VIDEO: Disability Rights and Palestinian Women

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In this video, Ola Abualghaib recounts her struggle against public attitudes that perceived her as a “burden” because of her disability. She is founder and chairwoman of Ramallah-based Stars of Hope (a grantee of the Open Society Foundations), an organization run by and for women with disabilities. She helps women understand their right to demand equal opportunities in employment, family life, and full inclusion in society.

Tomorrow marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—a day in which we stand in solidarity with persons with disabilities—whether physical, sensorial, intellectual, or psychosocial—and the endeavor to fully realize their human rights.

The day also celebrates the adoption of the newest human rights treaty—the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The landmark treaty challenges discriminatory practices against persons with disabilities that pervade almost every aspect of life, including denial of legal capacity, segregation from the community, and discrimination in employment and education.

Close to 100 countries have ratified the CRPD, and governments and civil society advocates across the globe are convening to develop and amend laws, policies, and practices in conformity with the treaty.

The CRPD could not have been accomplished without the leadership and input of people like Ola Abualghaib.