Women with disabilities just like anyone else, have dreams and ambitions. They may be deaf or blind but that does not in anyway, take away their talents and aspirations or give us a right to deny them their dreams. Sadly, we live in a society which makes it even harder for them to fulfil their dreams.
Our systems, policies, entities and even people in general discourage women with disabilities from fulfilling their aspirations and dreams. Some will show pity in cases where one is running a business to the point where she starts feeling sorry for herself too. However, having a brave heart which does not allow insults and pity sink in surely comes handy as she does not give up but rather works hard to achieve her goals.
It is essential for one to be able to do what they have always wanted without thinking that being disabled is a limitation. Sometimes it may be parents who have disabled girl children being in the forefront in denying them a right to education and a proper life exposure as they claim to be embarrassed hence killing their dreams. And of course sometimes it is society members rejecting old and young women with disabilities, thus exposing the behavior to the youth who are the leaders of tomorrow.
I have seen multiple women with disabilities, pursuing different careers in the media and art industry. A good example is Titchene Deaf Fashion designs (an arm of TIKONZE APAPA Initiatives), a company comprised of three women who are deaf, Wyness Chirwa, Happiness Kalumbi and Faith Banda. In an interview with Malawian Girls Rock, the company's Communications officer, Ganizani Killowe, said apart from designing and making clothes, they also offer designing lessons to other deaf women to promote sustainability among the disabled as they are a marginalized group. "We have a shop in Blantyre city, Kuwala Complex and we are hopeful to reach international markets with the designs." Killowe said.
Being disabled should not be a reason why one should not achieve her goals. There may be some people who might discourage the disabled in one way or the other, but standing firm to what they truly want will help them dismiss the thoughts of others. Let us promote them in anyway possible and not let them feel discriminated against.
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