Susan Sygall, a notable disability rights activist and establisher of Mobility International USA, represents an example of a truly outstanding woman leader. Her advocacy experience is inspiring: being a wheelchair rider since she was 18, Sygall has been fostering the rights of persons with disabilities and addressing women’s issues for over 30 years. The Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability is a particularly remarkable project of Mobility International (Kuzmeski, 2017). Women leaders with disabilities from around the globe have an opportunity to meet and jointly discuss and develop anti-discrimination initiatives. In addition, the Institute aims to empower women with disabilities and educate them about their rights and leadership goals (“Meet new Ashoka,” 2013). The primary motivation behind Sygall’s advocacy is to develop confidence and solidarity in women with disabilities and nurture their leadership skills to change the status quo. My deep conviction is that intersectional activism for disabled women’s rights is a highly courageous step that deserves a broader international response and support for Sygall’s initiative.
Sygall believes that the disability community should gain wider global recognition and inclusion and lead social change. By her own account, Sygall took up active advocacy when she experienced health difficulties and observed the environment as unfriendly to people with disabilities. As a human rights activist, she pays special attention to fostering women’s rights as their voices are rarely heard. Sygall energetically publishes and lectures on creating an inclusive environment, women’s empowerment, and leadership strategies for the disabled (Ascher, 2021). Her passionate involvement and dedication to her cause have proven that a disabled activist can make a difference in organizing international educational exchanges for people with disabilities or making urban spaces more accessible. Pursuing her mission, Sygall draws inspiration from her family and the “global sisterhood” — other international disabled women activists (“Meet new Ashoka,” 2013). Mutual support and optimism, and personal experience play a prominent role in human rights activists’ achievements.
References
Ascher, E. (2021). Susan Sygall. RespectAbility. Web.
Kuzmeski, M. (2017). Susan Sygall: Advancing disability rights with a passionate voice. The Red Zone. Leadership Foundation. Web.
Meet new Ashoka fellow Susan Sygall. (2013). Forbes. Web.