International Day of Person with Disabilities

3rd Dec 2013

Organized by:

Pakistan Women with disabilities Network

“Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all

Venue: F-9 Park Islamabad

Report by: Maria Qureshi

Over one billion people, or approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, live with some form of

disability!

Around the world, persons with disabilities face physical, social, economic and attitudinal barriers that

exclude them from participating fully and effectively as equal members of society. They are

disproportionately represented among the world’s poorest, and lack equal access to basic resources,

such as education, employment, healthcare and social and legal support systems, as well as have a

higher rate of mortality. In spite of this situation, disability has remained largely invisible in the

mainstream development agenda and its processes.

United Nations' (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities is annually held on December 3 to

focus on issues that affect people with disabilities worldwide. This year 2013 theme is “Break Barriers,

Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all.

A major focus of the Day is practical and concrete action to include disability in all aspects of

development, as well as to further the participation of persons with disabilities in social life and

development on the basis of equality. Highlight progress and obstacles in implementing disability-

sensitive policies, as well as promote public awareness to break barriers and open doors: for an inclusive

society for all.

On the observance of “International day of person with disabilities” 1st Dec 2013, Pakistan Women with

disabilities Network organize a “Fun Gala” for WWD’s of Abbottabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The

idea behind this event was, to provide them a chance to spend a whole day with their friends in beautiful,

accessible environment. Women who have disabilities are among the poorest and most marginalized

people in the world. Discriminatory practices towards women with disabilities are common in many

countries. They have fewer opportunities in every aspect of life. In this stressful situation a full day fun

activities was a very positive and pleasant idea.

On Sunday, 1 Dec 2013, we chose a holiday for this event so all of our friend could join us easily.

We start our journey on 07:00am from Abbottabad with 20 women with disabilities. Our destination was

F-9 Park, Where we have a model accessible park for Person with disabilities. This accessible park is a

great initiative of Pakistan Bait ul mall.

On 10:30 we start our fun activities, Saima Aslam, Federal coordinator Pakistan women with disabilities

Network joined us with 30 WWD’s of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

We had a great time; first of all we sit in a big circle and start introduction session. We did chit chat, ball

passing activity, singing competition, banana eating competition, standing race, wheel chair race and

experience sharing session and many more. We enjoyed swings that were a great fun. An electronic and

print media has given us a comprehensive coverage. All women with disabilities were happy and enjoying

their new friends company in pleasantly warm sunny day in accessible and beautiful natural environment.

At 03:00pm, after lunch we had a closing ceremony. With beautiful remarks we good bye our friends till

next time.

We are very thankful to Mr. Manzoor (JICA staff), Mr. Farooq, Mr. Atif, Mr. Hassan,and all team of

(Sayya Association) for providing us great volunteer support.

We are highly obliged to Mr. Naoto Ikeda, Mr, Abrar, Mr. Abid Iqbal, Mr. Irfan (Friends of Paraplegia)

for their kind support and contribution to make this event possible.

Last but not least I am thankful to my all friend who participated in this event and make it successful.

Thank You