South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Association of Women with Visual Impairments in South Sudan has called on the government to strengthen and enforce policies that guarantee equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, particularly in the private sector.
In a press statement on Tuesday, the Chairperson of the association of Women with Visual Impairments in South Sudan, Rebecca Thom, acknowledged the government’s progress in committing to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
However, she emphasised that the country still has a long way to go in translating those commitments into practical employment opportunities.
“These are not just individuals in need of support; they are educated and skilled professionals who can contribute significantly to our economy and society,” Thom said. “We urge the government to enforce policies that prevent discrimination and promote fair hiring practices in both public and private sectors.”
Thom highlighted that, despite their qualifications, many persons with disabilities continue to face systemic barriers, from physical inaccessibility at workplaces to prejudiced attitudes during recruitment. She urged government ministries and agencies to set an example by ensuring their own offices are fully inclusive.
She also appealed to private businesses to take proactive steps towards inclusion by offering reasonable accommodations such as adaptive technology, accessible facilities, and flexible work arrangements that allow employees with disabilities to succeed in their roles.
“The full inclusion of persons with disabilities in our workforce is a matter of both human rights and national development,” she emphasised. “When everyone is given a fair chance, the country as a whole benefits.”
Beyond employment, Thom called on South Sudan’s youth to stand in solidarity with peers living with disabilities. She challenged harmful stereotypes, stating, “We must challenge the outdated and harmful belief that disability is a curse. Disability can happen to anyone without notice, and the real barrier is often societal stigma and lack of accessibility.”
She reaffirmed that young people with disabilities are “well-qualified and actively working to contribute to the development of our country and communities,” and that it is the responsibility of all sectors to ensure they have equal opportunities to do so.
