Finding Abilities in Disabilities

About three months ago, I came in contact with a disabled girl called Zainab. We met accidentally and a friendship sparked off barely ten minutes after chatting.

Zainab is in a wheelchair. She lost her ability to walk at an early age to poliomyelitis. Obviously she didn't lose her charm despite polio. She was friendly and very vocal about her beliefs. She is a leader amongst other disabled girls like her. 

I had met her at a military check point where she begs. That was what drew my attention to her. She wore rested lipstick and had used eye pencil to make herself up. This ,she said was to draw attention from intending good Samaritans who would give her alms with which she sustains herself so she doesn't have to be a burden to her family. I also knew her make up was to attract especially male good Samaritans.

I got to know her more after we met the second time. She told me stories of how one of the disabled girls in her group disappeared one day  a year ago and has not been found till date. She told of how government officials and philanthropists give them food and monies here and there  on festive occasions, but in a short while, they go back to their begging posts, because it never is enough. She told me also of how some men have asked them for sex in exchange of some little money. They are targets of ritualists. People discriminate against them often and take advantage of them. 

I got so bordered about them having had no prior experience with the people living with disabiliities. I set a meeting with them and Zainab being a true leader got 13 girls to meet with me in no time. After two meetings, persuading them to go to school, they refused and preferred learning a trade instead. They unanimously choose tailoring.

Presently 20 of these girls have been offered admission for a 6 months training in tailoring. My desire is that this will be sustainable. Not just ending with Zainab and her friends. So I dare to start a social Enterprise that will help address the challenges they face.

The problem.

Girls living with disabiliities are doubly marginalized and discriminated. They are more vulnerable to gender based Violence, domestic and sexual  violence and poverty.

Though they get help from time to time, they are mostly dependent on people for their needs. This makes them vulnerable to be taken advantage of.

Solution.

Helping them aquire a skill of their choice  which keep them off begging and will help them become self reliant thereby eliminating chances of being preyed upon.

Also, taking them through self Esteem Mentoring and life skills to help build their confidence and self discovery. These are all in recognition of their basic human dignity.

Implementation.

To sustain this initiative, I will be making  arts and crafts such as cards, interior decorations, drawings for sale. The proceeds will go into trainings and procurement of starter tools for these girls living with disabiliities.