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Summary
December 3rd marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, emphasising dignity, equality, and inclusion for all. This year’s theme, 'Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,' reminds us that real development depends on removing barriers and ensuring accessible opportunities for everyone. Women with disabilities, across all types, continue to make immense contributions to society, proving that inclusion strengthens communities and drives progress for all.Â
Every year on December 3rd, the world observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a global observance established by the United Nations to promote understanding, protect the dignity of people with disabilities, and advocate for their full inclusion and participation.
This year’s theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” reminds us that no community can grow or prosper when millions of its members are excluded or overlooked. A truly progressive society is one where every person, regardless of disability, can learn, work, participate, and contribute without barriers.
The theme challenges communities, governments, and institutions to design systems that work for everyone, including accessible healthcare, inclusive schools, and workplaces that embrace diverse abilities. Remove both physical and social barriers, from inaccessible buildings and transportation to harmful stereotypes. Develop policies that safeguard the dignity and equal rights of women, ensuring that no one is left behind in national development plans. Promote economic participation, recognising that people with disabilities strengthen economies when given equal opportunities.
Additionally, listen to the voices of women with disabilities, allowing them to shape the solutions that affect their lives. When women with disabilities are included, empowered, and valued, society as a whole moves forward. Inclusion is not optional; it is essential for social progress.
The 2025 celebration takes inspiration from the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, where world leaders renewed their commitment to building fair, accessible, and truly inclusive societies. Their message was clear: disability inclusion is not optional, it is essential for sustainable development.
A disability is not the absence of ability; it is a condition that may limit how a person moves, communicates, learns, sees, hears, processes information, or interacts with the world. It does not define a person’s worth, intelligence, or potential. Disabilities can be visible or invisible, and they can be temporary or permanent.
Disabilities can take many forms, including physical limitations that affect movement; visual or hearing impairments; intellectual disabilities that impact learning and reasoning; psychosocial or mental health conditions; neurological disorders affecting the brain, nerves, or muscles; albinism, a genetic condition often linked to low vision; and dwarfism, a condition characterized by short stature that may come with mobility or health challenges. Each type presents unique needs but does not diminish a person’s value, dignity, or potential.
Each type comes with its own strengths, challenges, and adaptations, and none diminish a person’s humanity or right to live fully.
In the status quo, women with disabilities often face double discrimination, both as women and as persons with disabilities. They are more likely to experience barriers to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation. Including them fully in society ensures equality, social justice, and stronger communities.
Creating inclusive environments for women with disabilities in accessible schools, workplaces, healthcare, and social spaces not only empowers them but also benefits society as a whole.
Highlighting these issues on the global stage prompts governments, institutions, and communities to take action. Celebrating this day encourages society to move away from stigma and toward equality, recognising that people with disabilities deserve the same opportunities to learn, work, lead, and thrive.
Women with disabilities continue to break barriers and contribute to strengthening society through their talent, innovation, resilience, and leadership. Their impact is visible in every sector, including the arts, science, sports, activism, business, and public service.
Nigeria is home to many inspiring women figures, such as:
- Grace Jerry (Physically challenged): A leading disability rights advocate strengthening inclusive politics and civic participation.
- Amaka Obi (Hearing impaired): A motivational speaker and disability inclusion advocate raising awareness for persons with disabilities in education and employment.
- Chika Anyanwu (Physically challenged): Founder of a nonprofit supporting women and girls with disabilities, promoting access to healthcare and education.
- Ngozi Okoro (Visually impaired): Entrepreneur and activist empowering women with disabilities through skills training and advocacy programs.
- Blessing Okoro (Physically challenged): Advocate for inclusion in sports and community programs for women living with disabilities.
These women, and many more, remind us that disability is not a limitation; they are change-makers, innovators, and leaders.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) reaffirms the principle that people with disabilities must be able to participate fully in all aspects of political, economic, social, and cultural life. It calls on nations to eliminate barriers. Create environments to empower women, where independence and inclusion are the norm.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development echoes this commitment through its promise to leave no one behind, urging countries to strengthen health systems, improve infrastructure, expand social protection, and ensure equal access to essential services.
Conclusion
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is more than a date on the calendar; it is a call to action. A reminder that real social progress begins when everyone is included, valued, and supported. By also embracing the inclusion of women with disabilities, we build societies that are stronger, fairer, and more resilient. When we open doors for one group, we create pathways for all.
