International Women's Day 2025

 

International Women's Day 2025

Every year, on March 8th, the world celebrates International Women's Day (IWD), a day dedicated to recognizing the incredible contributions of women and advocating for gender equality. The theme for International Women's Day 2025 is "Empower Her: Elevate Voices, Break Barriers," which is itself meaningful.

International Women's Day has its roots in the early 20th century, when women around the world began organizing and demanding equal rights. Since its first official celebration in 1911, IWD has grown into a global movement that continues to inspire change and progress with the slogan "We can do.".

Women have made remarkable strides across various fields. From pioneering scientists like Marie Curie to trailblazing leaders like Margaret Thatcher, women have reshaped our world. In recent years, figures such as Malala Yousafzai, Kamala Harris, and Greta Thunberg have emerged as powerful advocates for education, representation, and climate action. Their achievements highlight the strength and resilience of women everywhere. Women with disabilities also played their roles, like Hellen Keller, Dr. Fatima Shah, Judy Heumann, Rhonda Graham & Arunima Sinha, Frida Kahlo, and Jessica Cox. There is a long list of successful women with disabilities in the world.

Despite significant progress, many challenges remain. Women continue to face disparities in pay, access to education, and representation in leadership roles. Gender-based violence affects millions of women globally. Addressing these issues requires collective effort and commitment from individuals, organizations, and governments.

In countries like Pakistan, girls and women with disabilities face triple discrimination: being women, facing religious misinterpretation about women in Islam, and contending with cultural norms of South Asia. This intersectionality of gender, disability, and cultural barriers creates a particularly challenging environment for women with disabilities. They often experience exclusion from educational opportunities, limited access to healthcare, and restricted participation in economic activities.

Women with disabilities are often overlooked in mainstream gender movements. Despite the efforts of many advocates, their voices are frequently marginalized, and their specific needs are not adequately addressed. This year's theme, "Empower Her: Elevate Voices, Break Barriers," serves as a powerful reminder that the inclusion of women with disabilities within the gender movement and beyond is essential. It calls for a comprehensive approach to gender equality that recognizes and addresses the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities. The inclusion of women with disabilities is not just a matter of justice but a necessity for achieving true gender equality. This International Women's Day, let us commit to raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities and ensuring their voices are heard. By doing so, we can create a world where every woman, regardless of her abilities, can live with dignity and opportunity.

International Women's Day is an opportunity to empower women and elevate their voices. Gender equality is not just a women's issue but a human rights issue. Promoting policies that ensure equal opportunities, creating safe and accessible spaces, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate inequality are essential steps towards a more inclusive world. As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us recognize the achievements of women with and without disabilities and reflect on the work that still needs to be done. Each of us can contribute to advancing gender equality by supporting women's initiatives, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for inclusive policies.

This year, International Women's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress we've made and the journey ahead, celebrating women's achievements and advocating for their rights to honor their contributions, pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable world, and remind us of our collective responsibility to create an inclusive world where every woman, including those with disabilities, can thrive by elevating their voices, breaking barriers, and empowering all women to reach their full potential.

According to the theme of this year, together, we can break barriers and build an inclusive world where every woman, regardless of age, race, nationality, or disability, can thrive and reach her full potential.

World Hearing Day 2025

 

World Hearing Day 2025

World Hearing Day is observed on March 3rd every year. It's a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care for all. The theme for 2025 is "Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All." This year's focus is on breaking the stigma around hearing loss and encouraging proactive steps toward better hearing health.

Hearing loss is a significant public health issue affecting millions worldwide. According to WHO, over 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing impairment, and this number is expected to rise. The campaign emphasizes the importance of early detection, regular hearing check-ups, and the use of hearing aids and assistive devices without stigma.

Some key steps to safeguard hearing include:

• Lowering the volume and following the 60/60 rule (listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes).
• Wearing ear protection in loud environments.
• Avoid inserting objects into the ear.
• Treating ear infections promptly.
• Getting regular hearing screenings.
• Empowering individuals on hearing care
• Campaign to raise awareness on hearing care
• Networking on hear care

Changing mindsets about hearing loss involves shifting societal attitudes and beliefs. By normalizing hearing aids and assistive devices, educating the public, and promoting advocacy, we can make people feel more comfortable seeking help. Open discussions about hearing loss within families, communities, and workplaces create supportive environments, while campaigns like World Hearing Day highlight the importance of hearing health.

