By Foday Moriba Conteh
During a three days virtual world summit held on the 26th to 28th March, 2021 marking 100 Successful Women on the Topic: “Empowering Disabled People Around the World” the keynote speaker, Amb. Dr. Imambay Kamara, who is also the President and Founder of Disable International Foundation UK/Sierra Leone, stated that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognize inclusion as a critical element in transforming the world and ending poverty for everyone.
‘Inclusion’, according to her, means making sure that change for the better is for everyone, including often-marginalized groups – like persons with disabilities, young people or women – to equally enjoy the benefits of the changes (such as jobs, or better education or health).
She furthered that as the President and Founder of Disable International Foundation UK/Sierra Leone her Organization has been working tremendously to ensure that persons with disabilities are considered in societal developments and transformation in Sierra Leone.
Amb. Dr. Imambay Kamara said her foundation was established upon that grounds and has a long history on advocating and helping to supporting persons with disability for over 19 years.
She further pointed out that her organization has always been an important partner in standing for the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disability in societies globally.
“Despite my yearly charity events, I have also been contributing immensely in supporting school building projects, health and other social facilities in different areas in Sierra Leone,” she disclosed.
She added that among her developmental works for persons with disability globally, she has also sponsored other projects in recent years.
According to her, the organization has helped in building a Masjid and an orphanage to help children who lost both parents in order to provide shelter and also taken care of them in the Kassonga Section of Kaffu-Bullom Chiefdom in Sierra Leone.
She said they also provided for women with disability gara tie-dying materials at the Grafton community, built a school at Fortane village in Magburaka.
Amb. Dr. Imambay Kamara revealed how they also provided wheel-chairs for disables at Pa Demba road, Freetown, sponsored feeding programmes and provided other needful materials to disables at Crown Bakery in Freetown.
She said because of her relentless strides towards assisting persons with disability she was crowned as the “Mother for the Disables” in Pujehun district, Sierra Leone as a compliment by stakeholders within the district.
“Imagine how much stronger the world would be if the rights of the more than 1 billion persons living with disabilities in the world would be respected, protected and fulfilled,” she averred adding that only when they have the opportunities they deserve, can they generate ideas, products and inspiration for millions of other people.
She intimated that in 2011, she was among other organizations that helped enforced the 2011 Disability Act of Sierra Leone which had marked a major step forward in empowering persons with disabilities.
“The 2011 Disability Act was not only passed as a law but to also ensure that equality in policy implementation in Sierra Leone is respected,” she stated adding that it is firmly rooted in human rights.
Based on what she said, the Act establishes that discrimination against any person on the basis of disability is a violation of the rights, inherent dignity and worth of the human person.
“My foundation isn’t only dedicated in promoting empowerment but obliged to ensure and promote the full realization of all rights of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development both nationally and internationally,” she pointed out.
She said, however, there are still challenges to that universal goal, but with commitment, perseverance and togetherness, they will achieve that goal and called on all countries to take action to make the goal of the Convention a reality on the ground.
The reality, she stated, is persons with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty, face many obstacles, including stigma, invisibility and abuse.
She pointed out how disable persons have a harder time in school and a tougher time finding jobs, are denied their rights to vote, move freely, enjoy social protection, access justice and choose medical treatment.
“Women with disabilities are also faced with particular challenges and need to be empowered,” she informed maintaining that disabled children especially need protection and support.
Amb. Dr. Imambay Kamara stated that all should know that the situation has to change — for persons with disabilities and for the society adding that when we empower persons with disabilities, we strengthen human solidarity for everyone.
She stated that the meeting is an important step on the road to the future and extended congratulations to the Government of Sierra Leone for its stride and relentless effort towards persons with disabilities in the country in diverse ways.
“I hope these meetings will feed into the work of empowering disabled people around the world,” she said adding that it is an opportunity for all countries to renew their resolve to empower persons with disabilities.
“This is a chance for all countries to ensure that they enjoy the full range of human rights — civil, economic, political and social — on an equal basis with others,” she said admonishing that together, all must take concrete action to achieve a just and equitable society and development for all.
“Always count on Disabled International Foundation UK/Sierra Leone to be part of the global effort to advance the cause,” she admonished stating that Stevie Wonder once said: “I know what I can do. I know what I have — but what about those persons that don’t have?”
“I am really moved by his compassion,” she emotionally said.
Amb. Dr. Imambay Kamara concluded by saying that persons with disability have an equal right to live like every other human being only if all work unanimously.
“The spirit to care for others should guide us,” she said adding that it is a rewarding way to live — and the sure path to common goals.
