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Overwhelmed with the feelings of hope, optimism and happiness, a group of Egyptian activists started their "Seven Million Handicapped Movement " on 2nd October at Al-Hurriya Garden in Egypt. The emergence of a movement was launched representing a glimpse of hope for all those with disabilities in Egypt.
Programme of Events
The event started off with a moment of silence for the participants who had varying physical disabilities. Signs that read:
"We are humans",
"We’re still alive,"
"We have voices".
The attendees were from different age groups spanning seven to over 40 years of age. Several media channels were keen to attend and cover the event, which set a precedent in Egypt.
Then we listened to Ramez, a deaf young man who sang for the audience. Ramez managed with his strong will, to continue his education and is currently studying law. However, the event was a great chance for all who suffer from these disabilities to gather and have fun, as after listening to the songs, they all took part in a dish party.
At the end of the event the organizers called for a civil march in the street for about an hour and half. However, before attending the event various questions crossed my mind, such as how did they launch this movement? What are their main demands? And ultimately, why did they begin the event.
The Start
"We gathered through an internet group, and we started to discuss our problems, as people with disabilities, and then we decided what our aims would be and the mechanism for reaching them," said Mahmoud ‘Abd El-Haleem, an engineer, one of the movement's organizers.
‘Abd El-Haleem mentioned that the first step for attaining their goals was this event, which represented the birth of the movement. Sara Samir, a 27 year old, graphic designer, added that they decided to call for their rights in a civilized manner, and from there came the idea of establishing this event.
As for the name of the movement, Samir, with much excitement said:
"We chose the name "The 7 Million Disabled ", as according to recent official statistics that the number of disabled people in Egypt is about 7 million."
Lubna ‘Abd El-Aziz, one of the organizers added that they wanted to prove their right to live a normal life, and be integrated into society just as any other person.
"We have many capabilities and potentials, which can make a positive change within our community, but unfortunately, underestimated and shunned by the society," ‘Abd El-Aziz said.
Main Problems
People with disabilities confront several problems and obstacles, which in fact, have negative impact upon them.
"We call for many rights throughout our movement, such as, the right to have suitable means of transport, said sufficient job opportunities in any field and joining governmental schools and universities," said Samir.
Samir added that one of their main problems is the false image, which the society has placed on the disabled.
"People feel that we are week individuals, who are useless to the community," argued Samir.
‘Abd El-Haleem added that this stereotype has a negative psychological impact upon the disabled. He supported Samir's view that the disabled person should be integrated into society, and to live and work just s any other individual.
"We need to have representatives in the parliament, who can present our problems, needs and demands," said’ Abd El Haleem.
Not only adults face these obstacles because of being handicapped, but also children and in turn, their parents who take on their responsibility as well. Rabab Hassan, a mother of a physically handicapped 10 year old girl, confronts difficulties in taking her to classes everyday at school, as there is no wheel-chair access. In addition wheel-chairs and other equipment designed for the handicapped is unaffordable.
One of the attendees was a trainer for deaf and mentally disabled children, who has helped them solve issues concerning their problems and their rights. He believes that these kids are deprived from various rights, such as the joining of government funded universities, and attending Friday's khutba (sermons), because of the absence of translators.
Dreams 4 the Future
"Increasing awareness among society is one of our major goals, throughout lectures, workshops and media coverage, "added ‘Abd El-Alziz.
Finally, I left the event asking myself many questions and having various thoughts; "The Seven Million Movement" is the first in Egypt that supports and protects the rights of the disabled. So could it be the start for more and more organizations and campaigns that call for handicapped privileges? And could this movement make a positive change, and spread awareness on the issue of disabled rights?
Hopefully we can see a fruitful result and positive influence upon the government, individuals and the whole of society.
Click Here to watch the photo Gallery of "The Seven Million Handicapped Movement"
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