Celebrating the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities: A Recap of IDPD 2024

by Guest Author | Dec 11, 2024 | Child Sponsorship

Last week, people around the world celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme: “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” This year’s theme emphasized the vital role people with disabilities play in building a fairer and more sustainable world. It was more than just a day of celebration—it was a call to action to empower, uplift, and honor their unique contributions.

A Week of Celebration and Collaboration

In Sierra Leone, the Enable the Children (ETC) team was at the heart of the celebrations. The week was filled with vibrant partnerships involving stakeholders, ministries, and communities. It was a time to celebrate achievements, strengthen resilience, and renew commitments to building an inclusive society.

The main event on December 3rd, led by the Ministry of Social Welfare, was a highlight. High-ranking officials, including the Vice President and First Lady of Sierra Leone, attended. The day featured inspiring speeches, lively performances, and a captivating catwalk where people with disabilities showcased their confidence, creativity, and talents.

The First Lady’s involvement was especially meaningful, as it was her first event focused on disability issues. During the event, ETC and other key stakeholders were honored with awards from the Ministry of Social Welfare and the First Lady. These awards symbolized the shared commitment to creating a more inclusive Sierra Leone.

Daniella’s Inspiring Moment

A standout moment was when Daniella, an ETC beneficiary, gave a heartfelt vote of thanks. Her confidence and eloquence moved everyone in attendance, including the First Lady, with whom she had the honor of taking a photo. For Daniella, this moment marked an important step in her journey as an emerging leader and advocate. Her story is a powerful reminder of what happens when opportunities are created for people with disabilities to shine.

Discussions on Disability and Gender-Based Violence

On December 5th, ETC participated in a roundtable discussion at the High Commissioner’s Residence. This event connected the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with IDPD. Kadiatu Koroma, an ETC social worker, joined other stakeholders to discuss the barriers faced by women and girls with disabilities, particularly in accessing education and participating in society.

Key recommendations included:

Encouraging national leadership to prioritize inclusion.
Strengthening advocacy for legal reforms to improve accessibility and inclusivity.
Addressing the disproportionate impact of gender-based violence on women and girls with disabilities.

These discussions emphasized the need for bold actions to support women with disabilities.

Celebrating Abilities Through Sports

On December 7th, ETC held its annual sports event, proving that “disability is not inability.” Seventy-three children with disabilities participated, showcasing their athletic talents in front of 257 attendees. The event created a joyful atmosphere of empowerment and inclusion.

The Chief Minister of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Education attended, engaging warmly with children and families. Performances by dance groups from One Family People and the Sierra Leone Autistic Society highlighted the creativity of young people with disabilities.

This event was made possible through support from partners like the Irish Embassy, Rokel Commercial Bank, and Protec Security Company, as well as advocacy efforts by the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on IDPD 2024, we are reminded of the resilience, strength, and potential of persons with disabilities. Organizations like World Hope International, through the ETC program, continue to play a vital role in creating opportunities and raising awareness.

This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” challenges us all to do more. It calls on us to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create spaces where persons with disabilities can lead and inspire.

The achievements of individuals like Daniella and the many others who participated in IDPD 2024 remind us of the importance of building a world where abilities shine brighter than barriers.

Together, we can create a truly inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for everyone.