Let’s enable the differently-abled

THE cries of persons who are differently- abled become louder as we permeate the many communities across global borders.

Women in particular who are afflicted in one way or other, are sometimes the loudest cry which may or may not fall on deaf ears.

In many jurisdictions, social equality is a rare commodity that is sometimes acquired through different means, that paints a grim picture which purports, that everyone is not entitled to it.

Establishing legal protection for the differently- abled has been at the top of the agenda for more developed nations such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom, which allows them to become more socially inclusive; however, in other parts of the world, there is a paucity of attention for this group.

The voice of the United Nation has also been part of the advocacy for social inclusion of the differently-abled as can be gleaned from the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol which was adopted on December 13, 2006 at the UN Headquarters in New York and opened for signature on March 30, 2007; this is the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century, and is the first human rights convention to be opened by regional integration organisations. The convention entered into force on May 3, 2008.

Through some of the many activities undertaken by the Int’l Women’s Resource Network both locally and regionally, a number of differently-abled women have complained of being affected constantly by social exclusion despite their equality in talent and education similar to that of their able-bodied equivalents. Some of the common challenges experienced include but are not limited to social stigmatisation, lack of vocational training facilities and associated programmes, discrimination in employment, lack of infrastructural facilities to support the conditions of the differently- abled and sexual abuse.

Effectively treating with this community requires consideration of some very key principles which state that differently-abled individuals must be given an equal opportunity like their able-bodied counterparts to perform work for which they are suitably qualified; they should be given the opportunity to accept suitable jobs with employers of their choice and most importantly, the major focus of engagement should be on their abilities and work potential and not on their disabilities.

Social inclusion of the differently-abled starts with a shift in mindset and human acceptance… remember every creed and race must have an equal place.

Social Inclusion of the Differently-Abled is one of the many social issues which will be addressed at the Conference - The Power Within: Love Your Body, Love You on January 26. Book your space now – call us at 638-1083, 268-6078 and 684-6982.

To obtain a copy of the book With Women in Mind call 283-0318 or 795-9531.

Sandrine Rattan is a Communications/ Branding Consultant/ Author and President of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com