By: Nyima Sillah
Prominent women’s rights activist Musu Bakoto Sawo has underscored the need for the strengthening of advocacy efforts to amplify the voices of women with disabilities.
“Women with disabilities often face double marginalization, both as women and as individuals with disabilities, making it even harder for them to access education, employment, healthcare, and leadership positions. To address this, advocacy efforts must be strengthened to amplify their voices and push for policies that promote their full participation in society,” Sawo stated in an interview with The Voice.
She opined that advocacy for women with disabilities is essential in promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that all women, regardless of their physical or mental conditions, have equal access to opportunities, citing that one way to boost advocacy is through awareness campaigns that highlight the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities and the importance of their inclusion in all aspects of life.
“These campaigns should be carried out in schools, workplaces, and communities to change negative perceptions and eliminate stigma. In addition, the government and civil society organizations should actively involve women with disabilities in decision-making processes, ensuring that policies and programs address their specific needs,” she stated.
She further stated that another critical step is to strengthen legal protections and enforcement mechanisms to guarantee the rights of women with disabilities, asserting that advocacy groups should push for policies that ensure accessibility in public spaces, inclusive education, and employment opportunities tailored to their abilities. Sawo added that providing leadership and empowerment programs for women with disabilities can also help them develop confidence and skills to advocate for themselves and others.
“The media plays a crucial role in advocacy by portraying women with disabilities as capable and valuable members of society, showcasing their achievements and contributions that can inspire others and challenge societal biases,” she posited.
A woman with disability Isatou Gano told The Voice that they need someone to represent them at the decision-making table to ensure that their voices are heard.
“If the election is fast-approaching, they will need us but if the elections pass, they forget about us. Currently, we don’t have a single representative in the Parliament. We neither have any support from the government nor the women rights activists,” she claimed.
Another woman with disability Jarrai Jabbie told this medium that it is not their wish to sit in the streets and wait for people to give them charity to feed their families.
“We want to work like everyone else. We have different disabilities but our minds are not disabled. If we have good places and financial support, we will make the best use of it,” she stated.
