People living with disabilities face multiple discrimination within the community. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for example, they have difficulty accessing decision-making positions. Despite these obstacles, they nourish the incessant desire to participate in the construction of the country.
According to Sylvain Obedi, founder and executive director of the organization Enable the Disable Action (EDA), the aspirations of people living with disabilities are high. They dream of having an active role in society and want to be seen, heard and valued. According to him, there can be no change for people with disabilities without their effective participation in decision-making. It emphasizes that people with disabilities must be decision-makers and not just subjects who are subject to decisions made on their behalf.
In the current legislature in the DRC, people with disabilities have declared themselves candidates at all levels of elections, from municipal to presidential. This demonstrates their desire to get involved in political life and actively contribute to making decisions that concern them. Sylvain Obedi believes that people living with disabilities have all the skills necessary to occupy decision-making positions. They simply need opportunities to prove their worth and competence.
The EDA organization provides a platform that allows people living with disabilities to connect with each other and share their experiences. This networking promotes the exchange of ideas and knowledge, thus strengthening the voice and visibility of people with disabilities within society.
It is essential to recognize that the inclusion of people living with disabilities is essential to building a society that is truly equitable and respectful of diversity. The unique skills, ideas and perspectives of people with disabilities can contribute significantly to the development and growth of a country.
It is time to break down the barriers that hinder the participation of people living with disabilities in decision-making. By giving them the opportunities and means to express themselves, we can create a more inclusive world where all voices are heard and valued.