Prioritizing hearing health means encouraging regular screenings, early detection, and intervention using hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices. Inclusive communication practices and supporting research can also foster a more inclusive society where everyone can participate fully, regardless of their hearing ability. This not only improves the lives of individuals with hearing loss but also fosters a culture of empathy, understanding, and support.

HANDS Foundation is already a member of the World Hearing Day campaign. If you're interested in more details or want to participate in World Hearing Day events, you can find more information by clicking on the link to the Word Hearing Website.

International Zero Discrimination Day

 

International Zero Discrimination Day

Observed annually on March 1st, the United Nations' Zero Discrimination Day serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of the fundamental human right to live a life free from prejudice, stigma, and marginalization. This day underscores the urgent and ongoing need to combat all forms of discrimination, whether based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other status. As we approach Zero Discrimination Day 2025, the call for a more equitable and inclusive world resonates even more strongly. It's crucial to delve deeper into the multifaceted challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked experiences of South Asians with disabilities. Their experiences represent a complex intersection of discrimination, demanding focused attention and concerted action.

The Multifaceted Context of Disability

Disability is not a monolithic concept. It encompasses a wide spectrum of physical, sensory, intellectual, cognitive, and mental impairments, some visible and others invisible. It is an integral and natural part of the human experience, affecting individuals across all demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds because of barriers. Despite its prevalence, persons with disabilities often encounter significant, systemic barriers that impede their full participation and inclusion in society. These barriers are not simply physical; they are often deeply rooted in societal attitudes, cultural norms, and systemic inequalities. They can manifest as inaccessible infrastructure, discriminatory practices, various heartening terminologies, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and pervasive social stigma.

South Asians with Disabilities

South Asians with disabilities often face a double, sometimes even triple, burden of discrimination. They are marginalized not only as members of the disability community but also as individuals belonging to an ethnic minority group or sexual identity. Within their own communities, they may encounter cultural stigma, misconceptions surrounding the causes of disability, and even outright rejection. Disability may be viewed through a lens of shame, superstition, or as a punishment for past transgressions, leading to isolation and a lack of support for both the individual and their family. Furthermore, they often experience discrimination in the broader society due to their ethnicity, language, religious beliefs, or cultural practices. This intersectional discrimination, where multiple forms of prejudice converge, creates a complex web of disadvantage, leading to profound social exclusion, economic hardship, limited access to essential services, and diminished opportunities for personal growth and development.

The challenges faced by South Asians with disabilities are often exacerbated by poverty, lack of access to assistive technologies, limited availability of rehabilitation services, and inadequate representation in decision-making processes. These factors contribute to a cycle of marginalization, making it difficult for individuals to overcome the barriers they face and realize their full potential. The lack of disaggregated data on disability within South Asian communities further complicates the issue, making it difficult to accurately assess the prevalence of disability and develop targeted interventions.

Unraveling the Roots of Disability Discrimination

Disability discrimination is a complex phenomenon with roots in a variety of interconnected factors, including:

• Lack of Awareness and Understanding: A fundamental cause of discrimination is the widespread lack of accurate information and understanding about disability. Misconceptions, stereotypes, and fear often fuel prejudice and negative attitudes. Many people are simply unaware of the diverse range of disabilities and the challenges faced by individuals living with them.
• Cultural Stigma and Misconceptions: In some cultures, disability is shrouded in stigma and viewed through a lens of shame or misfortune. This can lead to discrimination and exclusion of individuals with disabilities, preventing them from accessing support and resources.
• Fear and Discomfort: Some individuals may feel uncomfortable or even fearful around people with disabilities due to a lack of familiarity or understanding. This discomfort can lead to avoidance, exclusion, and discriminatory behavior.
• Systemic Barriers: Beyond individual attitudes, systemic, policy and institutional barriers play a significant role in perpetuating disability discrimination. These barriers can include inaccessible infrastructure, discriminatory hiring practices, limited access to education and healthcare, and a lack of representation in decision-making bodies.
• Socioeconomic Condition: Poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, limiting their access to resources, opportunities, and support.

