humanitarian response across North-East Nigeria.
PRESENT
GROWING IMPACT & INCLUSION
Financial-inclusion programmes empowered 5,974 women and girls; 646 opened micro-accounts and 959 accessed grants or loans. DKF launched digital inclusion hubs, distributed 320 assistive devices and helped 306 entrepreneurs start up.
Be the Change
You Wish to See
Ways to Give
Become part of our donor family driving disability inclusion across Nigeria. Together, we have reached:
people with disabilities through education, health, livelihoods, and protection.
