By Khadidja Ba
Sophia Kerr, a young woman with a disability, recently had a life-changing opportunity to serve as a Commissioner for a Day at the Women and Gender Equality Commission. For Kerr, this experience was not just a day at a formal meeting, but a moment of personal growth, empowerment, and a chance to make her voice heard in advocating for girls with disabilities. Through her journey, she came to realise the importance of inclusivity and how the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) can be a catalyst for change—both for children with disabilities and for young people globally.
“I was able to meet other young girls from different schools and hear their stories,” Kerr said, reflecting on her experience. “As a girl with a disability, I felt included for the first time in a space where decisions are being made about our futures. It taught me why inclusion is so important and why I need to be an advocate too.”
Kerr’s day at the Commission was a hands-on lesson in the power of inclusion and representation. Working with other girls, many of whom faced similar challenges, she gained insight into the barriers young people with disabilities face—especially in education. She learned how crucial it is for children with disabilities to have equal access to education, play, and social integration.
“As a child with a disability, I understand the need to be included in all aspects of life—especially in education,” Sophia explained. “We need the support to attend school with our peers and the right to participate in all activities, just like any other child.”
The experience deepened her understanding of the importance of inclusion and representation. “We were able to speak directly to adults—the decision-makers—who need to hear from us,” she said. “This helped me understand why the rights of the child, as outlined in the CRC, are vital to protecting children and ensuring that their voices are heard.”
The CRC: A Framework for Change
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) outlines the rights of every child, including children with disabilities. For Kerr, the CRC is not just a legal document; it is a lifeline that guarantees the fundamental rights of children around the world. “The CRC helps promote the understanding that children with disabilities should have the same opportunities as any other child, such as access to education, play, and social participation,” she said.
For her, the CRC’s principles are particularly significant in terms of how they advocate for equality, non-discrimination, and inclusion. “Children with disabilities should not be treated as lesser or excluded from society. We deserve the support and recognition to live full, meaningful lives,” she added.
Kerr stressed that the CRC is a global framework that ensures that all children—regardless of their background, health, or abilities—have the opportunity to live a safe, fulfilling life. By advocating for the rights of children with disabilities, she believes, the CRC helps dismantle the societal barriers that often isolate and marginalise these children.
Kerr’s advocacy journey began at home. Raised in a family where disability was never seen as an obstacle, she grew up learning from her father, a man with a disability who was able to lead a fulfilling life and provide for his family. “When I lost my vision, I knew I could still achieve my goals because I had the support of my family. My father showed me that people with disabilities can live independently and succeed,” she said.
Her own experience, however, also opened her eyes to the additional challenges faced by girls with disabilities. “Being a girl with a disability is different. There are additional barriers to overcome, especially when it comes to education and opportunities. That’s why I want to be an advocate—not just for myself, but for my peers who also live with disabilities,” Kerr explained. “I want to ensure that girls with disabilities have the same chances to achieve their dreams, whether it’s through education, career opportunities, or independence.
When asked how young people can help advance the goals of the CRC, Sophia believes that advocacy, volunteerism, and community involvement are key. “Young people need to get involved in understanding the needs of different groups in society,” she said. “This will help them appreciate the importance of inclusivity. If we learn to include everyone—especially those with disabilities—we can create a society where no one is left behind.”
She noted that true inclusivity means integrating children with disabilities into all aspects of society, from schools to recreational activities. “We need to stop thinking of children with disabilities as separate from others. We need to move away from the idea of special schools and instead integrate children with disabilities into regular schools. This should apply to all areas of life,” Kerr insisted.
For here , the journey toward inclusion is not only about individual advocacy—it’s about societal change. “Society needs to change the way it sees and treats children with disabilities. We are often viewed as incapable or less valuable. But the truth is, we have the same potential as any other child,” she said.
She called for a shift in mindset, particularly in how children with disabilities are included in education. “We shouldn’t be separated from other children. We deserve the opportunity to attend regular schools and be treated equally. Society must stop treating us as if we are different or incapable,” she asserted.
Empowering the next generation
Kerr’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and the power of inclusion. Through her experience as Commissioner for a Day, she has learned the importance of being both a voice and an advocate for change. Her journey highlights the need for greater representation of children with disabilities, particularly in decision-making processes, and the critical role of the CRC in advancing children’s rights globally.
As she looks toward the future, she remains dedicated to her mission of advocating for equal rights, education, and opportunities for children with disabilities. Through her work, she hopes to inspire the next generation of young people to become agents of change and to ensure that the voices of all children—especially those with disabilities—are heard and respected.
“Being an advocate means fighting for the opportunities we all deserve,” Kerr said. “Every child, regardless of their abilities, should have the chance to live independently, achieve their dreams, and contribute to society. That’s what inclusion is all about.”
In a world that continues to evolve, Kerr’s vision for a more inclusive, equitable society is one that we can all work toward.
