Kadiatu Mansaray: Don’t let disability limit your passion

Kadiatu’s assignment focuses on strengthening partnerships. She delves into research, compiles background information on potential partners, drafts essential communication tools, and identifies funding opportunities for UN agencies. She plays a pivotal role in creating joint funding applications, supporting the compilation of proposals, and contributing to donor reports. 

She is also the Disability Inclusion Focal Point in her office and supports increasing the collaboration between several UN agencies on disability inclusion in Sierra Leone. She has also supported the formation of a youth advisory group that advises the UN country team on youth issues.

Born with a physical disability, Kadiatu has faced obstacles that might have deterred others. She faced negative attitudes, and discriminatory laws and policies, all of which, together limit inclusive participation for persons with disabilities. While these propelled her to advocate for change and inclusion, she decided to change her approach. She accepted her disability, striving to give her best in everything. 

With a positive mindset, Kadiatu celebrates every accomplishment she has. Her motivation lies in her desire to create the change that’s needed and this is the reason that led her to volunteer with the UN.

She received accessible office space allowing her to work comfortably and effectively. Kadiatu believes she is equal at work by showing that her colleagues empathize with her rather than sympathize.

To other individuals with disabilities wishing to volunteer with the UN, Kadiatu advises that they should not let their disability limit their passion. She lives her life with mottos such as – disability is not an inability and that when you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go.