Solutions for Disability Discrimination

Combating disability discrimination requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, involving individuals, communities, governments, and organizations working together. Key strategies include:

• Raising Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns and educational programs are essential for challenging stereotypes, dispelling misconceptions, and promoting a more inclusive understanding of disability. These initiatives should target schools, workplaces, communities, and the media.
• Universal Design: Ensuring that physical and digital environments are accessible to persons with disabilities is crucial for their full participation in society. This includes accessible buildings, transportation, websites, and assistive technologies. The principles of universal design, which aim to create environments that are usable by everyone to the greatest extent possible, should be incorporated into all aspects of design and planning.
• Implementation of Legal Framework: Robust legal frameworks that protect the rights of persons with disabilities are essential for ensuring equality and justice. These laws should prohibit discrimination in all areas of life, including employment, education, healthcare, and housing. Effective enforcement mechanisms are crucial for ensuring that these laws are implemented and that individuals with disabilities have access to redressal mechanisms.
• Empowerment: Supporting persons with disabilities to advocate for their rights, participate fully in their communities, and contribute their talents and skills is vital for promoting inclusion. This includes providing access to education, training, employment opportunities, and leadership development programs.
• Inclusive Education: Inclusive education, where students with and without disabilities learn together in the same classrooms, is essential for fostering understanding, breaking down stereotypes, and creating more inclusive classrooms.
• Support Services: Access to quality rehabilitation services, assistive technologies, and support services is crucial for enabling individuals with disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives.
• Disability Data: Collecting disaggregated data on disability within South Asian communities is essential for understanding the specific challenges faced by this population and developing targeted interventions. Further research is needed to explore the cultural and social factors that contribute to disability discrimination in these communities.
• Partnerships: Addressing disability discrimination requires collaboration and partnerships between governments, NGOs, community organizations, and individuals with disabilities. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

On Zero Discrimination Day 2025, let us not only reaffirm our commitment to building a world free from discrimination but also amplify the voices of South Asians with disabilities. Let us move beyond mere tolerance and embrace a culture of inclusion, where everyone, regardless of their abilities or background, can live a life of dignity, respect, and opportunity. By working together to dismantle barriers, challenge prejudices, and promote inclusion, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. This requires a sustained effort, a commitment to listening to and learning from the experiences of marginalized communities, and a willingness to challenge our own biases and assumptions. Only then can we truly achieve a world where zero discrimination is a reality, not just an aspiration.

Celebrating Love for People with Disabilities

 Celebrating Love for People with Disabilities

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and connection. However, in many Asian communities, people with disabilities often face barriers to pursuing relationships due to stigma and societal neglect.

Many mistakenly believe that individuals with physical disabilities lack romantic desires or the ability to form meaningful relationships. I experienced this firsthand before my marriage and even after, as colleagues often questioned how a person with a physical disability could live with a partner. Our research in Pakistan’s urban and rural areas found that families often view girls with disabilities as fragile or incapable, negatively impacting their lives. Some are even exploited in false relationships, left abandoned after having children. These harmful stereotypes label people with disabilities as “incapable” or “unsuitable” partners, leading to their exclusion from romantic and marital opportunities. Some also assume that relationships should only exist between people with the same disabilities, such as deaf individuals only dating other deaf people or blind individuals only dating the blind.

Others infantilize people with disabilities, treating them as if they are children who don’t need or shouldn’t have romantic relationships. This attitude disregards their right to experience love and intimacy like anyone else, including those with Down syndrome.

The Need for Inclusive Education

Change begins with schools. Schools must provide disability-friendly relationship education, families should support autonomy, and media should represent individuals with disabilities as capable of love. Campaigns like Love Without Limits in South Korea showcase inspiring stories of couples who challenge societal barriers.

Sex education is often considered taboo in many Asian countries. Without proper sex education, not only are people with disabilities discriminated against, but young children also become more vulnerable to abuse. Relationship education rarely accommodates their needs, leaving them unprepared to navigate relationships safely. Worse, materials often lack accessibility features such as sign language support or simplified guides for those with learning differences. Studies show that individuals with disabilities face higher risks of abuse, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive resources.

