Hadiatou Diallo, a remarkable young woman originally from Guinea, embarked on a life-altering journey that forever changed the destinies of countless individuals with disabilities. Having survived forced marriage and domestic violence, she made the courageous decision to leave her homeland, forsaking her assets, family, friends, and loved ones to become an independent woman. Her mission: to dedicate her life to empowering girls to grow into independent women. Settling in Freetown, Sierra Leone, she rebuilt her life in secret and emerged as a powerful human rights activist.
Hadiatou’s choice to journey to Sierra Leone was driven by a profound sense of duty and unwavering passion to champion the rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs), especially children in dire need of support. Recognizing the significant challenges that PwDs face in Sierra Leone, Hadiatou was determined to be their voice and a catalyst for change.
Upon her arrival in Sierra Leone, Hadiatou quickly grasped the severity of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The absence of adequate infrastructure, resources, and societal understanding created formidable obstacles for these marginalized individuals. It was at this critical juncture that Hadiatou decided to make Sierra Leone her new home.
With unyielding commitment, Hadiatou co-founded the non-governmental organization (NGO), OneFamilyPeople, dedicated to advancing disability rights and advocating for the rights of children and young people with disabilities. Her NGO emerged as a trailblazing force, initiating programs that empowered and enriched the lives of countless PwDs across the country, earning national and international acclaim along the way.
Over the span of 15 years, Hadiatou has become one of Sierra Leone’s most influential advocates, tirelessly working to secure the rights and inclusion of PwDs, with a specific focus on girls and women with disabilities.
Hadiatou’s extraordinary contributions have made a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of PwDs in Sierra Leone. Through her relentless advocacy, she has played a pivotal role in shaping disability advocacy, leading to the development of laws and policy reforms that safeguard and empower PwDs. Her innovative approach has also led to the establishment of sustainable programs that cater to the diverse needs of PwDs, both within and beyond Sierra Leone’s borders.
A dedicated advocate, Hadiatou has facilitated groundbreaking South-to-South cooperation by fostering relationships between the Ministries of Social Welfare in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. Through these collaborations, Hadiatou has promoted knowledge-sharing and resource exchange, amplifying the impact of her advocacy work and strengthening regional efforts in promoting disability rights.
Hadiatou Diallo’s unwavering commitment has transformed the lives of countless individuals with disabilities, offering them a voice and a pathway to a brighter future. Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the profound impact one individual can make, even in the face of adversity.
As Hadiatou continues her invaluable work, she remains a beacon of hope for PwDs, underscoring that dedication, compassion, and an unshakeable belief in human rights can bring about lasting change and build a more inclusive society.
