Welcome to the United Nations
The UN DESA's Division for Inclusion and Social Development (DISD) recently conducted an interview with Ms. Khadija Jallouli, the founder and CEO of Hawkar. Despite facing physical challenges, Khadija has dedicated her knowledge to the mobility sector over the years. She refused to let her disability define her limitations and instead turned her unique perspective into an opportunity to effect change. Khadija's mission is to address the mobility challenges faced by disabled people. She recognizes the importance of independence and the empowering freedom that mobility brings. In 2020, she was selected and recognized as one of the Meaningful Business 100 outstanding leaders worldwide for combining profit and purpose to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In November 2023, she was awarded for her remarkable leadership by the United Nations in Tunisia.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and something you're passionate about?
I'm a person who has always tried to defy the odds to become independent and a prominent figure in the mobility industry. Despite facing physical challenges, I refused to let my disability define my limitations. Instead, I turned my unique perspective into an opportunity to try to effect change. I am passionate about tackling the mobility challenges faced by disabled people which is the basis of all discrimination, because we need to understand that if we solve this problem, we will solve all the problems related to inclusion. Mobility is the foundation, is the importance of independence, and it brings the power of freedom. HawKar's mission is to create accessible mobility solutions that empower individuals with disabilities and enhance their quality of life. We often hear about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
What are some of the positive strengths that come with your disability?
Despite the challenges they face, persons with disabilities often possess unique strengths and abilities. My disability has given me a deep understanding of the mobility issues that many others may overlook. This perspective allows me to approach problem-solving with creativity. My resilience and determination in the face of adversity are the strengths that have propelled me and life has taught me how to always have a problem-solver mindset to be able to move forward with challenges. Overall, I want to show that disabilities do not define limitations but can instead foster resilience, creativity, and empathy. Because if you can do just one thing well you are needed by someone.
How can we ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included and effectively participate in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) so that they are not left behind?
To ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included and effectively participate in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), several measures can be taken. Firstly, there needs to be a focus on accessibility in all aspects of society, including infrastructure, education, employment, and healthcare. This involves implementing inclusive policies and removing barriers that prevent participation. Secondly, there should be efforts to raise awareness and promote the rights of persons with disabilities, combating stigma and discrimination. Additionally, involving persons with disabilities in decision-making processes ensures that their perspectives and needs are considered. Lastly, providing access to education and vocational training opportunities empowers individuals with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to society and the achievement of the SDGs.
What are your dreams and aspirations for the future? Is there anything specific you would like to see changed in the world to create a more inclusive environment for persons with disabilities?
My dreams and aspirations for the future revolve around creating a more inclusive environment for persons with disabilities. Simply, a world where accessibility is the norm, and individuals with disabilities are not limited by physical barriers. I do advocate for changes in societal attitudes and policies to ensure equal opportunities for all, and I hope to see greater representation of persons with disabilities in leadership roles and decision-making processes, allowing their voices to be heard and valued. My dream is to live enough to see a world where disability is not seen as a limitation but as a unique perspective that enriches society, because I believe in something that if you put a person in an adapted environment this person will no longer be disabled same as if you take a normal able person (who do not have disability) in a disabling environment this person will find him/herself not able to do anything and as a result: disabled.
Ms. Khadija Jallouli will speak on June 11 at the opening of the 17th session of the Conference of State Parties on Disabilities (COSP17) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Source: UN DESA