By Muhammad Hussain
In the lively streets of Quetta, Balochistan, Mubaraka’s name resonates with resilience and artistic brilliance. Mubaraka, a young girl whose life took a sharp turn after a tragic accident left her with a disability, has become a symbol of hope and inspiration in her community. Her story isn’t just about overcoming physical hurdles but also about breaking societal barriers that have long overshadowed the Hazara community.
Despite facing daunting challenges, Mubaraka hasn’t let anything hold her back. She’s shown that with determination and passion, one can overcome any obstacle. Her journey serves as a reminder that no matter the circumstances, one can reach for their dreams and make them a reality.
Mubaraka’s art tells compelling stories of her experiences and the struggles of her community. Through her paintings, she depicts tales of resilience, culture, and the fight for recognition. She dreams of seeing her artwork displayed in galleries and shared online, inspiring others to believe in themselves and their abilities.
But Mubaraka’s story isn’t just about her success as an artist. It’s also about the support she’s received from her family and community in Quetta. Their unwavering encouragement has been her guiding light, helping her navigate through the toughest of times.
Overcoming Challenges
Growing up in the Hazara community, Mubaraka faced numerous challenges. The Hazara people, an ethnic minority in Pakistan, often face discrimination and marginalization. For Mubaraka, these societal challenges were compounded by her disability. Yet, her spirit remained unbroken. Encouraged by her family and driven by her love for painting, she began to see her art not just as a hobby, but as a lifeline.
The journey to her current status was not easy. Mubaraka’s early days after the accident were filled with physical pain and emotional despair. However, her determination and the unwavering support of her family played a crucial role in her recovery. She turned to art as a therapeutic outlet, gradually discovering her innate talent for painting. This talent not only provided her with a creative escape but also opened up opportunities for financial independence.
A Beacon of Hope
Today, Mubaraka not only excels as an artist but also uses her art to fund her educational expenses. Mubaraka dreams of seeing her paintings, which vividly portray the vibrant culture and struggles of the Hazara people, showcased in local galleries and online platforms. She yearns for her artwork to receive recognition and admiration from audiences far and wide, ultimately building a devoted fan base. With this success, she envisions achieving financial stability, allowing her to pursue her academic aspirations while also serving as an inspiration to others navigating similar challenges.
In an exclusive interview, officials from the Social Welfare Department shed light on the government’s efforts to support individuals with disabilities. “The government of Balochistan is strictly implementing the 5 percent quota for persons with disabilities,” stated a representative. “We offer numerous grants and facilities, including scholarships, to encourage their participation in all segments of life.”
Government Initiatives and Their Impact
The Social Welfare Department’s initiatives aim to integrate individuals with disabilities more fully into society, providing them with the opportunities necessary to thrive in various fields, including education and employment. These measures, though beneficial, often do not fully address the broader systemic issues faced by people with disabilities.
However, not everyone agrees that these measures are sufficient. Breaking Barriers, an organization dedicated to supporting women and persons with disabilities, offers a critical perspective. According to a spokesperson from the organization, “While the quota and other facilities are a step in the right direction, they fall short of addressing the broader systemic issues that people with disabilities face.”
Breaking Barriers: Advocating for Comprehensive Support
Breaking Barriers works extensively to support disabled girls, offering programs that provide education, vocational training, and psychological support. Their initiatives aim to create an inclusive environment where disabled girls can thrive, compete on an equal footing, and have access to the same opportunities as their able-bodied peers.
One of Breaking Barriers’ key programs is the “Empowerment through Education” initiative, which provides scholarships and tutoring for disabled girls to ensure they receive a quality education. This program not only covers school fees but also provides necessary supplies, adaptive technology, and transportation services.
Additionally, Breaking Barriers offers vocational training courses tailored to the needs and abilities of disabled individuals. These courses include skills such as computer literacy, handicrafts, and small business management, which are designed to help participants gain financial independence. Mubaraka herself benefited from these programs, learning how to market and sell her artwork, thus achieving financial stability and self-sufficiency.
The organization also focuses on psychological support, understanding that the emotional well-being of disabled individuals is just as important as their physical health. Breaking Barriers provides counseling services, support groups, and workshops on self-advocacy and confidence-building. These programs help individuals like Mubaraka to build resilience and a positive self-image, empowering them to face societal challenges with strength and determination.
Mubaraka’s Story as a Catalyst for Change
The contrasting views highlight a significant discussion point in Balochistan: the effectiveness of current policies and their real-life impact on those they are meant to support. For Mubaraka, her story of triumph over adversity serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with determination and the right support.
Mubaraka’s achievements as an artist have not only brought her financial independence but also recognition within and outside her community. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the critical role of both personal and systemic support in empowering individuals with disabilities.
As debates continue over the adequacy of governmental provisions, Mubaraka remains a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome challenges. Her journey underscores the importance of both personal resilience and systemic support in empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential.
Mubaraka serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with determination and the right support. It calls on individuals, communities, and policymakers to work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities. By investing in education, providing access to resources, and promoting inclusivity, society can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Breaking Barriers encourages the public to get involved by volunteering, donating, or advocating for policy changes that promote the rights and inclusion of disabled individuals. The organization believes that collective effort is essential to create a society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.
Final Thoughts
Mubaraka’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. Her story not only inspires those facing similar challenges but also advocates for a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive. As she continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations, Mubaraka remains a shining example of resilience, creativity, and hope.
Her message is clear: with perseverance and the right support, no obstacle is insurmountable. Through her art and advocacy, Mubaraka continues to shine a light on the importance of inclusion, equality, and the limitless potential of individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, according to a survey conducted by the Social Welfare Department, among Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Balochistan, various types of disabilities and their respective percentages are reported as follows: Amputation (2.1%), Blind, Deaf & Dumb (0.3%), Developmental Disability (11.0%), Epilepsy (1.0%), Hand Amputation (0.7%), Hand Injury Hearing (0.5%), Joint or Muscle Pain (14.2%), Learning Disabilities (9.5%), and Leg Injury (9.5%).
