It was a pleasure for EDF to organise and host the second visit of Indian organisations of persons with disabilities (DPOs) to Brussels, Belgium. The Indian delegation, comprised of 6 members, visited Brussels from 1 to 4 June as part of the project “Building Partnerships for the SDGs: Empowering Organisations of Persons with Disabilities”. This is a 3-year project funded by the EU and implemented by Sightsavers India, in collaboration with EDF.
Testimony of Neeta Nagesh, Member of Viklang Ekta Seva Samiti, Madhya Pradesh
“It was the first time that I traveled to an international workshop where I got opportunity to express my own experiences, successes and listen to international speakers.
Interpreters were arranged by EDF, which is much appreciated because I was able to understand and follow the discussions and sessions. In terms of accessibility, much has been done in Europe by the NGOs which was a lesson for me. I am back with lot of lessons and I feel very confident. I would appeal to every organisation of persons with disabilities (DPOs) in India to work together in a united way and motivate each other to achieve what EDF has achieved in Europe.
In EDF, women with disabilities have a strong voice and increased participation. This should also be replicated in DPOs of India.
Thanks to Sightsavers for building up our confidence and preparing us for presenting during the workshop on the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Thanks to EDF for giving me the great opportunity to attend (their meeting). I am sure I will be able to contribute towards the rights of persons with disabilities.”
Testimony of Santosh Kumar Moharana, Secretary, Samarth DPO, Gajapati, Odisha
“I learned about the developed and advanced technology they are using for accessible transport. I felt privileged to share our work in skill development and employment of Women with Disabilities. I was fortunate enough to meet representatives of the European Commission and understand the implementation of the SDGs in Europe. This visit not only enabled us to increase knowledge on Global Disability Framework but also boosts our confidence to represent our work. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Sightsavers and EDF for providing me the opportunity to represent our organisations of persons with disabilities in an international forum.”