Nazma Ara Begum Poppy is from Bangladesh. At the age of six, she lost her vision. The only available option for her in terms of education was a private school in the capital city, Dhaka. Other schools in her hometown of Chittagong, were not accessible to children with disabilities. Since 2023, Nazma has been a UN Volunteer National Project Support Officer with UN Women contributing to a United Nations joint initiative on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and disability-inclusive Sustainable Development Goals. On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we bring you Nazma's story and what she considers important in the world around her.
Persons with disabilities are often overlooked, and when they are considered, the focus is frequently limited to physical accessibility, such as ramps and infrastructure. While these elements are important, accessibility must go beyond the physical and extend into the virtual space.
In today’s world, digital inclusion is crucial. The fact that you’re reading my story right now is possible because of technology, but this is not the reality for many others.
Despite guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1, many digital platforms remain inaccessible. This issue is largely caused by the fact that those designing these systems often lack an understanding of the needs of the main target group—us, and more importantly, there are rarely any persons with disabilities involved in the development process.
Countless visually impaired women have not had the opportunities I’ve had. Many are confined to their homes due to their families’ financial limitations or the prohibitively high costs of mobility, as public transportation is often not an option for us. Isolated and without support, these women often lose their confidence and sense of worth, while the lack of awareness and systemic support only exacerbates these challenges.
In Bangladesh, the education rates for visually impaired women remain alarmingly low, representing a clear form of systemic discrimination.
Advocacy to the government is essential, to establish integrated schools and work facilities for visually impaired women, where technology plays a central role. These schools and workplaces should include Braille technology, accessible learning materials, and well-trained staff to create an environment where every individual can succeed.
Although the government has initiated a project in this direction, it is still far from becoming a reality.
Even after earning a graduate degree in Sociology from the University of Dhaka, I was frustrated by the challenges I faced in finding a job.
When the opportunity to join UN Women arose, I seized it, as it aligned perfectly with the work I had already committed to in my previous roles.
At UN Women, we are actively working to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. Our disability strategies are based on practicality and collaboration.
By listening to our voices and understanding our lived experiences, we create solutions that are not only inclusive but also adaptable to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. Despite the systemic barriers, I remain hopeful. More women like me are breaking barriers, forging their paths, and embracing life with courage and determination.
The media plays a vital role. When the experiences of persons with disabilities are presented positively, without framing them as objects of pity or charity, they have the power to inspire real change.
I was once interviewed by a local television channel. Hearing my experience, parents of a 12-year-old child who had lost a leg, felt motivated to send their child to school, and their story is just one of many. Whenever I encounter a woman with a disability, I encourage her to pursue education and take control of her life.
Autonomy is one of the most precious gifts we can give ourselves—and it’s worth every struggle to achieve.