As the world commemorates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024, the theme “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future” serves as a rallying call for collective progress. This year’s observance highlights the critical role of persons with disabilities (PWDs) as leaders and advocates, essential for dismantling barriers, addressing inequalities, and driving sustainable development.
Globally, over 1 billion people live with disabilities, representing one of the largest and most diverse minority groups. Their inclusion as leaders and decision-makers is pivotal for fostering equitable opportunities, combating stigma, and achieving inclusive societies.
PLAN Foundation’s Commitment to Disability-Inclusive Leadership
In alignment with this year’s theme, PLAN Foundation emphasizes the importance of disability-inclusive leadership in all its programs and interventions. Through its EMBASSY Project (Eliminating Multiple Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Young Girls and Women with Disabilities), PLAN Foundation collaborates with the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities and other stakeholders to promote accessible and inclusive sexual and reproductive health services. This partnership ensures active representation of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities in the EMBASSY Project Working Group and fosters a multisectoral advocacy movement to eliminate systemic barriers for women and girls with disabilities.
Additionally, PLAN Foundation partners with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Oyo State Chapter, to mainstream disability inclusion across all programs. By incorporating disability considerations across its projects, PLAN Foundation acknowledges that excluding PWDs deprives society of an essential segment comprising 15% of the global population.
Key Objectives of IDPD 2024
- Promote Representation: Advocate for the equitable inclusion of PWDs in leadership roles across all sectors.
- Enhance Accessibility: Ensure systemic changes that guarantee universal access to education, healthcare, technology, and public spaces.
- Advance SDGs: Highlight the role of disability inclusion in reducing inequalities and fostering sustainable cities and communities.
Voices of Leadership
Persons with disabilities bring unique perspectives, resilience, and innovation to leadership. Empowering their voices helps society build a more inclusive future. Governments, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to recognize these contributions, challenge stigmas, and commit to actionable change this International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
A Call to Action
PLAN Foundation urges all stakeholders to amplify the leadership and engagement of persons with disabilities, not only in disability-related initiatives but across every sector of human endeavor. This commitment is critical to prevent marginalization and build societies that leave no one behind.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of disability-inclusive leadership in shaping policies, communities, and economies. Together, we can create a future where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.
For more details on PLAN Foundation’s activities, kindly visit www.planfoundation.org.ng and follow us on:
- X (formerly Twitter): @NG_PLAN
- Instagram: @PLANFoundationNGO
- Facebook: @PLANFoundationng
PLAN Foundation is a member of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC), the World Patients Alliance (WPA), the International AIDS Society (IAS), the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), the Stop TB Partnership, the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO), the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (IUATLD), and the Global Health Council (GHC), as well as various other relevant regional and global networks, movements, and professional associations aligned with its vision of a Nigeria where the individual, family, and community are adequately empowered to protect themselves against poverty, underdevelopment, and the spread of diseases.
Contact:
Ifedayo Osemwegie
Advocacy, Strategic Communication and Media Officer
PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation (PLAN Foundation)
Ibadan, Nigeria
📞 +2348038320421
📧 ifedayo@planfoundation.org.ng
