First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called on society to take collective responsibility in building a more inclusive world, using World Down Syndrome Day as a platform to address the systemic barriers faced by individuals with the condition.
In a post shared on X, the First Lady argued that human difference, including the experiences of those living with Down Syndrome, should be viewed not as a limitation, but as a source of diversity that enriches society as a whole.
“It is our collective responsibility to care for one another and build a society where no one is left behind,” she wrote.
Beyond Awareness: A Rights-Based Argument
The First Lady’s remarks went beyond symbolic observance, drawing a clear distinction between inclusion as a charitable gesture and inclusion as an obligation. She stressed that the participation of children with Down Syndrome in all aspects of life is “not a matter of choice, but a fundamental right”, language that signals a push for structural, rather than ad hoc, change.
She also acknowledged the lived reality of many individuals with the condition, noting that despite frequently facing isolation and discrimination, they consistently demonstrate love, kindness, and resilience.
A Date With Meaning
World Down Syndrome Day is observed annually on March 21, a date chosen by the United Nations to reflect the triplication, or trisomy, of the 21st chromosome that causes the condition.