Participants at a consultative meeting held on Friday at the Kigali Convention Center agreed on the need to enhance collaboration and dismantle barriers hindering the inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance and development. The deliberations focused on concrete measures to ensure active participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making and national progress.
The meeting, which brought together government officials, civil society representatives, and organizations supporting persons with disabilities, marked a major step in preparations for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to be celebrated on December 3, 2024.
Minister Patrice Mugenzi, who presided over the meeting, called on stakeholders to prioritize accessibility, representation, and empowerment. “We must ensure that every person with a disability has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their development and that of the country. This requires removing barriers in education, employment, infrastructure, and governance,” he said.
The discussions aligned with Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2: 2024-2029), which emphasizes inclusivity as a cornerstone of the nation’s development agenda.
Key agreements from the meeting included:
•Strengthening partnerships between government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private sector actors to promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
•Addressing persistent challenges such as inaccessible public infrastructure and limited access to education and employment opportunities.
•Ensuring greater representation of persons with disabilities in leadership and governance structures.
The meeting also served as a platform to align efforts with the theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities: “Enhancing the Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Governance, Building a Better Future.”
Participants acknowledged Rwanda’s progress in promoting inclusivity but stressed that more must be done to ensure equality for all. “This is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate obstacles and create an environment where everyone can thrive,” Minister Mugenzi added.
As the country prepares to commemorate the global event on December 3, the Kigali meeting reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to building a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities can fully participate in and benefit from the nation’s development.
