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December 6, 2024

The War Within – Inflicting Costs (Part one)

In previous articles, we discussed the effects, impacts, and solutions in detail. Now, I want to address a subject that delves into the psychological challenges faced by persons with disabilities. If we move persons with disabilities as objects and psychological challenges as subject, we can narrate a different story from the ableist viewpoint.

1837 to 1947 to 2017

This timeframe offers a critical lens through which to examine societal attitudes. The year 1837 marked the beginning of significant upheaval in British India, setting the stage for rebellion against colonial rule. Despite the passage of time, the psychological scars of colonialism linger, particularly in how we perceive and treat disabled individuals. Our colonial mindset, shaped by hierarchical structures and discriminatory norms, remains largely unchanged.

From the institutionalisation of disabled people during the British Raj to the continued marginalisation in post-colonial societies, the narrative around disability has often been one of exclusion and paternalism. Paternalism is a significant factor in Pakistan, but it has not shifted how we react to disabled people. It is like Katherine’s Mayo book of the Women of India, where she bragged that the Indian woman is inferior to the white man. Mayo’s book could be seen as a way of internalising how we feel about the disabled using the same terminology as the lame, dumb, deaf, blind in Pakistan even today.

The laws even remind disabled people of a colonial empire behest to work to serve the Raj not the people

By Ghulam Baig
Uncategorized
October 30, 2024

Help us in Fuel Costs

Hello! I hope you’re well. Thank you so much for your ongoing support. As discussed, we’re preparing a project to empower individuals with disabilities in areas like Gojal, Yasin, Nagar, and Ghizer by distributing wheelchairs and sewing machines. One part of the project supports people of all genders, while another is focused on women’s empowerment.

Our international supporters have approved our proposal and have generously contributed to help launch this project in 2025. However, we still need additional support to cover transportation costs between key locations.

Currently, we have $70 in the bank, but we estimate we need at least $500 for fuel alone. Any small contributions would be greatly appreciated and will go directly toward supporting this initiative.

By ALI
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October 27, 2024

Rational choice and ableism from DPOs

The rational choice we believe many make is rooted in one key question: “How convenient is this issue for me?” This stereotype-driven approach allows people to think, “I am not disabled; therefore, I won’t have these difficulties,” which creates a false sense of comfort. It is the easy way out—a mental shortcut that allows individuals to ignore the realities of ableism, reassuring themselves that these issues belong to someone else. From high-ranking officials, like a Chief Minister, down to local community leaders, this mindset sustains an illusion that dealing with disability inclusion is irrelevant to their own lives. But this notion is objectively false and contributes to a cycle of harmful inaction.

In reality, disability is not a niche issue. It is a fundamental human rights issue. Everyone, directly or indirectly, interacts with individuals facing disabilities. When leaders or decision-makers choose avoidance or indifference, they are essentially opting for convenience over justice. This mindset arguably violates the basic human rights of disabled individuals by limiting their access to opportunities, spaces, and roles within society.

By “human rights,” we mean the systemic exclusion of disabled individuals from workplaces, educational settings, and economic opportunities. In fact, a brief literature review conducted by the Goodwill Movement reveals that the economic inclusion of disabled people brings measurable benefits—higher productivity, enhanced community engagement, and strengthened social support networks. Yet, these truths remain buried under convenient excuses.

“Isn’t It Difficult?”

Another perspective that enables ableism is the idea that interacting with or including disabled individuals is inherently challenging. When we correspond with potential donors—via email, calls, or meetings—we often notice a subtle reluctance to engage fully. It feels as though many donors wish to “get through” these conversations so they can focus on something more familiar or comfortable. They seem eager to shift to another topic, to avoid exploring the profound value and necessity of true inclusion.

This brings us to a fundamental question: Are we merely servants to other’s convenience? It does feel like it many times.

