(Commonwealth_ Friana’s remarkable victory transformed her into a national hero in Vanuatu, breaking barriers for both women with disabilities and female athletes. Her success sparked a profound shift in how families across the island nation viewed and treated people with disabilities. Inspired by her triumph, one hopeful mother brought her daughter with a disability to a local school, asking if she could now receive an education. This symbolic moment illustrates how sports and inclusion can create lasting social change.
Speaking to an audience of high commissioners, athletes, campaigners, and youth leaders gathered at the Commonwealth Secretariat headquarters in London, Jenkins highlighted the transformative power of sport. “Sport can change mindsets. It starts those conversations and helps people open their eyes to recognize people with disabilities for who they are.”
Inclusion for All
The event’s theme of inclusion echoed throughout the discussions, as speakers from various Commonwealth nations explored what women with disabilities can achieve when given opportunities. One such speaker was Anne Wafula Strike, MBE, a British Paralympian and the Secretary-General’s Champion for Equality in Sports. Sharing her personal story of perseverance, Anne spoke of how she overcame societal barriers to create a fulfilling and successful life.
Born in a small village in Western Kenya, Anne lost the use of her legs after contracting polio at the age of two. As a child, she often experienced exclusion, particularly during school activities. “When my classmates played, I was ignored and told to look after their belongings,” Anne recalled. “My teachers didn’t know how to include me.”
Her family eventually moved to Nairobi, where Anne was able to pursue her education and later became a teacher. Years later, after relocating to the UK, she joined a gym with the goal of losing weight an innocent decision that introduced her to Paralympic sports and changed her life forever. Anne went on to compete in wheelchair racing at the World Championships and Paralympic World Cups.
Reflecting on her journey, Anne emphasized the critical role of opportunity in her success, calling sport a “great equalizer” that breaks down barriers. She also noted that many of her former classmates were astonished by her accomplishments, to which her simple answer was: “Opportunity.”
Anne urged the attendees not only to celebrate the achievements of athletes with disabilities but also to recognize the many obstacles they face throughout their journeys. She pointed out that for true inclusion, countries must prioritize disability issues in policymaking, rather than treating them as an afterthought. Citing the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Anne highlighted the positive shift in public attitudes toward people with disabilities, which was a direct result of inclusive policies and visibility during the games.
Changing Attitudes Through Sports
The positive impact of inclusion in sports was a recurring message throughout the event, supported by insights from prominent women with disabilities. Carla Qualtrough, Canada’s Minister of Sport and Physical Activity and a three-time Paralympic bronze medallist, shared her perspective on the power of sport to drive social change. As Chair of the upcoming Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting, scheduled for 25 July 2024, she noted that sports can reshape perceptions of disability.
Not All Disabilities Are Visible
Gill Atkinson, who recently served as the UK’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, offered another powerful testimony. Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 30, Atkinson shared how resilience helped her manage a long diplomatic career alongside her disability. She echoed the sentiment that not all disabilities are visible, yet the challenges are no less significant. Her story reinforced the importance of creating inclusive work environments and opportunities for people with both visible and invisible disabilities.
