By: Emmanuel wise Jipoh
The group, Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCH) has urged people living with disabilities to have confidence in themselves, challenging them to brave the storm of neglect, discrimination, and intimidation as a way of erasing fear and building self-esteem that they’re a part of society, and can partake in politics.
ORWOCH financial officer Justina Carter, made the call recently after a daylong consultative in Monrovia when she assured participants of necessary support needed for their voices to be heard during political processes, especially as Liberians head for elections in 2023.
She challenged them that they’re able to compete for any political office and hugely participate in politics, once they develop self-esteem that they can do it, without fear of any discrimination.
“You got to encourage yourself, that you’re a human. Whatsoever condition you find yourself in isn’t your limit, nor a fear of discrimination, neglect that will pull you down. You got to have confidence and build the self-moral, that you can compete in politics, and become a Senator, Representative, Minister, and even President, just like the abled ones; you just got to challenge yourself you can do it”, Carter urged the physically-challenged persons.
She said that God has created every human being equal, and as such, the physically challenged should stand up and make an impact in society to leave a legacy that will live after them.
“As women, we all are equal, no matter the disabilities situation, we all are one in God’s sight”, Madam Carter said.
She emphasized the need for people living with disabilities especially women, to rise for a cause and not allow their challenges to waste their dream.
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The organization through its project, Legal Aid and Legal Response for Violence Against Women in Elections held a daylong consultative meeting with people living with disabilities aimed at giving them space for political activities across Liberia.
ORWOCH is providing support to women, children and young adults with intellectual disabilities along with their families to enable them contribute to the Liberian society.
On behalf of her colleagues, one of the participants, Victoria Nyumah, said one of the ways to increase participation of women living with disabilities is to provide them education by organizing more political workshops, skills meetings, engagement about politics, and how they can go about the endeavor.
She said, when disabled women are educated, they can breach barriers and take up the challenge during political period.
She urged President Weah to give people living with disabilities specifically women, opportunities to explore all sectors by appointing few of them in key positions of his government.
Also speaking, the office assistant for the National Union of Organization of the Disable (NUOD) Madam Sowoe Z. Johnson, reminded President George Weah that people with disabilities are members of the society and they shouldn’t be left behind in his cabinet appointments.
According to Madam Johnson, women living with disabilities have been denied and marginalized for long and thinks it is time opportunities be given to them, saying “We are capable to do anything in this life but we need to be given the necessary opportunities.
Meanwhile, the one-day consultation was organized by ORWOCH and supported by Peace Building Fund Projects, “Promoting Inclusive Political Participation and Elimination of Violence against Women in Politics” and the Liberia Electoral Support Projects (LESP), funded by the Governments of Ireland and Sweden through UNDP.
The Organization for Women and Children is an NGO championing increased women’s participation in decision-making, prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, and dismantling offender stereotypes in Liberia.
The forum brought together over 30 women living with disabilities from various organizations across Liberia. Editing by Jonathan Browne