Disabled individuals deserve respect and engagement, not to be merely dismissed as an “inconvenient” task. The expectation that organisations like ours must cater entirely to the preferences of potential donors instead of being met halfway shows a lack of genuine commitment towards societal change. That being said, we will commit to those donor preferences who are on the same page as us, and we have done so in the past

By Ghulam Baig
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Uncategorized
October 26, 2024

The cycle of trapped bias

Goodwill has been striving since 2021 to advocate for the rights and support of persons with disabilities in Gilgit Baltistan and among its global diaspora. This work aims to create lasting, collective benefits by ensuring inclusive development and resources for individuals with disabilities. Yet, why do we still encounter resistance, limited resource mobilisation, and fragmented support from within the community and diaspora? Game theory could explain this

Could this be akin to a ‘Prisoner’s Dilemma’ situation, where individual stakeholders, despite having mutual interests in the cause, prioritize short-term gains or avoid risks over collaboration? Just as in the classic dilemma, if all involved parties cooperated, the collective outcome could significantly uplift lives and strengthen the community’s social fabric. So, what factors keep stakeholders from fully investing, and how can we break this cycle to foster true, sustained support?

Objective

The objective of Goodwill is to get more donations to fund more projects. Let’s call this D and F. D and F have a crossover.

Variables

Has Goodwill launched a donation site? Yes

Has Goodwill partnered with a third sector organisation? Yes

Bias


In the classic Prisoner’s Dilemma game, Prisoners A and B have four possible outcomes based on their choices to either cooperate (stay silent) or defect (testify against each other). Similarly, in donating to a cause or supporting a cause, people have the will to stay silent or ignore it. The will here, though is not a rational one but the unconscious bias that keep’s one eyes and ears closed to reality

By Ghulam Baig
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Uncategorized
October 16, 2024

White Cane Day

In a remarkable celebration of International White Cane Safety Day, we joined hands with Karakoram International University’s Department of Education to raise awareness about accessibility and safe mobility for the visually impaired.

This event stands as a testament to our commitment to empowering visually impaired individuals in navigating safely and confidently through the world around them. Those who are blind by birth are the navigators of society, than those who choose to be in sociopolitical chaos.

The day was filled with engaging awareness sessions and interactive discussions, shedding light on the importance of inclusivity and the daily realities faced by those with visual impairments. A heartfelt thank you to Doctor Qutoshi, Doctor Hadi Haideri, and our dedicated volunteers and participants who made this event possible.

Join us in the journey to promote accessibility and inclusivity for all in Gilgit-Baltistan!

#InternationalWhiteCaneSafetyDay #GilgitBaltistanGoodwillMovement #AccessibilityMatters #EmpowermentThroughEducation #InclusiveGB

By ALI
Uncategorized
October 2, 2024

Ableism, a tool of power?

As many have noticed, over the past week, the Goodwill Movement has strategically targeted ableism. This serves two purposes. The first is practical—it improves SEO scores, boosting visibility and reach across digital platforms. However, the second reason is far more significant: ableism is not just another societal bias; it is the root cause of most challenges faced by the disabled community in Pakistan and around the world. It manifests in almost every sphere of life, dictating not only how disabled individuals are treated but how they are perceived, what opportunities they are given, and what limitations are imposed upon them.

But here lies the real question: What is it about being disabled that gives the rest of humanity the power to decide what is right or wrong for us? Why does society feel entitled to define our potential, decide our limitations, and shape the trajectory of our lives based on their perceptions rather than our capabilities?

Blind to Society’s Limitations

Through informal, one-on-one surveys conducted across multiple platforms, I have begun to see a pattern. The surveys were not academic in nature; rather, they were conversational, allowing disabled individuals to voice their experiences and frustrations openly. As a disabled person studying the humanities, I’ve come to a pivotal realization: society’s moral values are central to this issue. What we, as a society, consider normal or abnormal, right or wrong, good or bad, defines how disabled individuals are treated and understood.

From a young age, we are conditioned to perceive disability through a limited lens. Society teaches us to see disabled individuals as objects of pity or charity, rather than as equals or leaders. This bias is deeply ingrained in our collective psyche, and it is reinforced by the media, education systems, and even well-meaning advocacy groups. The result? A deeply ableist culture where disabled individuals are rarely envisioned in positions of power or authority.

