Lagos, Nigeria – In a spirited celebration of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), Sightsavers has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a society where persons with disabilities can thrive and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
This year’s theme, “Sustainable Development: Advancing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” underscores the critical need for inclusive policies and practices to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while leaving no one behind. Persons with disabilities remain among the most marginalized groups globally, often facing insurmountable barriers to education, healthcare, employment, and public participation.
In her statement, Dr. Joy Shu’aibu, Sightsavers’ Nigeria Country Director, emphasized the need for collective action to foster inclusion. “Sustainable development is impossible without inclusion. We must dismantle the physical, societal, and systemic barriers that limit persons with disabilities from reaching their full potential. At Sightsavers, we remain committed to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities through empowerment, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives,” she declared.
Transformative Impact Through Empowerment
Sightsavers’ ongoing work in Nigeria stands as a testament to this commitment. Through flagship programs like the SABI-Woman Project, the organization has empowered hundreds of women, girls, and youth with disabilities, helping them overcome challenges and embrace their potential.
A shining example is Hajara, an 18-year-old visually impaired student from Kano. Having lost her sight at the age of two, Hajara’s early years were marked by isolation and limited opportunities. However, her life took a transformative turn when she became part of Sightsavers’ SABI-Woman Project. Through the program, Hajara learned vital skills and was introduced to business opportunities that enabled her to start an online sales venture.
Today, Hajara is not only financially independent but also a beacon of hope in her community. “Don’t cage yourselves. Come out and show your potential,” she said, inspiring countless girls with disabilities to step out of the shadows.
Dr. Shu’aibu hailed Hajara’s journey as a symbol of what inclusive development can achieve. “Hajara’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest in inclusive development. Women and girls with disabilities are among the most marginalized in our society, yet they hold immense potential to drive change when given the right opportunities,” she remarked.
A Call to Action
To commemorate this year’s IDPWD, Sightsavers has rolled out a series of events across Nigeria, including community forums, school awareness campaigns, and media engagements. These activities aim to raise awareness about disability rights and advocate for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.
Dr. Shu’aibu urged governments, organizations, and communities to prioritize inclusion and invest in disability empowerment initiatives. “This International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us of the urgent need to create a society where everyone can participate equally. Let us commit to breaking down barriers, eradicating discrimination, and building an inclusive future for all,” she stated.
Building a Sustainable, Inclusive Future
As the world marks this important day, Sightsavers calls for the effective implementation of disability-inclusive policies, particularly the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. The organization also stresses the importance of accessible public infrastructure, quality education, and employment opportunities tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities.
With this year’s theme spotlighting the intersection of inclusion and sustainable development, Sightsavers emphasizes that progress is only meaningful when it benefits everyone, regardless of ability. “Inclusion is not just a moral imperative—it is the foundation of sustainable development. Together, we can create a future where persons with disabilities are not just participants but leaders in driving societal progress,” Dr. Shu’aibu concluded.
About Sightsavers
Sightsavers is an international organization working across more than 30 low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia to tackle avoidable blindness, eliminate neglected tropical diseases, and promote disability rights. Through strategic partnerships and grassroots initiatives, Sightsavers envisions a world where everyone has access to healthcare, education, and employment without discrimination.
