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| Dr Joy Shu'aibu, Country Director Sightsavers in Nigeria |
In commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, IDPD 2024, Sightsavers has reiterated the pivotal role of women and girls with disabilities in driving disability inclusion across the world.
The global development organization, known for its work in tackling avoidable blindness and empowering persons with disabilities, highlighted the critical need for more inclusive policies to foster sustainable development.
This year’s theme, "Sustainable Development: Advancing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," calls for a global focus on breaking down barriers to education, healthcare, employment, and social participation for persons with disabilities.
According to Sightsavers, women and girls with disabilities continue to face disproportionate levels of discrimination, leaving them among the most marginalized groups globally.
Country Director, for Sightsavers in Nigeria Dr. Joy Shu’aibu, emphasized that true sustainable development cannot be achieved without the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
“At Sightsavers, we believe that empowering women and girls with disabilities is not just about addressing the gaps in gender equality but about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to society,” she said.
In Nigeria, the organization’s initiatives, like the SABI-Woman project, have directly empowered women and girls with disabilities to realize their potential.
One such success story is that of Hajara, a visually impaired 18-year-old student from Kano, whose life has been transformed with the support of Sightsavers. Hajara lost her sight at the age of two but, through the SABI-Woman project, was introduced to new business opportunities that enabled her to earn a living through online sales. Today, Hajara is a role model in her community, inspiring other girls with disabilities to pursue their dreams.
“The support I received from Sightsavers gave me the chance to see beyond my limitations and create a future for myself,” Hajara said.
“I want other girls with disabilities to know they are not alone. There is a world of opportunity out there for them too.”
Dr. Shu’aibu highlighted that Hajara’s story underscores the power of inclusive development. “Women and girls with disabilities are often overlooked, but they possess incredible potential to drive change,” she remarked.
“When given the right opportunities, they can break barriers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
To mark the occasion of IDPD, Sightsavers is organizing a series of activities across Nigeria, including community forums, school awareness campaigns, and media engagements.
These efforts aim to raise awareness about disability rights and the importance of ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a reminder that sustainable development can only be achieved when society ensures equal rights and opportunities for all its members, including those with disabilities. Sightsavers is calling on governments, organizations, and communities to prioritize the inclusion of persons with disabilities and invest in initiatives that empower them to live independent and fulfilling lives.
As the global community comes together to reflect on the importance of inclusion this IDPD, Sightsavers remains committed to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring that they not only survive but thrive in a world that values diversity and equity.