Breaking the Dating Taboo

In many Asian cultures, dating is considered sinful, leading to resistance from society. In India, for example, extremist groups have attacked couples in public. Even in more developed Asian countries, families and caregivers sometimes discourage people with disabilities from dating, fearing harm or misunderstanding. Interviews across Asia reveal that many individuals have been told to “wait until you’re older” or to “focus on other things.” A 40-year-old man with a developmental disability shared, “My parents told me I wasn’t ready for a relationship—even at my age.” Such attitudes reinforce the myth that people with disabilities don’t understand love or deserve companionship, emphasizing the need for independent living in Asia.

Despite these challenges, activists and organizations are working to change perceptions. In Japan and India, workshops on relationships for disabled youth are becoming more common. Online communities across Southeast Asia are creating safe spaces where people with disabilities can share their stories and experiences.

Valentine’s Day reminds us that love is for everyone. As one young woman with cerebral palsy put it, “Love isn’t about ability—it’s about connection.” By challenging stereotypes and improving education, we can ensure that people with disabilities are included in the conversation. This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate love in all its forms and work toward a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience it fully.

 This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate love in all its forms—and work toward a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience it fully. Valentine's Day is to show love to loved ones, including family, relatives, parents, offspring, spouses, and partners.

Tips for People with Disabilities are not in any relationship to Celebrate Valentine’s Day:

• Spend time with your loved ones.
• 
  
• Practice self-love and schedule a self-care day.
• 
  
• Make plans with friends.
• 
  
• Volunteer with your favorite NGO/DPO.
• 
  
• Exchange gifts with friends and family.
• 
  
• Join or organize a group activity.
• 
  
• Take a break from social media, screens, and alcohol for the day.
• 
  
• Call friends you haven’t spoken to in a while.
• 
  
• Socialize and meet new people.

Love is universal, and everyone deserves to experience it in their own way. Let’s make this Valentine’s Day a celebration of inclusivity and acceptance.

World Radio Day 2025

 

World Radio Day 2025

Every year on February 13, the world comes together to celebrate World Radio Day, a tribute to one of humanity’s oldest and most resilient forms of communication. Declared by the United Nations in 2011—surprisingly late, given radio’s century-long influence—this day reminds us of radio’s unique power to connect, inform, and inspire. In 2025, the theme “Radio and Climate Change” highlights how this humble medium can drive urgent conversations about our planet’s future. From remote villages to bustling cities, radio remains a lifeline for millions, proving that even in the digital age, its relevance hasn’t faded.

 Why Radio Still Matters  

Radio’s simplicity is its strength. It doesn’t require expensive gadgets, stable internet, or literacy. A basic receiver and a pair of batteries are enough to bridge gaps between communities, governments, and experts. This accessibility makes radio indispensable, especially in regions where poverty or geography limits access to technology. In Pakistan, for instance, a recent Gallup survey found that 16.5% of the population tunes in weekly, with young people (ages 15–24) forming a significant chunk of listeners after prevalence of Mobile Phone. Even among older adults (55+), over 21% rely on radio regularly. These numbers may seem modest, but they represent millions who depend on radio for news and music.  

Pakistan’s official broadcaster, Radio Pakistan, operates 67 stations across the country, using a mix of FM, medium wave, and shortwave frequencies. Yet, while these stations serve urban and rural areas, there’s a glaring gap: Pakistan has zero community radio stations—a stark contrast to neighbors like India (494 stations) or Afghanistan (155). This absence is puzzling, given radio’s potential to address local needs. 

 Community Radio

Community radio is grassroots media at its best. Run by and for local people, it broadcasts in regional languages and focuses on hyper-local issues—agriculture, health, education, and disaster response. Take Nepal’s Radio Sagarmatha, South Asia’s first community station, launched in 1997 after a five-year struggle for licensing. Or Bangladesh’s 32 stations that empower farmers with weather updates and crop advice. These stations aren’t just broadcasters; they’re community builders.  

In Pakistan, the 2005 earthquake became a turning point. When the disaster wiped out communication networks in Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) stepped in. With no prior experience, volunteers set up makeshift radio studios in shipping containers to share lifesaving information. This effort not only aided recovery but sparked interest in community radio. Today, PPF runs 12 radio studios in press clubs nationwide, waiting for licenses to launch full-fledged stations.  

