Siblya Karina Santana Gomes: Driven by an aspiration to contribute
My name is Siblya Karina Santana Gomes. I am from Brazil and I am a UN Volunteer Project Assistant with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in my home country. This is my story.
I always found the work of the United Nations intriguing. My journey into UN began as a disability activist in college, where I founded a student association for inclusive education.
This involvement led me to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, sparking my interest to pursue a UN initiative.
Coincidently, I stumbled upon a UN Volunteer position as part of a WhatsApp group. I applied despite my doubts that I would ever be entertained.
I have visual and physical disabilities. I was driven by the aspiration to contribute despite perceived inadequacies in my background.
My role at UNFPA was to highlight persons with disabilities. At that time, UNFPA Brazil did not have projects centering on persons with disabilities.
I focused on youth projects – particularly, adolescents. I initiated the ‘Inclusive Nós’ training and activism project for young people with disabilities. The project trains persons with disabilities and makes them aware of their rights and laws that pertain to them. Adhering to the principle of ‘Nothing about us without us’ – the aims of the project ensured that persons with disabilities speak for themselves.
I reject the notion that her disability presents challenges. Any obstacles I encounter result from societal and environmental barriers, not my disability.
Society's lack of readiness for people like myself makes me claim my right and advocate for inclusion.
This article was produced with the kind support of Vibhu Sharma, UN Volunteer Communications Specialist for Disability Inclusion. For more information on volunteering opportunities, please click on how to become a volunteer.
