Challenging Misperceptions: The Empowering Journey of a Disabled Hazara Girl

 

By Name

Muhammad Hussain

Challenging Misperceptions: The Empowering Journey of a Disabled Hazara Girl

In a poignant narrative that defies societal norms, we delve into the remarkable journey of a Hazara girl who, despite a life-altering childhood accident that left her physically disabled, emerges as a beacon of resilience and empowerment.

Hailing from the Hazara community, a minority group facing additional challenges, especially in education, our protagonist shatters stereotypes by becoming an accomplished artist. Her narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), where specialists and child protection personnel play pivotal roles in her development.

Balochistan, a province grappling with a significant population of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), provides a stark context. Arbab Khatoon, a young Baloch woman, expresses her gratitude for the prosthetic leg provided by the Balochistan Rural Support Program after her own prosthetic broke. This act not only restored her mobility but also exemplifies the critical role such programs play in transforming lives.

The data reveals a sobering reality: In Balochistan, 1.18% of the population comprises PWDs. The Balochistan Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017, a crucial legislative step, aims to ensure their equitable inclusion in society. This resonates with the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing the importance of full societal participation.

Beyond moral implications, the story underscores the economic impact of excluding PWDs. In 2014, Pakistan lost an estimated US$ 12 billion due to their exclusion from employment. A BRSP survey in 2018 found 86% of PWDs unemployed, heightening vulnerability.

The Balochistan Rural Support Program, in collaboration with the European Union, addresses this issue. Through programs like Balochistan Rural Development and Community Empowerment (BRACE), they provide assistive devices and employ innovative technologies like 3-D printing for orthotic and prosthetic support.

Individual stories, like that of Samander Khan, reflect the transformative impact. Once an active community member, Khan, after an electrocution incident, received a modified motorcycle, restoring his ability to contribute actively.

The narrative is not just about overcoming physical challenges but challenging societal perceptions. It is a call for disability-inclusive development, breaking the cycle of neglect, exclusion, and poverty. The term "disability" is reframed as a unique ability, emphasizing the potential millions of differently-abled individuals have to contribute to the country and society as a whole.

Through a combination of written narrative, storyboards, and visual elements, this feature aims to inspire a broader understanding of the challenges faced by special individuals and the transformative power of inclusive support systems.