Turning obstacles into opportunities: meet Liliane Akadata

I have been serving as a Disability Inclusion and Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant for close to three years. My journey unfolds at the intersection of disability, inclusion and volunteerism.

My dream of working with the United Nations was ignited during my university years. My passion for contributing to the development of vulnerable populations, especially persons with disabilities, led me to discover UNV. So, I actively sought opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

In my current role, I wear multiple hats. I support the implementation of programmes empowering persons with disabilities. I promote partnerships, contribute to resource mobilization and to monitoring and evaluation with the Transformational Governance Unit. My responsibilities extend to organizing and facilitating various projects and activities promoting disability inclusion within the office.

I have contributed to developing a proposal to be submitted to the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD). Through the efforts of our team, Rwanda was one of the few countries to secure UNPRPD funding at the legal and policy level.

The joint project enabled a revision of the legal framework to be in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It also strengthens the participation of persons with disabilities in the activities of the UN, for example, in developing recommendations for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Among my most cherished experiences is the success of my advocacy for inclusive employment. Through partnerships with the private sector, we created jobs for persons with disabilities, and other UN agencies are following suit.

My journey as a UN Volunteer has significantly influenced my personal and professional growth. Serving with UNDP has given me valuable experience and knowledge and I have learned new skills through training.