The second Diversity & Inclusion Day was celebrated in Douala Friday.

Eleven wheelchairs and other equipment were donated to some disable children selected from associations across Douala on Friday. The gifts by staff of the International Finance Corporation were a part of activities to celebrate the second edition of the World Bank Group’s “Diversity & Inclusion” Day on March 15.

The theme of the celebration, which took place at the esplanade of the Chamber of Commerce in Douala, was “Disabled female entrepreneurs: contributing to the construction of an inclusive and accessible society for all”. There were educative talks with disabled female entrepreneurs, an exhibition of crafts by disabled women. Focus was on promoting activities by disable female entrepreneurs. After the opening of the celebration by IFC the Country Manager, Henri Rabarijohn, there were educative talks to encourage activities and skills by female entrepreneurs.

Speaking during the opening Noubissie Marie Louise, representing the National Association of Disable Women and founder of the Association of Disable Women for Complete Integration of Development, decried discrimination against women across all the sectors of life. She said discrimination against them hinder their contribution to economic growth. That discrimination, she said, is even more with disable persons in the country.

However, the fact that more women and are associating with groups, associations and organisations the situation of disable women is getting better as the process of emancipation has slowly begun. She thanked efforts to encourage literacy among disable women and government for integrating more disable persons in the public service. She called for continued support and encouragement from the society. With “Diversity & Inclusion” the World Bank Group requires recruitment from as wide a geographic basis as possible, give equal emphasis to inclusion, that is, behaviours and attitudes.

CJ