Why can’t we imagine a disabled person in a wheelchair leading the United Nations or the World Health Organization? There is no logical or ethical reason why this should be an impossibility. The fact that we struggle to see such leadership roles for disabled individuals speaks volumes about our society’s failure to embrace diversity and inclusion on a meaningful level.

The Get-Out-of-Jail Card: Avoiding Responsibility

Through scientific inquiry and observation, I’ve concluded that many people use a metaphorical ‘get-out-of-jail card’ when it comes to disability. This card allows them to avoid the difficult work of understanding, empathizing, and confronting their own biases. Instead of challenging ableism head-on, people often retreat to familiar tropes and narratives that offer them an easy way out—whether it’s framing disability as a tragedy, a moral failing, or a condition that can only be “fixed” by the non-disabled.

Why do the hard work of advocating for accessibility, inclusivity, and equality when you can offer well-intentioned platitudes and avoid the deeper, systemic issues? It’s easier to feel good about building a ramp than to confront the prejudices that keep disabled individuals from being hired, promoted, or included in leadership conversations.

This “get-out-of-jail” mentality allows society to maintain its sense of moral superiority while avoiding the tough questions for individuals and donors. It is a convenient escape route, but it comes at the cost of real progress.

Why Work Hard for an Easier Way Out?

Let’s use Monopoly as a metaphor. In the game of Monopoly, the objective is clear: to accumulate as many properties as possible and bankrupt your opponents. It is a game of competition and strategy but also one of survival. You can play ruthlessly, hoping to wipe out your competitors, or you can play strategically, forming alliances and using your resources wisely.

Now, imagine if Monopoly were not just a game, but a reflection of society’s approach to disability. The objective, for many non-disabled individuals and institutions, seems to be to dominate and control the narrative, to hold onto power while offering just enough support to disabled individuals to appear charitable. But what if we shifted the objective? What if we stopped seeing society as a zero-sum game where one person’s gain must come at another’s loss?

What if the goal wasn’t to bankrupt our opponents but to ensure that everyone at the table has the opportunity to thrive? This shift in mindset could lead to a society where disabled individuals are not just passive recipients of aid but active participants and leaders, fully capable of shaping their destinies.

The Path Forward

The challenges we face as disabled individuals are not just personal but deeply societal. Ableism is not a problem for disabled people to solve on their own; it is a societal issue that requires collective action. To dismantle ableism, we must first recognize that it is rooted in the moral values and norms that have been handed down to us through generations. These values dictate how we perceive disability and, more importantly, who we believe is worthy of leadership, power, and autonomy.

The work of the Goodwill Movement in targeting ableism is a critical step in this process. By challenging societal norms and pushing for greater visibility and representation of disabled individuals, we are slowly but surely shifting the narrative. However, this is just the beginning. The real work lies in changing hearts and minds—not just through SEO tactics, but through genuine, sustained advocacy and representation.

Ultimately, it’s not about giving disabled individuals a seat at the table; it’s about recognizing that we have always belonged there. And it’s time for society to catch up.

By Ghulam Baig
Uncategorized
July 16, 2024

Political Football and Disabled People

General Overview

Disabled people are often used as political footballs, a term that refers to how politicians and parties use them to score points or advance their own agendas without genuinely addressing the issues that affect the disabled community.

This can manifest in several ways

  1. Policy Promises: Politicians frequently make grand promises about improving accessibility, funding for disability services, and inclusive education during election campaigns. However, once elected, these promises are often neglected or implemented inadequately, leaving disabled people with little real change in their day-to-day lives
  2. Budget Cuts and Reallocation: Disability programs and services are frequently the first targets for budget cuts during economic downturns or government restructuring. This can severely impact the quality of life for disabled individuals who rely on these services for their independence and well-being.
  3. Legislative Symbolism: There is a tendency to pass symbolic legislation that garners positive media attention but lacks the enforcement mechanisms or funding necessary to make a tangible difference. Such legislation gives the appearance of progress without delivering substantive benefits to the disabled community.
  4. Political Rhetoric: Politicians sometimes use the plight of disabled people to criticize opponents or gain moral high ground. This rhetoric often highlights the challenges faced by disabled individuals without committing to actionable solutions or engaging with the community to understand their needs.
  5. Tokenism: Disabled individuals are sometimes used as tokens in political campaigns or events to show inclusivity and diversity. However, this is often superficial, with little effort made to include disabled voices in decision-making processes or policy development.
  6. Polarization and Stigma: Disability issues can become polarizing topics, with political parties framing their opponents as either neglectful or overly generous with welfare. This can perpetuate stigma and misunderstanding about the disabled community, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and social barriers.

