A young Saudi woman with Down syndrome left a pioneering mark on the world when she spoke about the empowerment of Saudi women and girls with disabilities during the Eleventh Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
The young woman, Shaima Abdulrahman Al-Mufdi, appeared on the conference podium with confidence and distinction, proudly sharing her ambitious experience, what Saudi Arabia provides to women with Down syndrome, the community's support for them, and the importance of international associations' support in improving the lives of women with disabilities.
Shaima
Meanwhile, a recorded clip showing Shaima delivering her country's address at the conference circulated across media and social media, with people expressing their pride and appreciation for her representation of the Kingdom at this global occasion.
Shaima told "Al Arabiya.net" of her happiness at participating and her pride that her voice reached the world, confirming that she received training in specialized schools, where she found great encouragement that helped her achieve her dream of conveying this image to the world.
She added: "People with Down syndrome in Saudi Arabia are supported and capable of creativity and achieving their dreams. We have reached advanced ranks, and I hope many people with Down syndrome will participate in such international forums to convey their voices."
Dialogue, Public Speaking, and English
Her sister, Arawa Al-Mufdi, revealed that Shaima works at the Saut Down Syndrome Association within the Prince Mohammed bin Nayef schools, and underwent training in various dialogue and public speaking skills, with a focus on developing her level, English language, and communication skills. She follows English-language programs, and the school played a role in developing her performance and language until she reached the United Nations.
She said: "Deputy Minister of Labor Dr. Tamadher Al-Ramah nominated her to participate in the conference to speak about helping children with disabilities and developing their experiences, and about the development and support of women with disabilities in Saudi Arabia, and to share her experience of the Kingdom's support for her."
She explained: "Her speech drew wide resonance and remarkable reactions. Dr. Tamadher Al-Ramah posted a tweet about Shaima's participation, while Shaima received support and encouragement from the attendees and from many participants from around the world."
The Voice of Saudi Women
Speaking about Shaima and her talent, her sister said: "This condition may prevent people from interacting with others, yet Shaima excelled in public speaking and boldness, and she constantly develops her skills. She receives support from her father, mother, and the whole family, and we are proud of her. She dreams of participating in more events and of the opportunity — for her and her friends with this condition — to convey the voice of Saudi women and patients to help other students, and to integrate children with Down syndrome with the rest of the students in schools."
Shaima's speech at the conference focused on women and girls with disabilities, while country representatives during the session highlighted their personal experiences or the initiatives of the countries they represented in developing the circumstances of this group. Shaima presented a glimpse of the continuous improvement in the conditions of her peers, bearing witness through her experience to the distinguished outcomes.
Celebrating Shaima
For her part, Saudi Deputy Minister of Labor, Tamadher Youssef Al-Ramah, said in a tweet on her Twitter account: "The nation's daughter, Shaima Abdulrahman Al-Mufdi, a member of the Kingdom's delegation to the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, speaks to the world from the United Nations podium... We are proud of you, Shaima."
Meanwhile, social media users interacted with the hashtag, celebrating Shaima and affirming that she is the finest representative of the nation, and that her talk about disability conventions, delivered with pure spirit, marks a new starting point — she came forward to tell the world that there is no limit to human ability and God's gifts.
Source: Al Anba Newspaper
