The time is now for disabled women

Disabled women have been urged to take their lives into their own hands and make a difference, while setting an example for others.
The time is now for disabled women in Namibia!

These were the words of Elia Shapwe, acting secretary-general of the National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia (NDPDN), at first the Day of the Disabled Woman, which was hosted by the NFPDN on 14 March.

Women with disabilities, ranging from the deaf, visually impaired and those with physical disabilities, attended the event to address the problems they face and share encouraging and motivating stories and performances.

City of Windhoek councillor Hileni Uulumbu said that it is important for the women with disabilities to have a woman's day separate from International Women’s Day, which is held on 8 March every year, so that the focus can fall on them and the unique challenges they face.

Deaf women are victimised by criminals because sigh language makes the reporting of crime details very difficult, while albinos are regularly called derogatory names.

According to Miriam Sam from the Namibian Association of Differently Abled Women (NADAWO), women with disabilities are often mistreated.

The theme for 2018 is ‘The time is now!’ and it calls on disabled women to take their lives into their own hands and make a difference, while setting an example for others.

Some of the highlights of the event was the performing of the national anthem in sign language and a touching sign language poem by Lirogengeni Kakumo.

The WB Supermarket Group sponsored the event through their WB We Care Trust.

Frieda Kandjii, senior operational manager at the group, said that organisations such as the NFPDN are welcome to apply for grants from the WB We Care Trust, because the group aims to assist positively in all their endeavours.