On the occasion of March 8, International Women's Day, the Information Center for Persons with Disabilities "Lotos" Tuzla would like to draw attention to the position of women with disabilities, who face multiple discrimination on a daily basis. Often invisible in social, economic and political processes, their needs and rights remain neglected. However, through participation in the program that IC "Lotos" dedicates to girls and women with disabilities, they prove every day that strength comes from perseverance, togetherness and not giving up.

On this March 8th, we remind you that equality must be accessible to all and that a dignified life and empowerment of women with disabilities means building a more just and inclusive society. Women with disabilities are not only beneficiaries of rights, but also carriers of change, inspirations and drivers of a better tomorrow.

Photo Forum of women with disabilities TK

IC “Lotos” takes this opportunity to highlight the strength, courage and perseverance of women with disabilities, who are not only breaking down barriers but also building a better world. They are leaders, activists, artists, workers and pillars of their communities. Through years of work and engagement, they have become visible, recognized and an indispensable voice in the fight for equality. Each of their stories carries a message of resilience, each of their victories is a step towards a society without barriers.

However, women with disabilities continue to face barriers in education, employment, healthcare, political decision-making, and protection from violence, which often remains invisible and unpunished.

We remind you that human/women's rights are equal for all and that equality is not complete until it includes all women. The struggle of women with disabilities is not only personal, but universal, because every just society is based on the equality of all its members.

We call on institutions and society to take active steps towards improving the position of women with disabilities through concrete measures that enable full inclusion. At the same time, we call on all women with disabilities to join us, to empower ourselves together and change the world because the future of an equal society is in our hands. Every obstacle that is broken down today is the path to an easier future for future generations of women with disabilities.

Empowered women mean a strong society. It is necessary to ensure mechanisms of protection, support and empowerment so that every woman with disabilities has the right to a safe and dignified life. This includes accessible support services, specialized services for women who have survived violence, as well as the economic and social inclusion of women with disabilities through employment and education.

IC “Lotos” together with women activists continuously works to raise awareness and advocate for policies that improve the position of women with disabilities. Through workshops, campaigns, conferences and initiatives, we clearly send a message - equality should not be a privilege, but the right of all women. Activism is not just a fight against injustice, but also a celebration of every small victory, every conquered space of freedom and equality.

This year, the Forum of Women with Disabilities of TK actively participates in various activities on the occasion of March 8, such as the conference to combat violence and affirm the safety and equality of women with disabilities organized by the Network of Women with Disabilities at the Union of Disabled Organizations in BiH, participation in the online session of the "Portal Slikom" on the position of visually impaired women in society, the joint March 8 March March with other organizations fighting for women's rights, and all actions aimed at affirming the safety and rights of women with disabilities. The work, effort, and engagement of women with disabilities show that change is possible and that every woman has the right to respect, dignity, and full inclusion in society.

Any change starts with acknowledging the problem and taking responsibility, that's why we are looking for actions, not just promises.

On this March 8th, we are not just asking for recognition, but for concrete change. We call on institutions, decision-makers, the media, and citizens to be part of the movement and support the fight for equality for women with disabilities.

The world becomes brighter when no woman is invisible.

The strength of a woman is not only in her struggle, but also in her ability to inspire, lead and change the world.

Happy March 8th!