ADDIS ABABA– Preparation has been finalized for the 31st International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) that is set to mark tomorrow in Assosa town of Benishangul-Gumuz State, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA) said.
The Ministry in concert with various stakeholders would mark this year’s (IDPD) under the theme “United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the SDGs for, with and by Persons with Disabilities” through carrying out events that involve PWDs and enhance public awareness.
At a press briefing she held here Thursday, MoWSA Minister Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD) stated that the major objective of the celebration is creating public movement to give PWDs equal opportunities in social, economic and political arenas.
According to the minister, the need for aligning PWDs inclusive strategies with sustainable development goals is to understand and identify the type of disabilities they have including those who need especial support. The celebration is also aimed to respect PWDs and promote their democratic and human rights.
Apart from attitudinal change, allowing PWDs equal access and opportunities through providing a variety of disability-focused technology solutions and accommodating their special needs should be the responsibility of all stakeholders. Similarly, creating a comfortable working environment that ensures PWDs inclusive participation is something worth equal consideration, the minister elaborated.
“Mainstreaming the PWDs issue should not be left to a single governmental entity and every stakeholder is expected to partake in activities that could change the former’s livelihoods and empower them. The stakeholder’s involvement in raising the public’s awareness about the PWDs’ cause is also of great significance.”
Ergogie further noted that her ministry is undertaking several activities to ensure the proper implementation of designed policies, legal frameworks and programs concerning the PWDs and enforcing the accountability of violators.
Moreover, the executive body should incorporate the PWDs in their major agendas and respect and enforce the latter’s rights which are stipulated in various legal frameworks. A lot is also expected from the executive organ to ensure the PWD suniversally-acclaimed equal right and participation in the public sphere translate reform policies into actions and allow the PWDs to contribute to the overall development of the country.
Abayneh Gujo, Executive Director of Federation of Ethiopian National Associations of Persons with Disability (FENAPD) on his part mentioned that the day is celebrated to ensure holistic participation of PWDs through identifying their gaps and echoing one voice.
It was learned that PWDS communities, higher government officials and pertinent stakeholders would take part at the celebration.
The IDPD to be marked for the 32nd times globally and 31st times nationally.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER 2023
