Massoud Barry is an emblematic Guinean activist for the rights of people with disabilities, serving as the President of the Support Organization for People with Disabilities in Guinea (OSH-Guinée) and a member of the National Transition Council (CNT). An indefatigable champion of social inclusion, she fights tirelessly for the empowerment and rights of people with disabilities, particularly advocating for their access to education, employment, and adapted infrastructure.
Her personal journey and activist commitment have positioned her as a critical voice that advocates at the highest levels for the recognition and protection of disability rights in Guinea, with a particular focus on highlighting the specific challenges faced by women with disabilities.
Introduction
Massoud Barry is an emblematic figure in the fight for the rights of people with disabilities in Guinea. An indefatigable activist and human rights defender, she has relentlessly committed herself to the inclusion and empowerment of this vulnerable segment of society. As the President of the Support Organization for People with Disabilities in Guinea (OSH-Guinée), she has played a major role in improving the living conditions of people with disabilities, both at the sociopolitical and economic levels.
Her commitment has led her to the highest decision-making spheres in Guinea, where she sits as a member of the National Transition Council (CNT).
A Fight for Inclusion and Empowerment
Massoud Barry's journey is marked by extraordinary resilience. She has always viewed her disability not as a fatality, but as an opportunity to be a vector of social change. Her message to people with disabilities is clear: "Take your disability as an opportunity."
Through her organization, OSH-Guinée, she conducts concrete actions for the empowerment of people with disabilities. She advocates for their access to education, employment, and adapted infrastructure. As a civil society activist, she has played a crucial role in raising awareness and lobbying public authorities.
Advocacy at the Highest Level
On September 15, 2021, during national consultations organized by the National Committee for Gathering and Development (CNRD), Massoud Barry advocated for people with disabilities before Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, the head of the military junta in power. She highlighted the major challenges facing this community, including:
- Accessibility to public infrastructure (hospitals, schools, administrations, etc.)
- Professional integration of people with disabilities
- Protection of disabled women against gender-based violence
Her determination bore fruit, as her demands were taken into account in discussions related to the political transition in Guinea.
A Strong Voice Against Violence Against Disabled Women
On December 3, 2021, during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Massoud Barry drew attention to a often-overlooked scourge: violence suffered by women with disabilities. She highlighted the double vulnerability of these women who, in addition to their disability, are victims of discrimination and aggression.
She called on feminist organizations and authorities to integrate this issue into their actions and to strengthen the implementation of laws to protect victims and punish perpetrators.
Her Role in the National Transition Council (CNT)
In February 2022, Massoud Barry was appointed as a member of the National Transition Council (CNT), a recognition of her commitment and fight for the rights of people with disabilities. This appointment is perceived as a major advance in taking the needs of this community into account in public policies.
During her installation at the CNT, she expressed her satisfaction and hope: "This is progress for respecting the rights of people with disabilities. We will ensure that documents produced here take into account their specific needs."
Her priorities within the CNT include:
- Inclusion of people with disabilities in all public policies
- Adaptation of public infrastructure
- Promotion of economic autonomy for people with disabilities
- Federation of associations defending the rights of people with disabilities
A Message of Unity and Mobilization
Massoud Barry encourages people with disabilities to unite and forcefully claim their rights. She invites them to actively engage in the political and social life of the country, because according to her, "It is together that we can move the lines."
Her inspiring journey and dedication make her an essential personality in the fight for the rights of people with disabilities in Guinea. Her commitment continues to positively influence political and societal decisions towards greater inclusion.
Conclusion
Massoud Barry is a model of courage and perseverance. Her tireless work for the recognition of the rights of people with disabilities in Guinea has enabled notable advances, but the path remains long. Her voice, carrying hope and justice, continues to illuminate the way towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
With her commitment to the CNT and through OSH-Guinée, Massoud Barry embodies the hope of a future where people with disabilities will be fully recognized and integrated into the social, political, and economic life of the country.
