The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Social Welfare, has hosted a ground -breaking Townhall Meeting on Persons with Disabilities under the theme “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development.”
The event, held at the New City Hall Lobby of Freetown City Council, brought together government ministers, development partners, local authorities, members of the media, and representatives of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to engage in discussions to foster inclusive development practices.
Minister Karminty’s Call for Radical Inclusion
The Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, delivered the keynote address and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to create a Sierra Leone that prioritises equity and dignity for all, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She highlighted the significance of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2011, currently under review, as a critical framework for promoting inclusion and combating stigma and discrimination against PWDs. “This historic Townhall Meeting underscores the growing need to ensure dignity, equity, and respect for all persons with disabilities,” Minister Karminty stated.
She emphasised that President Bio’s administration places radical inclusion at the heart of its governance agenda to ensure no one is left behind.
SLUDI President Advocates for Self-Representation
The President of the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), Joseph Alieu Kamara, expressed enthusiasm for the meeting, calling it a historic moment for PWDs to engage in shaping policies that affect their lives.
“The best advocates for persons with disabilities are ourselves,” Kamara said. He called on stakeholders to prioritise the involvement of PWDs in decision-making processes, lamenting the need for such engagement in past advocacy efforts. While praising the government’s initiatives, Kamara urged authorities to recognise the leadership of PWDs, ensuring their voices are integral to the nation’s development efforts.
Strengthening Collaboration for Inclusive Development
Minister Karminty emphasised that the event’s essence lies in its alignment with the principle of ‘nothing about persons with disabilities without persons with disabilities.’ In presentations addressing measures to enhance inclusivity in education, health, and employment, she highlighted the proactive inclusion of government ministries, UN agencies, and civil society organisations.
The Minister also urged stakeholders to strengthen collaborative efforts to remove systemic barriers hindering PWDs’ access to opportunities, calling for sustainable financing and institutional reforms. “This dialogue is a step forward in transforming how we view and implement disability-inclusive policies,” she concluded.
The Path Ahead
The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing challenges faced by PWDs such as discrimination, limited access to resources, and lack of representation in decision-making platforms.
Kamara called for patience among PWDs, urging calm and constructive dialogue with stakeholders as the pathway to meaningful progress.
A Shared Commitment
The town Hall Meeting served as a platform for reaffirming the collective commitment to an inclusive Sierra Leone. As the government and its partners work to strengthen disability-inclusive processes, the initiative marks a pivotal moment in promoting equity and empowerment for all.
Credit: Aiah Ishaka Godswill Ngaujah
