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Orange the World Too for Girls and Women With Different Impairments

1 in 3 women worldwide experience gender-based violence in their lifetime across all social status, class, race, country, or ages. With the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have shown an alarming increase in the already existing global challenge.

“I cannot leave her alone, I cannot leave with the neighbors, I cannot leave her with my relatives, I cannot leave her alone with anyone", the mother of Hannah, a young girl with intellectual impairment, said. "I prefer her with me or in school". The mother’s fears are genuine with increased cases of gender and sexual based violence against girls and women with different impairments.

Gender based and sexual based violence happens every day, everywhere, and it is whispered around then tucked away into the family’s box of secrets. The lack of awareness towards the situation and limited legal frameworks make it impossible to access justice: From uncovering the taboo around it, to reporting the case to the police, to the legal structures in the courts and the protection policies for the victim. It remains a puzzle and a denial of justice.

"Ending violence against women and girls is not a short-term endeavor, it requires coordinated and sustained efforts from all of us. Showing that these efforts yield results is the best tribute to survivors, survivor advocates and women's human rights defenders".

Last week marked the day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women which begins 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. IT MATTERS and HEAR ME TOO and ME TOO are some of the statements and hashtags associated with the event.  The theme for 2020 being "Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!"

1 in 3 women worldwide experience gender-based violence in their lifetime across all social status, class, race, country, or ages. With the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have shown an alarming increase in the already existing global challenge. It is devastating to think what would be the reports for people with disabilities.

This violence has directly and indirectly affected girls and women with disabilities and their families. As we create awareness and speak out for the various legislation, remaining inclusive for this subgroup is vital.

However as we attempt to include victims with disabilities, we unearth cultural taboos, religious beliefs and shame where girls and women are silenced in shame, anger and guilt. Their voices are usually ignored, isolated and suppressed, labeled as insufficient evidence to the crimes commited against them. Now these voices must be heard.

However, just like Hannah’s mother, it is unfortunate that for many of them, the Orange the World movement is yet to influence the lives of women and girls with disabilites, because they still live in fear for their child; speaking up against abuse has fatal consequences and survival is a long and complicated journey for the family.

Has the movement come to women and girls with disabilities? Can we openly address sexual based abuse for those who cannot fully express themselves? Shall we remove our tinted biased ideals and tackle the reality? Are we willing to bring them on board as survivors, not just victims ensuring their right of protection and justice?

Maria Njeri


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