By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
Inspiration for Human Development (IHD), with funding support from Purposeful and in collaboration with organizations of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), has officially launched the “Speak Up” Initiative during a press briefing held at the National Commission for Persons with Disability office in Bo.
The engagement brought together experienced journalists from across the Southern Region and representatives of Persons with Disabilities to strengthen collaboration between the media and the disability community. The initiative aims to improve media reporting on disability issues while creating a safe platform for women, girls, and other Persons with Disabilities to report abuse, discrimination, and rights violations.
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Director of Inspiration for Human Development, Madam Monica Yeani Galiwa, said the initiative is designed to empower Persons with Disabilities particularly women and girls to freely speak out against all forms of abuse, violence, and discrimination without fear of stigma or intimidation.
She noted that, for many years, societal attitudes have silenced Persons with Disabilities, denying them opportunities to demand their rights and fully participate in national development. According to her, many victims of abuse remain silent due to fear, exclusion, and misconceptions that those advocating for their rights are merely troublemakers.
Madam Galiwa emphasized that the initiative seeks to reverse this trend by creating an enabling environment where survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other forms of exploitation can safely report their experiences and access the necessary support.
She also underscored the critical role of the media in promoting inclusion and changing public perceptions of disability.
“The media has the power to shape public attitudes towards disability. When journalists amplify the voices of Persons with Disabilities and report on their rights rather than portraying them as objects of charity, society moves closer to genuine inclusion,” she said.
Drawing from real-life experiences, Madam Galiwa highlighted the numerous barriers faced by Persons with Disabilities, including limited access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and accessible transportation. She encouraged journalists to move beyond sympathy-driven reporting and instead focus on the abilities, achievements, and contributions of Persons with Disabilities, while also exposing policy gaps that hinder full participation in society.
She further called on government institutions, the private sector, and development partners to prioritise disability inclusion by constructing ramps, providing accessible toilets, and ensuring disability-friendly transportation in public facilities.
Madam Galiwa also advocated for the effective enforcement of the three percent employment quota for Persons with Disabilities in both public and private institutions. She urged the justice sector to expedite cases involving abuse and exploitation of Persons with Disabilities.
Recognising the influence of the media in driving social change, she appealed to journalists to adopt person-first language and responsible reporting practices that uphold the dignity and rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking on behalf of the journalists present, senior media practitioners reaffirmed their commitment to increasing disability-focused reporting, challenging misconceptions through fact-based journalism, and ensuring that Persons with Disabilities are featured not only as subjects of news stories but also as sources, experts, and commentators.
Representatives of various organizations of Persons with Disabilities also shared personal testimonies, highlighting the daily challenges faced by their members. They called for stronger institutional support and greater inclusion in governance and development processes.
The launch of the “Speak Up” Initiative forms part of a broader advocacy campaign aimed at ensuring that Persons with Disabilities are visible, heard, and meaningfully included in the planning and implementation of development programmes across Bo District and Sierra Leone as a whole.