Setariki Macanawai, president of the Fiji Disabled Persons Federation, expressed his concerns regarding the concept of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI), labeling it as superficial and more beneficial to partners or donors than to the individuals it intends to serve. He called for a deeper, more sincere engagement with persons with disabilities, highlighting that the current framework often prioritizes those who are the most vocal or organized, leaving many behind.
Mr. Macanawai pointed out that genuine inclusion must go beyond mere tokenism. “Inclusion cannot just be tokenistic,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity for projects to involve people with disabilities from the planning stages rather than just during implementation. This proactive involvement is critical for budgeting, resource allocation, and truly understanding the needs of disabled individuals.
He expressed a need for organizations to reconsider who is being included in GEDSI programs, encouraging them to focus on those who are left the furthest behind. The typical approach, he stresses, often fails to engage people with disabilities and their organizations from the beginning, which diminishes the effectiveness of inclusion efforts.
His comments resonate with themes addressed recently at the 2024 Top Executive Conference (TOPEX2024), where industry leaders discussed the importance of meaningful inclusivity in society and business, particularly for persons with disabilities. Lemeki Cagialau, Executive Director of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, noted that while Fiji has progressed through the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ongoing policy reforms are still necessary.
Both Macanawai and Cagialau underscored the significance of involving individuals with disabilities in the design and monitoring of accessibility initiatives to ensure their experiences shape policies and practices. This approach calls for a paradigm shift where inclusivity is genuinely championed, fostering empowerment rather than just providing surface-level support.
Despite the challenges highlighted, there is an optimistic outlook. Advocacy for inclusion continues to grow, with examples from the private sector indicating a positive trend toward more inclusive practices. Collectively, these actions can lead to a significantly more equitable society that values and uplifts all citizens, ensuring that nobody is left behind.
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