The Nappy Run is made up of a group of people who are working to better the lives of children with disabilities in South Africa, especially in poor areas.
Dignity is a basic human right. A violation thereof cuts us at our human core. This should motivate us to protect the right to dignity of not only ourselves but of every person. Yet, according to the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities in South Africa (NCPD), protecting the dignity of South Africa’s children with disabilities is not currently very high on the national agenda.
According to UNICEF, “children with disabilities are one of the most marginalized and excluded groups of children, experiencing widespread violations of their rights.” In developing countries, like South Africa, where poverty and inequality are serious problems, children with disabilities are even more vulnerable.
This is why events like the Nappy Run and organisations like the NCPD are around. To fight for the rights of children in need. NCPD campaigns to raise funds for nappies through its Nappy Run initiative, as well as promoting awareness of the effects of disablism on children with disabilities.
Using the bathroom in informal settlements is one of the most challenging things a child with a disability can do. Often they need to use the pit toilets which can be dangerous. By having access to nappies, these children can experience more dignity often not afforded to them.
“It’s time we had a frank conversation about disablism and what we can each do to dismantle it – government and civil society together. We urgently need to address the rights violations of d children with disabilities. As the late Nelson Mandela said, ‘There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.’ That includes all our children.” – Therina Wentzel, National Director of the NCPD
The Nappy Run is a national awareness and nappy donation-drive campaign which culminates in an official 5km fun run, walk or wheel event at Joburg Zoo on Saturday 3 November 2018, coinciding with International Children’s Day.
The two-pronged purpose of the Nappy Run campaign is primarily aimed at educating the public on the violation of the rights of our country’s most marginalized and vulnerable group of people – our children with disabilities. Furthermore, Nappy Run appeals to the public for online donations which go towards the purchase of nappies – a vital incontinence-management product for children with disabilities.
To find out more about the run, take a look at their website here.
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