By: Carson P. Mehn
The Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCHE), through its Project Legal Aid and Legal Response for Violence Against Women in Elections has ended a daylong consultation meeting with people living with disabilities.
The meeting was aimed at giving disabled people space for their political participation in electoral processes across Liberia.
The Finance Officer of the Non-Governmental Organization assured participants of the necessary support needed for their voices to be heard during Political Processes.
Madam Justina Carter however encouraged People Living with Disabilities to have confidence in themselves to participate in politics and any other programs adding that ‘disability is not inability’.
She added that God created every human being equal, as such they should stand up and make an impact in the society.
“As women we all are equal, no matter the disabilities situation we all are one in God’s sight”, Madam Carter encourage disables at the gathering.
Participants in Pictures
The Organization for Women and Children Finance Officer has at the same time stressed the need for people living with disabilities especially women to rise for a cause and not to allow their challenges to waste their dreams.
Also speaking, the Office assistant for the National Union of Organization of the Disable (NUOD) Madama Sowoe Z. Johnson called on the government of President George Weah to give people living with disabilities specifically women the opportunity to explore across all sectors.
According to her women living with disabilities have been denied and marginalized over the years and thinks it is time opportunities be given them.
“We are capable of doing anything in this life, but we need to be given the necessary opportunities”, Madam Sowoe Johnson stressed.
For her part, Victoria Nyumah who also graced the occasion said one of the ways to increase the Women Living with Disabilities Political Participation is to provide education for disabled people, especially women.
Victoria noted if disabled women are educated, they can be empowered to take up the challenge during political periods.
The project is being supported by The 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 government of Ireland and Sweden through UNDP.
The Organization for Women and Children is an Non-Governmental Organization championing the cause for increased in women’s participation in decision-making and as well the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, and dismantling offender stereotypes in Liberia.
The one-day event brought together over 30 women living with disabilities from various organizations across Liberia.