The exploitation of disabled people as political footballs not only undermines the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities but also stalls genuine progress towards a more inclusive and equitable society. It is crucial for politicians and policymakers to engage meaningfully with the disabled community, listen to their voices, and commit to actions that deliver real and lasting improvements to their lives.

Individual Overview

Disabled people can experience bullying in various forms, often reflecting societal attitudes and lack of understanding about disabilities which empowers political power. Here are several ways disabled people might feel bullied in society

1. Verbal Abuse

  • Insults and Name-Calling: Using derogatory terms or slurs aimed at their disability.
  • Mockery: Imitating physical movements, speech patterns, or other characteristics of their disability in a mocking manner.
  • Threats: Making threatening statements that target their disability.

2. Physical Bullying

  • Assault: Physical attacks or threats of violence directed at them.
  • Interference with Mobility Aids: Tampering with, hiding, or damaging wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, or other assistive devices.
  • Unwanted Touching: Physically handling or moving a disabled person without their consent.

3. Social Bullying

  • Exclusion: Deliberately excluding them from social activities, groups, or conversations.
  • Gossip and Rumors: Spreading false or malicious stories about their disability or capabilities.
  • Isolation: Encouraging others to ostracize or avoid them.

4. Cyberbullying

  • Online Harassment: Sending abusive messages or threats via social media, email, or other online platforms.
  • Defamatory Content: Posting harmful or false information about them online.
  • Exclusion from Online Communities: Deliberately excluding them from online groups or forums.

5. Microaggressions

  • Patronizing Attitudes: Speaking to them in a condescending tone, assuming they are less capable.
  • Invasive Questions: Asking overly personal or intrusive questions about their disability.
  • Ignoring Autonomy: Making decisions for them without consultation, assuming they are incapable of making their own choices.

6. Institutional Bullying

  • Discrimination: Facing discrimination in workplaces, educational institutions, or public services due to their disability.
  • Lack of Accommodations: Being denied reasonable adjustments or accommodations that they are legally entitled to.
  • Inaccessibility: Physical or procedural barriers that prevent them from participating fully in society.

7. Emotional and Psychological Bullying

  • Gaslighting: Convincing them that their experiences or feelings about their disability are invalid or exaggerated.
  • Manipulation: Using their disability to manipulate or control them.
  • Devaluation: Treating them as less valuable or capable because of their disability.

8. Financial Bullying

  • Exploitation: Taking advantage of them financially, such as pressuring them to give money or manipulating them to sign financial documents.

All of the above takes place in Pakistan and elsewhere. But what are we doing about it? Nothing!

By ALI
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Uncategorized
May 15, 2024

Meeting with Col Wali of the Moawin Foundation


On the second day in office, we were privileged to engage in a profound meeting with Colonel Wali, the esteemed regional head of the Moawin Foundation. The foundation’s noble mission to “Transform Lives through Education & Skill Development” resonated deeply with our own aspirations within the Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement. As we sat down to deliberate, it became abundantly clear that a partnership between our two entities held immense potential to catalyze positive change and empower communities.

Colonel Wali articulated the Foundation’s commitment to providing access to quality education and fostering skill development among marginalized populations. Their initiatives ranged from establishing schools in remote areas to vocational training programs aimed at equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

In turn, we shared our vision for the Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement, emphasizing our dedication to grassroots empowerment and sustainable development. Our focus on community-driven solutions and inclusive growth aligned seamlessly with the ethos of the Moawin Foundation.

Throughout our discussion, ideas flowed freely, sparking innovative strategies for collaboration. We explored potential joint ventures, such as establishing educational centers in underserved regions of Gilgit Baltistan or launching joint skill development workshops tailored to the specific needs of local communities.