The need is clear. Half of South Asia’s population lives in rural areas, where internet access is scarce. For farmers, women, and marginalized groups, community radio could deliver tailored content—like climate-smart farming techniques or disaster preparedness—in their own languages. Organizations like HANDS Foundation could lead this charge, creating programs that educate and engage communities on pressing issues like climate change.  

Radio vs. Climate Change 

Climate change isn’t just a scientific challenge—it’s a communication crisis. How do we explain rising temperatures or erratic rains to a farmer in Sindh or a herder in Balochistan? Radio bridges this gap. With trusted local voices and culturally relevant messaging, it can translate complex ideas into actionable steps.  

This year’s World Radio Day theme urges broadcasters to:  

1. Raise awareness about climate impacts.  

2. Promote sustainable practices, like water conservation or renewable energy.  

3. Amplify grassroots stories, giving a platform to those most affected.  

In Pakistan, where floods and heatwaves are becoming routine, radio can warn communities about disasters, share recovery resources, and advocate for policy changes. Imagine a daily show where meteorologists explain weather patterns, or NGOs like HANDS Foundation host call-ins to discuss tree-planting drives. Radio’s intimacy—its ability to feel like a conversation—makes these messages stick.  

 Radio for the Visually Impaired Persons

For visually impaired individuals, radio isn’t just convenient—it’s liberating. Without relying on screens, they access news, education, and entertainment independently. In regions like Pakistan, where disability resources are limited, radio becomes a classroom, a companion, and a career path.  

Educational programs teach languages, vocational skills, and even coding. Talk shows let listeners engage with social issues, reducing isolation. Entertainment—music, dramas, storytelling—offers respite from daily struggles. Moreover, radio opens doors for visually impaired talent. From hosting shows to producing podcasts, many find purpose and income in broadcasting.  

Advances like digital radio and voice-activated devices (e.g., smart speakers) have made content even more accessible. For someone who can’t read a newspaper or navigate the internet, a radio’s “on” button is a gateway to the world.  

Pakistan stands at a crossroads. While Radio Pakistan’s network is impressive, the lack of community stations holds back rural development. Licensing hurdles and bureaucratic delays must be addressed to unleash this potential. The success of PPF’s container studios post-earthquake proves that local radio works—it saves lives, builds trust, and fosters unity.  

Meanwhile, climate change demands urgent action. By partnering with NGOs, universities, and international bodies, Pakistan’s radio sector can become a hub for environmental education. Young people, who already tune in widely, could lead this shift through youth-led programs or citizen journalism.  

For the visually impaired, radio is a right, not a privilege. Advocates must push for inclusive policies—like quotas for disability-focused content or training programs for blind broadcasters.  

World Radio Day isn’t just about celebrating the past; it’s about reimagining the future. In an era of TikTok and AI, radio’s human touch—its warmth, immediacy, and reach—remains irreplaceable. From battling climate change to empowering marginalized groups, its potential is limitless.  

Pakistan has the tools: a young population eager to engage, NGOs ready to innovate, and airwaves waiting to be filled with local voices. What’s needed now is political will and public support. Let’s turn up the volume on community radio, climate action, and inclusivity. After all, in a world of noise, sometimes the simplest voices speak the loudest.  

As we mark World Radio Day 2025, let’s remember: every frequency, every story, and every listener brings us closer to a better world. Tune in, speak up, and keep the dial on hope.

خودشناسی

  

خود شناسی   

انسانی زندگی خود کی دریافت اور ترقی کا ایک مسلسل عمل ہے۔ ہم ایک پیچیدہ دنیا میں پیدا ہوئے ہیں، جہاں اندرونی اور بیرونی چیلنجز ہمیں نکھارتے اور ہمارے اوپر اثر انداز ہوتے ہیں۔ کچھ لوگ قدرتی طور پر خود کو بہتر بنانے کی کوشش کرتے ہیں، جبکہ کچھ لوگ اپنی ہی سوچ اور رویوں کے جال میں پھنسے رہتے ہیں اور دوسروں پر مسلط کرنے کی کوشش کرتے ہیں۔ 

