First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part in the presentation of the all-Ukrainian “Barrier-Free Means When You Can” social change campaign, aimed at promoting the principles of accessibility and engaging people in the implementation of this goal.
“Barrier-free is not about limitations – it’s about equality and dignity for everyone. For people with disabilities and without, for the eldest and the youngest, for babies in strollers and their parents, for those full of energy and those not feeling their best physically or mentally, because we all feel that way at some point in life. Accessibility doesn’t divide. It unites us all,” the President’s wife emphasized.
The campaign’s first wave was launched with the video manifesto “When You Can,” which highlights six key areas of accessibility: physical, informational, digital, civic and social, educational, and economic.
The second wave will encourage people to create accessible environments within their communities, so that everyone can fully participate in society.
“Building a barrier-free society, where every child and every family has the chance to reach their full potential, is an investment in Ukraine’s present and future. We are proud to support the Ukrainian Government on this path. This campaign delivers a powerful message: accessibility is about opportunity for every person. The campaign’s goal is to unite authorities, business, civil society, and media around a shared vision: everyone can do anything,” said Munir Mammadzade, Head of the UNICEF Country Office in Ukraine.
As part of the national strategy for creating a barrier-free space in Ukraine, ministries presented their flagship projects aimed at transforming approaches to services, infrastructure, transport, education, employment, culture, sports, and rehabilitation.
“We must learn to see the human being in one another – to avoid harming or hurting, in word or deed, because words shape actions. How we speak about people shapes how we treat them. We all have the right to live in dignified conditions. Be part of creating that,” said Olena Zelenska.