By Freda Mwini
Wa, (UW/R), Nov. 06, GNA – Patience Agyare-Kwabi, Founder of the Patience Awards International (PAI), has called for stronger commitment towards promoting the rights, dignity and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly women and girls.
She said disability-inclusive social development should not be regarded as an act of charity but as a matter of fundamental human rights, justice, equality and shared responsibility.
Madam Agyare-Kwabi made the call in Wa during an event organised by the PAI to mark her birthday celebration.
The event brought together representatives of NCCE, CHRAJ, disability organisations, development partners, students of the Wa School for the Blind and other stakeholders.
She said women and girls with disabilities often experienced multiple forms of discrimination arising from their disability, gender and socio-economic circumstances, making it necessary for society to pay attention to their needs.
Madam Agyare-Kwabi stressed the need for stakeholders to recognise the voices of women with disabilities, their aspirations and leadership potential and ensure that they had access to opportunities, protection and the necessary support to live independent and fulfilling lives.
She said PAI was established to recognise, support and empower individuals and organisations working to advance the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities.
Madam Agyare-Kwabi, therefore, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to advocating inclusion, challenging discriminatory practices and ensuring that persons with disabilities were placed at the centre of community activities and development discussions.
“Never feel that you are alone at any time. We are a community and there are a lot of us who stand by you”, she said.
She also urged them to voice their concerns to stakeholders for the needed support, including guidance and advice.
Madam Agyare-Kwabi encouraged individuals and organisations to support children and young people, particularly those with disabilities, to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
Ms. Sandra Retzer, GIZ Country Director, commended Madam Agyare-Kwabi for her dedication to impacting society, particularly the vulnerable in society.
She reaffirmed the GIZ’s commitment to promoting inclusion, humanity and the protection of children’s rights through its development interventions in Ghana.
Ms. Retzer said GIZ considered inclusion and humanity as key principles underpinning its work, particularly in addressing children’s rights and sexual and gender-based violence.
Mr Minkailu Hamidu Yakubu Silinba, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 3N Silinba Waste Utilisation GH, highlighted the organisation’s efforts to empower PWDs with skills in plastic waste recycling.
He said the organisation was working with persons with disabilities to transform plastic waste into useful products while contributing to efforts to reduce plastic pollution in communities.
Mr Silinba said the initiative had created income-generating opportunities for PWDs involved in collecting and transforming plastic waste into reusable materials.
He expressed appreciation to Madam Agyare-Kwabi for visiting and supporting their work, which demonstrated her commitment to promoting the welfare and inclusion of PWDs.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Freda Mwini, GNA