خود پسندی   

آپ کے کچھ رویے آپ کی ترقی کی راہ میں رکاوٹ بن جاتے ہیں اور دوسروں کو نقصان پہنچاتے ہیں۔ ان میں ایک اہم رویہ  خود غرضی  ہے، جس میں انسان صرف اپنی خواہشات اور ضروریات کو ترجیح دیتا ہے اور دوسروں کے احساسات کو نظر انداز کرتا ہے۔ یہ سوچ کہ "میری بات ہی سب سے زیادہ اہم ہے" یہ سوچ کامیاب زندگی کی راہ میں رکاوٹ بنتی ہے اور دوسروں کی رائے کو نظر انداز کرنے کا سبب بنتی ہے۔  

ذمیداری کا فقدان

ذمہ داری سے گریز بھی ایک عام مسئلہ ہے، جس میں انسان اپنی ناکامیوں کا الزام دوسروں پر ڈال دیتا ہے۔ یہ رویہ سیکھنے اور بہتری کی راہ میں رکاوٹ بنتا ہے، کیونکہ جب تک ہم اپنی غلطیوں کو قبول نہیں کریں گے، ہم ان سے سیکھ نہیں سکتے۔  

عدم تحفظ

کچھ افراد میں دوسروں پر قابو پانے کی خواہش  بھی دیکھی گئی ہے، جو عدم تحفظ کے احساس اور ہر چیز کو اپنے مطابق ڈھالنے کی کوشش سے جنم لیتی ہے۔ اس سے نہ صرف خود  کے ذہنی دباؤ میں اضافہ ہوتا ہے بلکہ دوسرے بھی اس کنٹرول کے بوجھ تلے دب جاتے ہیں، جس کے نتیجے میں رشتوں میں کشیدگی پیدا ہوتی ہے۔ خود کو محفوظ رکھنے کیلئے  جذباتی بلیک میلنگ، ڈر پیدا کرنا اور دوسروں کو نقصان پہنچانے گریز نہیں کرتے۔   

 منفی سوچ

منفی رویہ بھی ذاتی ترقی میں ایک بڑی رکاوٹ ہے۔ مستقل طور پر شکایت کرنا، ہر چیز میں مایوسی تلاش کرنا اور ہر موقعے پر منفی پہلو کو دیکھنا ایک زہریلا ماحول پیدا کرتا ہے۔ یہ نہ صرف انسان کے فیصلوں کو متاثر کرتا ہے بلکہ تخلیقی صلاحیتوں کو بھی محدود کر دیتا ہے اور تعلقات کو نقصان پہنچاتا ہے۔  

 عدم اعتمادی 

جب انسان دوسروں کے جذبات کو نظر انداز کرتا ہے تو وہ آہستہ آہستہ تنہائی کا شکار ہو جاتا ہے۔ ہمدردی کی کمی لوگوں کو دور کر دیتی ہے اور سچے تعلقات بننے نہیں دیتی۔ اسی طرح،  جھوٹ بولنا اور وعدے توڑنا اعتماد کو ختم کر دیتا ہے، جس سے رشتے کمزور ہو جاتے ہیں اور زندگی میں مایوسیاں پیدا ہوتی ہیں۔  

 شکایت اور بے عملی   

کچھ افراد  ہمیشہ خود کو مظلوم سمجھتے ہیں، جو دراصل توجہ حاصل کرنے اور ہمدردی بٹورنے کی لاشعوری کوشش کرتے ہیں۔ یہ رویہ خود ترسی کو جنم دیتا ہے اور انسان مایوس ہونا شروع ہو جاتا ہے۔ اسی طرح،  ہر چیز میں تنقید کرنے  کی عادت بھی دوسروں کو دور کر دیتی ہے اور منفی سوچ کو مزید بڑھاوا دیتی ہے۔ ایسے لوگ عملی کام کرنا چھوڑ دیتے ہیں اس طرح ان کی ترقی بھی رک جاتی ہے۔  

