Celebrating the International Women's Day!
International Women’s Day is a moment to recognize the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across the world. For those working in disability advocacy, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the leadership and determination of women with disabilities who continue to challenge barriers and reshape how society understands ability, dignity, and independence.
In this reflection, Sanjeev Agnihotri honors the remarkable women connected to the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA) and acknowledges the many others whose work, guidance, and support strengthen the global movement for inclusion. From internationally recognized leaders to women whose courage is expressed through everyday perseverance, their stories remind us that progress is built through determination, compassion, and collective action.
The article also offers a deeply personal perspective, recognizing the quiet but powerful influence of the author’s wife, whose resilience and dedication have supported both family life and his continued advocacy work. Through this tribute, the message of International Women’s Day becomes clear: true inclusion requires recognizing the leadership, contributions, and lived experiences of women with disabilities everywhere.
By Sanjeev Agnihotri, Treasure.
Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day. It is a day to recognize the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. For those of us working in disability advocacy, it is also a moment to reflect on the incredible journeys of women with disabilities who continue to break barriers and redefine what strength truly means.
Today, I want to recognize and celebrate the proud and active women colleagues and members of the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA). Your dedication, compassion, leadership, and commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities across the world inspire all of us.
Women like Angie Fuoco, Anne Musalie, Dr. Aderonke Adejuyigbe, Dr. Doreen Myrie, Dr. Maria de Mello, Dr. Martha Casillaga, Florence Lunde, Mona Arsenault, Sonia Rajbans, Nafisatou Isa, Sarah Nathaniel Snart, Adenike Sijuwade, Marta Esteves de Almeida Gil, and many others bring wisdom, strength, and vision to our work.
I would also like to recognize Saum Siraj, a true Rotarian from Kenya who may not be an active member of RCWDA but serves as an Advisor to our Board of Directors and Chair of our Fundraising Committee. Her guidance, generosity of spirit, and commitment to humanitarian service continue to inspire us.
Our appreciation also extends to Nisha Jose and Rimpi Arora, who are Honorary Members of our club. Their encouragement and support strengthen our community and remind us that advocacy grows through collective effort.
The Rising Power of Women with Disabilities
For a long time, women with disabilities faced double discrimination, both because of their disability and because they were women. But the story is changing. Across the world today, women with disabilities are becoming leaders, athletes, scientists, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates.
We see inspiring examples everywhere.
Judy Heumann, often called the mother of the disability rights movement, spent her life fighting for equal rights and accessibility.
Tanni Grey-Thompson, a Paralympic champion from the United Kingdom, won eleven gold medals in wheelchair racing and became a powerful voice for disability rights.
Jessica Cox, born without arms, became the world’s first licensed pilot to fly an airplane using only her feet.
Deepa Malik from India, a Paralympic medalist and disability rights activist, proved that determination can overcome even the toughest barriers.
These women are extraordinary, but they represent something even bigger: the power of determination and courage that lives in millions of women with disabilities around the world.
Success Is Not Always Measured by Medals
While global icons inspire us, I truly believe that success is not measured only by medals, titles, or recognition.
Every woman with a disability who wakes up each morning, faces challenges, supports her family, pursues education, builds a career, or simply refuses to give up is a success story.
Many of these stories will never appear in newspapers or television, but they are no less powerful.
For me, the greatest example of strength is much closer to home.
The Woman Who Inspires Me the Most
My wife is one of the strongest women I know.
Despite facing disability and financial challenges early in life, she had the courage and determination to build something of her own. At a very young age, she successfully established her own boutique and tailoring shop, proving that independence and dignity come from believing in oneself.
After our marriage, her journey of strength continued in even more meaningful ways. She has not only stood beside me through my health challenges with Post-Polio Syndrome but has also taken care of our family with extraordinary patience and dedication. Along with caring for me, she has also supported our immediate and extended family, along with my sister-in-law, always putting the needs of others before their own.
A Personal Note from My Heart
On this International Women’s Day, I want to say something personal.
When people see my work in disability advocacy, they often appreciate the speeches, the meetings, the conferences, and the initiatives. But what many people do not see is the quiet strength behind the scenes that makes it possible for me to continue.
That strength is Indu.
There have been moments when my health challenges made life extremely difficult. During those times, she never complained, never stepped back, and never allowed me to lose hope. Her love, care, and unwavering support have been the silent force that keeps me moving forward.
If my voice today reaches people around the world through advocacy, it is because she has been the steady support beside me every single day.
To the world she may simply be my wife, but to me she is my courage, my strength, and my greatest inspiration.
A Future of Inclusion and Respect
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us commit ourselves to a world where women with disabilities are not defined by limitations but recognized for their strength, talent, and leadership.
A world where girls with disabilities grow up believing in their potential.
A world where inclusion is not charity, but justice.
And a world where every woman, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and respect.
To all the incredible women in RCWDA and across the world who continue to inspire us every day, thank you for your courage, leadership, and compassion.
International Women’s Day reminds us that celebrating progress is important, but continuing the work of building a more inclusive world is even more essential.
At the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA), we remain committed to advancing accessibility, inclusive education, assistive technology, and leadership opportunities for people with disabilities worldwide. If you would like to support these efforts and help expand our impact, you are warmly invited to contribute to our work.