By: Puseletso Maqoaelane
Maseru
United Nations, the Government of Lesotho, and the Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) joined hands to champion and celebrate the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Potato Festival, held in honor of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), highlighted not only the challenges faced by persons with disabilities but also their undeniable potential as leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an annual event established by the United Nations to spotlight the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. This year, under the theme “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” the festival took a bold step toward economic empowerment and inclusion.
Amanda, the UN Resident Coordinator, passionately called for a future where people with disabilities are no longer seen as a separate category but as equals with unique skills and abilities.
“Everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights. Let us create an environment that is conducive for everyone, regardless of their abilities or mental situation,” she said.
Her remarks underscored the importance of moving beyond symbolic gestures to genuine inclusion, stating, “Disability inclusion must not be a symbolic gesture but a mechanism for accountability in our collective effort.”
The Potato Festival served as a platform to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of persons with disabilities. Products ranging from potato jam to innovative potato-based dishes were displayed, embodying the creativity and resilience of these individuals.
Thabisa Masinye, the Disability Inclusion Officer, emphasized the significance of the event. “Today, we witness the critical abilities of persons with disabilities. If well-supported, these talents could yield sustainable economic stability,” he remarked.
The event also marked the launch of LEFEDI, a social enterprise aimed at economic empowerment for persons with disabilities. This initiative seeks to integrate entrepreneurs with disabilities into mainstream markets, providing them with opportunities to become vendors and suppliers.
The festival highlighted the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the UN, government agencies, and development partners. Amanda praised the partnership with LNFOD.
“Together, we launch initiatives that embody economic empowerment and job creation. This collaboration is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for inclusion,” she stated.
Events like the Potato Festival are not just celebrations but learning opportunities for all, particularly those in leadership roles. They challenge decision-makers to ask how their policies and practices can accelerate disability inclusion in meaningful ways.
As the festival concluded, Amanda left attendees with a powerful message. “Let us ensure this conversation reaches far beyond the mountains. Disability inclusion is not just about advocacy, it is about action to empower people with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to our societies.”
The event’s success signals a promising step forward, but the road to full inclusion remains long. It is now up to all stakeholders, governments, organizations, and individuals to sustain this momentum and ensure that persons with disabilities are not just included but celebrated as integral members of society.
For many, the Potato Festival was more than an event; it was a vision for the future. By amplifying the voices and abilities of persons with disabilities, Lesotho has set an example for the region. As Amanda aptly put it, “The message of hope for persons with disabilities must reach everyone. Let this festival serve as a reminder: inclusion is not just a goal; it is a responsibility.”