The world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today, December 3, established by the UN General Assembly in 1992 to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and promote their integration into all aspects of social, economic, political, and cultural life.
Globally, an estimated 10-15% of the population lives with physical, sensory, or mental disabilities, according to the World Health Organization. These individuals often face significant barriers in their daily lives, exacerbated by societal and environmental challenges.
According to global reports, women with disabilities encounter compounded discrimination due to gender and disability, often facing violence and societal rejection, emphasizing that disabled women and girls face severe economic and cultural hardships, with limited access to healthcare, education, and essential services.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a vital reminder of the need for global action. It is a call for societies to prioritize improving infrastructure, enforcing inclusive policies, and providing psychological and financial support to empower individuals with disabilities and ensure their dignity and independence.
