Event Title: Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future
Date: December 3, 2024
Location: Jazeera IDP Camp, Luuq District, Somalia
Organizers: Somali Livelihood Initiative and Disability Organization (LIDOSOM) & International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Introduction
On December 3, 2024, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) was commemorated with a special event in Jazeera IDP Camp, Luuq District. This event was organized by the Somali Livelihood Initiative and Disability Organization (LIDOSOM), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The session was a key part of IOM’s Activism Day for Persons with Disabilities, designed to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and celebrate the leadership of persons with disabilities (PLwD) in displaced communities.
The event, which took place within a context of displacement, brought together internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom face unique challenges in accessing services, opportunities, and rights. The theme of the day, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” served to highlight the leadership potential of persons with disabilities in IDP communities and their role in advocating for a better, more inclusive society.
Event Overview
Opening Remarks and Welcome
The event began at 9:30 AM with opening remarks from key organizers. Representatives from LIDOSOM and IOM addressed the participants, acknowledging the resilience and leadership of persons with disabilities in IDP settings. They stressed that persons with disabilities are not passive recipients of aid but active leaders who contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
The speeches emphasized the importance of recognizing leadership in all its forms and ensuring that persons with disabilities are empowered to advocate for their rights, participate in decision-making, and play an active role in shaping their communities.
Awareness Session for IDPs
The awareness session held at the Jazeera IDP Camp focused on empowering displaced persons with disabilities and highlighting their potential as leaders. The session was framed around key issues of inclusion, accessibility, and rights, with a focus on creating a society where everyone—regardless of ability—has equal access to opportunities.
Through discussions and interactive activities, participants explored ways to overcome challenges, such as limited access to education, healthcare, and employment, which are particularly pronounced for persons with disabilities in IDP camps. The session also encouraged participants to share their experiences and ideas for creating a more inclusive environment, both within the camp and in the wider community.
Visibility and Symbolic T-Shirt Distribution
As part of the event, IOM distributed 25 visibility T-shirts to persons with disabilities in the Jazeera IDP camp. These T-shirts were designed to promote awareness and solidarity for persons with disabilities, ensuring that their presence and leadership were recognized by the wider community. The distribution of T-shirts was not just symbolic but also a practical tool to empower participants, fostering a sense of pride and unity.
Key Messages Delivered during the Event
Several powerful messages were shared throughout the day to inspire, empower, and challenge the community to take action. These messages aligned with the theme of the event, emphasizing leadership, rights, accessibility, and the importance of collective responsibility in creating an inclusive future.
- Recognizing Leadership Potential
- “Each of you is a leader in your own right. Leadership comes in many forms, and your voices are powerful agents of change. You are not just recipients of help, but leaders who can help shape a more inclusive and sustainable world.”
- Promoting Equal Rights and Opportunities
- “Everyone, regardless of ability, deserves equal rights and opportunities. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are given the same chances to thrive, contribute, and lead in every sphere of life.”
- Encouraging Collective Responsibility
- “Building an inclusive society is a shared responsibility. It is not just the responsibility of people with disabilities, but of all individuals, organizations, and governments to ensure accessibility, inclusion, and respect for human dignity.”
- Highlighting the Importance of Accessibility
- “We must continue to create accessible environments—both physical and digital—so that everyone can participate fully in society. Accessibility is not a privilege; it’s a right.”
- Celebrating Achievements and Overcoming Barriers
- “Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of persons with disabilities who have overcome barriers and made significant contributions to their communities. Your resilience and determination inspire us all to work harder for a world that values every individual.”
- Challenging Stigma and Stereotypes
- “We must challenge and break down the stereotypes and stigma that often surround disability. Let’s celebrate differences and embrace the richness that diversity brings to our communities and our societies.”
- Fostering Collaboration and Support
- “Together, we are stronger. Collaboration between persons with disabilities, governments, organizations, and communities is essential to create lasting change and ensure that the leadership of persons with disabilities is fully recognized.”
- Empowering Future Leaders
- “Today, we empower the leaders of tomorrow. Let us ensure that young people with disabilities see themselves as capable of leadership and understand that the world needs their unique perspectives and talents.”
- Sustainable Development and Inclusion
- “A sustainable future is an inclusive one. When persons with disabilities are included in decision-making processes, the outcomes are better for everyone. Your leadership and participation are essential in creating solutions that benefit all of society.”
- Commitment to Continued Action
- “This day is not just about recognition, but about action. Let this occasion remind us of our shared commitment to continuing the fight for equality, accessibility, and opportunity for people with disabilities.”
Reflections and Impact
The event was a significant milestone in raising awareness and empowering the participants, particularly within the context of displacement. For many persons with disabilities in Jazeera IDP camp, the day served as a reminder that they are not only entitled to rights but also capable of leading change.
The messages conveyed were met with enthusiasm and a sense of hope, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not defined by physical ability but by the drive to create positive change. Participants expressed a renewed sense of agency, with several individuals sharing their commitment to advocating for accessibility and equal rights in their communities.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Jazeera IDP Camp was an inspiring event that brought together displaced persons with disabilities to reflect on their leadership potential and shared responsibility for creating an inclusive society. The partnership between LIDOSOM and IOM played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities and demonstrating the power of collective action.
Moving forward, the lessons and commitments from this event should be carried into future activism and advocacy for persons with disabilities. IOM’s Activism Day was not just a moment for reflection but a call for ongoing action—ensuring that the rights, dignity, and leadership of persons with disabilities are championed in every part of society.
End of Report