World Blind Union Celebrates International Women’s Day and Honors Achievements of Disability Rights Advocates

March 8, 2023 1:10 am Published by Fridah Mlemwa

WBU President Martine Abel-Williamson standing with her white cane in hand Toronto, March 8, 2023 – The World Blind Union (WBU) joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day. On this day, WBU would like to recognize the important contributions of disability rights advocates around the world. This year’s theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” recognizes the role women and girls are playing in advancing digital technology and innovation and highlights the need to ensure digital transformations are accessible and inclusive.

Martine Abel-Williamson, President of the WBU, remarked, “On this important day, we honor the leadership and vision of women with disabilities and reaffirm our commitment to promoting their full participation and inclusion in all aspects of life. In the disability community, we know first-hand that technology has the potential to empower as well as exclude. We must work together to break down digital and physical barriers and create more opportunities for women with disabilities to achieve their full potential.”

Diane Bergeron, Treasurer of the WBU and Chair of the WBU Women’s Committee, added, “On this important day, we must also acknowledge the achievements of disability rights advocates like Ana Peláez Narváez, who was recently elected as Chair of the UN Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the first woman with a disability to hold this role. This is a historic milestone for women with disabilities and a testament to their expertise, leadership, and commitment to human rights and social justice. We congratulate Ana on this well-deserved honor and look forward to working with her to promote the rights and inclusion of all women and girls.”

The WBU is committed to advancing the rights and inclusion of women with disabilities and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society for all. On this International Women’s Day, we call on governments, civil society, and the private sector to recognize the leadership and contributions of women with disabilities and work together to create a world where every woman, regardless of disability, can participate fully and equally in all aspects of life.