جمودیت

 ذاتی ترقی سے بے رخی  اور  نئے خیالات کو اپنانے سے انکار بھی ایک عام مسئلہ ہے۔ جو لوگ سیکھنے اور خود کو بہتر بنانے کے عمل سے دور رہتے ہیں، وہ جمود کا شکار ہو جاتے ہیں اور اپنی صلاحیتوں کو مکمل طور پر بروئے کار نہیں لا پاتے۔ ایسے لوگ نئی ٹیکنالوجی کے استعمال سے ڈرتے ہیں اور ان کے سیکھنے کی صلاحیت کو زنگ لگ جاتا ہے۔  

معذوری کے حامل افراد

 سماجی منفی سماجی رویئے معذور کے حامل افراد کی زندگیوں پر منفی اثرات مرتب کرتے ہیں، جو خوداعتمادی میں کمی، اور خود کمتر سمجھنے جیسے منفی جذبات کو بڑھاوا دیتی ہے۔ جس کے نتیجے میں ان کے لیے تعلقات بنانے اور سماجی سرگرمیوں میں حصہ لینے کے مواقع محدود ہو جاتے ہیں۔ جس کی وجہ سے مندرجہ بالا نفسیاتی رویئے جنم لے سکتے ہیں۔ اور ان کی ترقی کی راہ میں رکاوٹ بن سکتی ہیں۔ یہ ایک ایسا چکر بن جاتا ہے جہاں امتیازی سلوک معذوری کے حامل افراد کو مزید تنہائی اور محدود مواقع کی طرف دھکیل دیتے ہیں، جس سے سماج میں پہلے سے موجود غلط تصورات مزید مضبوط ہوتے ہیں۔ اس کے نتیجے میں، ان کا ترقی کرنا مشکل ہو جاتا ہے۔اسلیے معذوری کے حامل افراد کی زندگی کا سفر، صبر، ہمت اور مستقل مزاجی کا تقاضا کرتا ہے، اس کے نتیجے میں ایک بہتر، مطمئن اور کامیاب زندگی گذار سکتے ہیں۔  

Content Warning: This post contains discussions of disability rights and assitive technologies. Reader discretion is advised.

AT as Right - Report UNHCHR

 

Rights of persons with disabilities and digital technologies and devices, including assistive technologies—Report of the Office of the UNHCHR

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities includes references to information and communications technologies, new technologies, and the Internet. The present report, submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 55/8, contains an examination of the rights of persons with disabilities and digital technologies and devices, including assistive technologies. Download full report in PDF Click Here on UN Website.

**Content Warning: This post contains discussions of disability rights and assitive technologies. Reader discretion is advised.**

International Day Female Circumcision

 

International Day Female Circumcision

Each year, the United Nations Observes International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February. In 2012, the UN General Assembly designated February 6th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, with the aim to amplify and direct the efforts on the elimination of this practice. 2025 Theme is "Step up the Pace; Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM"

https://www.un.org/en/observances/female-genital-mutilation-day

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply harmful practice that affects women and girls worldwide, including in Pakistan. The impact on women and girls with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, is even more severe due to their increased vulnerability and the lack of awareness and resources to protect them.

In Pakistan, FGM is practiced in certain communities, such as the Dawoodi Bohra and Sheedi communities, often under the guise of cultural and religious traditions. The practice is carried out in secrecy, making it difficult to gather accurate data and raise awareness about its prevalence and impact.

Women and girls with intellectual disabilities are particularly at risk because they are not fully understood by the parents or family. The stigma and discrimination faced by the families of women and girls with disabilities in Pakistan can further exacerbate their vulnerability and motivation to incline for Genital Mutilation.

The United Nations and various organizations are working to eliminate FGM and protect the rights of women and girls with disabilities. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of raising awareness, collecting data, and implementing policies to protect these vulnerable groups.

It's crucial to continue advocating for the rights and protection of women and girls with disabilities, ensuring they may be protected from such harmful practices.

Here is video from UN.

**Content Warning: This post contains discussions of disability rights and assitive technologies. Reader discretion is advised.**

ILCs Role in Awareness Raising in Pakistan

 

ILCs Role in Awareness Raising in Pakistan

HANDS Independent Living Centers are playing a vital role in enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities across Pakistan. These centers not only provide essential services but also actively promote awareness about the challenges and experiences faced by individuals with disabilities. This video from Multan, reported by South Today Live, highlights their impactful work and dedication to fostering an inclusive society.

Video with complements to South Today Live