As part of the campaign "Your rights are my rights too", implemented by the Information Center for Persons with Disabilities "Lotos" and the Association of Blind Persons of the Sarajevo Canton, with the financial support of the European Union, we present interviews with those who, through their work, strive to influence positive changes in the realization of human rights of persons with disabilities. Through these stories, we want to open a space, among other things, for women with disabilities, whose potential remains invisible due to discrimination, prejudice and systemic obstacles.

Because human rights are not special rights but the foundation of every human being's dignity.

In this conversation, we present Adisa Kišić.

Adisa Kišić, born in 1981 in Tuzla, graduated as a professor of Bosnian language and literature. Since 2014, she has been working as a public relations officer at the Information Center for People with Disabilities "Lotos" Tuzla, dedicated to presenting the abilities and opportunities of people with disabilities in a positive light. It pays special attention to the empowerment of women with disabilities and the promotion of their rights, nurturing a friendly spirit and respect for the dignity of every girl, girl and woman with disabilities.

What experiences of women with disabilities do you want the public to better understand through this campaign?

Women with disabilities face multiple discrimination every day, both as women and as people with disabilities. They are often at greater risk of violence, including within families, and their access to education, employment and healthcare is limited. Through this campaign, we want the public to see that these obstacles are not their choice, but the result of systemic shortcomings, and to recognize the strength and potential that women with disabilities bring with them.

How do systemic barriers shape the daily lives of women with disabilities and how can we remove them?

Disability becomes visible only because of the obstacles imposed by society and the system. Lack of personal assistance, insufficient accessibility and limited access to education and employment for women with disabilities make life more complicated. By removing those obstacles, through ensuring the conditions for equal opportunities for women with disabilities by the authorities, through adequate health care, opportunities for education and employment, women with disabilities can be equal members of the community and live with dignity.

How can women with disabilities become leaders and bearers of change in their community?

We draw strength from the experiences of women who do not wait for others to change the system and who act, empower others and improve knowledge about their rights every day. When women with disabilities take the initiative, they inspire the community and show that change is possible. Leadership comes through confidence, education, solidarity and encouragement of others.

What is the most important message you want every disabled woman to know?

Women with disabilities need to know that the rights they have are not a favor or a privilege, but their legal and human reality, given by birth. In order to influence lawmakers and remove physical and other barriers, their visibility, will and knowledge can be the drivers of everything from education and employment, to community empowerment and personal dignity. They must never remain silent about violence or discrimination and should always seek support and protection.

What do you expect from the community, and what from legislators, when it comes to the position of women with disabilities?

Women with disabilities do not need pity or occasional help. They need respect, an equal place in society and solutions that will make their rights accessible. We expect legislators to systematically include the issues of women with disabilities in laws, strategies and budgets, to plan support services, accessibility, health care, education and employment with their active participation. It would be enough to simply respect and implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Article 6, which guarantees all human rights of women with disabilities.

We expect citizens not to turn a blind eye. To accept women with disabilities as equal members of the community, not to ignore the obstacles they face, and to be part of the solution, through removing obstacles, employment, inclusion, and creating a space in which their abilities will be expressed.

Can you share an example of a woman with a disability who inspired you?

I see inspiration every day, in students who graduate from college despite inaccessible institutions, in mothers who fight for the support that should be guaranteed, in activists who tirelessly fight and demand change.

These women inspire me because they clearly recognize the obstacles and demand that they be removed. They show that the problem is not in their abilities, but in society's misunderstanding and lack of support. Their strength inspires every time they refuse to accept charity, but demand equality and the rights they deserve.

Your message

"Your rights are my rights" is not just a slogan. It is a call for shared responsibility, solidarity and the fight for the dignity of all of us. Every empowered woman with disabilities makes our community stronger and closer to a society in which rights are equal for all.

And that is why I appeal to decision-makers: the issues of women with disabilities must be included in laws, policies and services, from education and employment to healthcare and support for independent living.

Only when society recognizes the value of women with disabilities, will it become truly complete, because every woman with disabilities carries a potential that makes society richer, fairer and more beautiful for everyone.