Tayyaba Arshi: An unwavering commitment to inspire us
Be the change you wish to see in the world is the motto of Tayyaba Arshi’s life. A UN Volunteer Social Inclusion Officer with UNDP Pakistan, Tayyaba promotes inclusion and positive change. Her volunteer assignment revolves around community support for people with disabilities.
Tayyaba conducts research on inclusive social protection systems, develops strategies for enhanced community support, and collaborates with stakeholders to advocate for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
She has a physical disability that requires the use of a power wheelchair.
Her personal journey fuelled her passion for disability rights and inclusion. She advocates for change and raises awareness about the barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
A woman on wheels, Tayyaba’s lived experience uniquely positions her to understand the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. She is able to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations on a deeper level, enhancing her ability to provide relevant support and guidance.
Tayyaba openly discusses her needs and limitations with her supervisor and colleagues. This helps foster understanding and collaboration such as the reasonable accommodation that Tayyaba needs to be effective in her work.
Inclusion is not just about physical accessibility; it's about creating an environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and supported.--Zulfiqar Ahmad, Tayyaba’s supervisor and a disability champion.
Tayyaba's experience as a UN Volunteer has a profound impact on her personal and professional growth. It allows her to develop valuable skills, expand her knowledge, and gain a deeper understanding of global issues.
What remains clear through Tayyaba’s journey as part of the United Nations Volunteers is her dedication to disability inclusion and volunteerism – an unwavering commitment which inspires us to be the change we wish to see in the world.
To her peers with disabilities wishing to volunteer with the United Nations, Tayyaba advises them to embrace their uniqueness and to seek out the opportunities that align with their skills.
Tayyaba is a strong asset for her office to attain disability inclusion in Pakistan. She focuses on supporting community members with disabilities in a variety of ways. Whether its organizing workshops to raise awareness or help expand skills that make persons with disabilities more independent, Tayyaba’s contribution to improving the quality of life of others is exemplary.
Her efforts led to the development of disability inclusive policies at local and national levels in Pakistan, ensuring that the rights and needs of people with disabilities are considered in decision-making processes.
A story of commitment, inspiration, independence and resilience – Tayyaba Arshi is a UN Volunteer inspiration in action.
This article was produced with the kind support of Online Volunteer Abbey Gibson. Please click on UNV Online Volunteering for more information on online volunteers.
