By Louise Jobe/Madi S Njie
The Regional Office of the Gambia Organization for the Visually Impaired (GOVI) in the West Coast Region, on Wednesday, 4 December 2024, celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, in Brikama.
This year’s celebration was themed “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Bakary Njie, Secretary General of GOVI’s WCR Branch, said the organization was joining the global community to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on a theme that resonates deeply with the fundamental principle that persons with disabilities must not only be seen as beneficiaries of policies and programs, but as active contributors and leaders in shaping the future of ‘our’ world.
In celebrating the day, Mr. Njie said as the Secretary General of the Gambia Organization of the Visually Impaired (GOVI) WCR Branch, he is reminded of the remarkable potential and resilience of persons with disabilities, many of whom are artists, teachers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders within our community.
‘‘We have consistently demonstrated that when given the opportunity, we can lead transformative change across every sector of society,’’ he said.
He said the journey to amplify their voices and recognize their leadership still need to be completed. He also said that despite the significant progress made in recent years, systemic barriers like social stigma, inaccessible environments, and limited representation in decision-making processes, continue to hinder their full participation in society. He said these barriers are not just obstacles to individuals, but they are lost opportunities for society as a whole.
According to Mr. Njie, an inclusive and sustainable future is only possible when these barriers are dismantled to pave the way for a world where leadership is reflective of all its members. He said inclusion means more than a token of representation, adding that it means fostering environments where persons with disabilities are empowered to lead, innovate, and inspire, and to prioritize accessibility in education, employment, health care, and governance.
‘‘In the Gambia, we must take deliberate steps to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the country’s journey towards national development. This includes enforcing policies that promote accessibility, providing capacity-building programs, and establishing platforms where our voices can be heard and respected. To achieve a sustainable future, it is imperative to acknowledge that diversity is our strength. By amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities, we are building a society where everyone has a stake and where no one is left behind,’’ Mr. Njie said.
He called on the government, institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals, to reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. He also called on everyone to celebrate the achievements of persons with disabilities and to actively work to create a future where these achievements are limitless.
‘‘Together, we can shape a world where persons with disabilities are not only participants, but pioneers and leaders charting a course towards an inclusive and sustainable future for all,’’ he concluded.
In a similar development, the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) on December 3, 2024, in Basse, Upper River Region (URR), alongside its Annual General Meeting (AGM). The two-day event saw stakeholders celebrating empowerment and advocacy for persons with disabilities (PWD) in The Gambia, highlighting significant strides toward inclusivity and legal reform.
The commemoration began with a vibrant march from Trust Bank to the Youth Centre in Basse, featuring students and GFD members. URR Deputy Governor, Mr. Jaiteh, and GFD President, His Worship Muhammed Krubally, delivered keynote speeches that called for strengthened advocacy for the rights of PWD.
“Empowerment starts with active participation, and leadership should not be a distant aspiration for persons with disabilities,” said Mr. Krubally.
The afternoon session at the SOS Conference Centre delved into legal reforms under The Gambia’s disability act. Mr. Krubally emphasized the act’s provisions for eliminating discrimination and promoting equality, urging PWD to strive for leadership roles. He cited former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki as an example of resilience and achievement, inspiring attendees to dream beyond societal limitations.
On December 4, the AGM brought together GFD officials and representatives from 19 affiliated Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs). Discussions revolved around progress reports and annual work plans, with a focus on securing resources for community-based activities supporting PWD.
Themed “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” the event underscored global efforts to elevate PWD in leadership roles. Speakers highlighted legal protections and the untapped potential of PWD to contribute meaningfully to society.
The GFD’s commemoration of IDPwD and its AGM instilled a sense of renewed hope among participants, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, education, and community engagement. The federation reaffirmed its commitment to championing the rights and welfare of PWD, striving to create an inclusive environment where they can thrive.
