Burkina Faso / Inclusion: What would happen if we appointed a physically disabled person as minister

“I have a dream”. This quote comes from Martin Luther King, the African-American activist who advocated for fairness and equality regardless of race. With faith, everyone aspires to realize their dream in their own small circle. Our goal is achievable. We dream of a Burkina Faso, an Africa and a world where people with disabilities can be appointed to positions of great responsibility. This segment of the population is very marginalized. She struggles to integrate into the socio-professional world. In the field of education, for example, it is the cross, the flag, which causes dropouts. However, Law No. 012-2010/AN on the protection and promotion of the rights of people with disabilities in Burkina Faso should solve this problem.

In all struggles, symbols are very important. For example, women ministers and presidents of institutions such as Rosine Coulibaly Nandy Somé/Diallo, Mariam Lamizana, Laurence Marshall Ilboudo and Saran Sérémé encourage little girls to dream big and not set limits. Seeing people with physical disabilities in ministerial or institutional positions will also inspire the youngest among them. Children with disabilities will have role models to emulate. They will say to themselves: “I can move mountains”. This is where the symbol takes on its full meaning. There is no shortage of skilled disabled people in the land of honest people, around the world. Therefore, decision-makers must think deeply. Beyond words, we must also take action.

For people with disabilities, fighting for respect for their rights is a long-term work. Do not lose heart. Work symbiotically and encourage the participation of some of your employees in associations, civil society organizations and political parties. Make your voice heard for the environment, peace, health, etc. And most importantly, do not put yourself aside. Plead, plead, plead again, to be at the forefront of decision-making in your country. Others must also take into account your uniqueness and promote positive discrimination in issues related to inclusion. Because, it is important to remember that you are physically disadvantaged. However, you have the same intellectual capacity as everyone else. So, dare to dream and act, because: “I have a dream”.

Samira Batio

Lefaso.com