A Gathering of Amazing Women

Over the past several years I have been part of the management team of the Navoisky City Society of Invalids¹ and for three years have participated in disability-sports. For this reason the director of the Center for Social Adaptation of Women of Navoi Province suggested that I fill out an application for the upcoming “Building Leadership/Building Partnership” seminar coordinated by Mobility International USA (MIUSA).  I had never considered myself a leader, but I completed the application anyway.  To my surprise, it wasn’t long before I was traveling to Tashkent with 16 other women with disabilities from Samarkand Province.

As we traveled together, I looked at my new companions and was enthralled.  I thought, “What sort of a leader am I?  I can’t infuse anyone with energy – I work on my own.  These women are different!”   A love of life and energy shone in their eyes.  The outlook of my fellow travelers was completely different from what I was used to.  The power of the spirit of these women was enormous; it pulsated, infecting those surrounding them with a craving for action. 

One of the most distinguishing features of the conference was the fact that most of the 45 participants and the facilitators were women with disabilities. The women came from throughout Uzbekistan.  We were a group of women with many different disabilities and we were diverse in age, ethnicity and social standing.  Many of the participants in the seminar were heads of various foundations, NGOs or private firms.

Creating a New Vision Together

We gathered to create regional and national networks connecting women with disabilities and to develop leadership skills.  For many participants,  facilitators.  It was an amazing opportunity and lesson in itself to relate to one another, whatever our ethnicity, method of mobility, age or ability.  We all noted that every little detail had been anticipated; from the sign language interpreter and the Uzbek interpreter, to an accessible venue, transport stipend and comfortable accommodations within the city.  In this we learned to be inclusive of every type of disability – and it showed that each of us was valued.  At the conference we could speak freely, think, express, discuss, exchange opinions and ideas to try to find a way to address our concerns in a safe, supportive environment.

On the third day of the conference, representatives of local NGOs and their international colleagues joined us. Together we discussed ways to develop joint projects addressing the issues of women with disabilities.  We believe that partnerships with community, business and international development organizations are key to our continued advancement.  We know that we cannot passively wait for those NGOs to help us – we must take an active part in the life of society, foster cooperation between organizations, develop our leadership skills, defend our rights and have confidence in ourselves and our ability to express our opinions.
 

Unstoppable Changes at Many Levels

One of the major accomplishments of the conference was that we presented the president and government of the Republic of Uzbekistan a joint resolution in which we expressed concern over the many social issues related to women with disabilities.  Our resolution went beyond defining the issues of disabled women – we suggested actions that the government must take to remedy the inequality we face, especially in terms of economics and health care.
 
And now with the passage of time, after weighing my own strengths, abilities and aspirations, I have decided to enter into study and become a trainer or psychologist.  I want to share knowledge and positive attitudes with other women like me.  I AM a leader and I too have energy and confidence to infuse in others!

Fifteen of the 45 women were chosen to take part in the three-week long “Loud, Proud and Passionate!”^® International Leadership Training for Women with Disabilities from Uzbekistan in Eugene, Oregon later that year.  The women explored issues of employment, education, disability rights, and health, and visited independent living centers, local integrated schools and university facilities.  They also challenged themselves on a river rafting trip and ropes course. 

¹ Invalid is the word that Uzbek and Russian people use for disability.