Thabiso Masenyetse: Creating a more inclusive United Nations

Thabiso, who is visually impaired, currently serves as a UN Volunteer in an 11-month assignment, where he has supported the production of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Braille and audio formats. 

His journey into the world of UN volunteering began when he spotted an online advertisement specifically calling for applicants with disabilities. With a background in Disability Advocacy and a Master's in International Human Rights Law, he found a perfect match between his skills and the UNV requirements.

In his role, he spearheads efforts to mainstream disability inclusion across Resident Agencies. His responsibilities include conducting accessibility assessments, leading training sessions on disability inclusion topics, and advocating for the development of accessible formats in official documents.

Thabiso's impact is tangible. The UN Lesotho has undergone a successful Accessibility Audit, resulting in an endorsed Accessibility Improvement Plan. The organization is now taking active steps to improve its facilities for inclusion. 

His training initiatives have increased awareness among UN staff, leading to more inclusive hiring practices, and encouraging persons with disabilities to apply.

Despite initial resistance and accessibility challenges, Thabiso navigates his role with resilience. He emphasizes the importance of referencing legal documents and taking moments of reflection during challenging discussions. 

Thabiso's journey as a UN Volunteer has significantly impacted his personal and professional growth. For fellow UNV candidates with disabilities, Thabiso advises self-awareness, proactive advocacy, and the importance of building informal support networks within the workplace.