Furthermore, we identified areas where our respective strengths could complement each other, whether through sharing resources, expertise, or networks. By pooling our resources and leveraging our collective experience, we envisioned creating a synergy that would magnify our impact and reach even the most marginalized individuals.

As the meeting drew to a close, both parties expressed excitement about the possibilities that lay ahead.

We recognized that this partnership was not just about transforming individual lives but about igniting a ripple effect of positive change across entire communities.

With shared determination and a commitment to collaboration, we departed, eager to embark on this journey together towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all

By Ghulam Baig
RAMAZAN (RAMADAN) KARIM
Uncategorized
March 9, 2024

TO  MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES

Dear Esteemed Professionals,

I trust this correspondence finds you in good health and high spirits.

My name is Ghulam Muhammad Baig, and I am currently enrolled as a student at Strathclyde University, Glasgow, pursuing a degree in Politics & International Relations. Concurrently, I am engaged in leading an NGO known as the Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement, which is dedicated to serving the disabled communities of Gilgit Baltistan. Our operational headquarters are situated in Zulfiqarabad, Gilgit.

In essence, we are a non-profit organization committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Our initiatives encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from empowering disabled individuals through various skill development programs to addressing their fundamental needs by providing sustenance, shelter, and clothing to the marginalized segments within the disabled community.

Alhamdulillah, we began our work in June 2021 in Gilgit Baltistan, with support from senior doctors working within the NHS in the UK. Now, we are seeking additional support from other professionals within our community


We understand that many of you send money home as remittances, but we kindly ask you to consider the challenges faced by disabled individuals in our country as Allah says helping the poor is a good deed. Unfortunately, many of these people are excluded from assistance in society! We are seeking small donations, even if it is $5 or $10 because every penny counts towards helping these people.

We hope that you will support us in our Ramadan Fundraiser and help disabled persons in Gilgit Baltistan

By Ghulam Baig
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Uncategorized
March 1, 2024

International WheelChair Day

Celebrating Mobility, Accessibility, and Inclusion

Every year, on March 1st, people around the world celebrate International Wheelchair Day. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of mobility, accessibility, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. It’s a time to recognize the challenges faced by wheelchair users and to promote awareness and understanding of their needs within our communities.

History and Significance

International Wheelchair Day was first observed in 2008. The day aims to highlight the achievements and contributions of wheelchair users while raising awareness about the barriers they encounter in their daily lives. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the advancements in wheelchair technology, accessibility, and the ongoing efforts to create more inclusive societies.

Promoting Accessibility and Inclusion

Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of inclusivity. International Wheelchair Day encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to take proactive steps towards improving accessibility in public spaces, transportation, and infrastructure. From wheelchair ramps to accessible restrooms, these modifications not only benefit wheelchair users but also create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Empowering Wheelchair Users

Wheelchairs are not just mobility aids; they are tools of empowerment. They enable individuals with disabilities to navigate the world, pursue their passions, and participate fully in society. International Wheelchair Day celebrates the resilience, strength, and achievements of wheelchair users, highlighting their contributions in various fields, including sports, education, arts, and business.

Advocacy and Awareness

International Wheelchair Day serves as a platform for advocacy and awareness-raising initiatives. It’s an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, dispel myths, and promote a more inclusive mindset towards disability. By sharing stories, experiences, and insights, we can foster greater empathy, understanding, and support for individuals living with mobility impairments.

Celebrating Diversity and Resilience

Each wheelchair user has a unique journey and story to tell. International Wheelchair Day is a celebration of diversity, resilience, and the human spirit. It’s a day to honor the accomplishments of individuals who have overcome obstacles and defied societal expectations, inspiring others to embrace their own strengths and capabilities.

Looking Towards the Future

While progress has been made in advancing accessibility and inclusion, there is still much work to be done. International Wheelchair Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by wheelchair users and the collective responsibility to create a more equitable and inclusive world.

As we commemorate International Wheelchair Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers, promoting accessibility, and embracing the diversity of human experience. Together, we can build a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and participate fully in all aspects of life.

By Farhan Baig