**Women with disabilities in their daily lives in the DRC**
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the daily lives of women with disabilities are a courageous fight against obstacles and prejudices. On the occasion of World Disability Day, these women shared their stories, revealing the challenges they face and calling for greater support and social inclusion.
Meeting Noëlla Mwanza, 36, we discover her journey marked by the loss of the use of her leg following a road accident. For her, being a woman with disabilities in the DRC means facing double discrimination on a daily basis, struggling to move around in a hostile environment and fighting to be accepted as she is. Unsuitable streets, inaccessible transport and rigid mentalities make her life even more difficult. Despite everything, Noëlla remains resilient and determined to overcome these obstacles.
Monique Sabwa, born with a congenital malformation, expresses her desire to study and work, but is faced with limitations in the opportunities available to her. Prejudices and lack of awareness of her disability force her to fight to gain a place in society. She recalls that most of the time, the causes of disability are linked to social and environmental factors, highlighting the need for improved access to health care and rehabilitation.
Arlette Mouli, 42, highlights the impact of social conditions on the prevalence of disability, pointing to the lack of access to adequate health care as one of the major causes of malformations. She stresses the need to invest in prevention and rehabilitation to improve the situation of people with disabilities in the DRC.
Anastase Kayowa, 26, stresses the crucial importance of inclusion and awareness-raising for the true integration of people with disabilities into society. She calls for inclusion programs and ambitious public policies to promote their access to education and employment. Women with disabilities want to live their dreams to the fullest, work, be financially independent, and actively contribute to society.
These testimonies highlight the need to improve care for people with disabilities in the DRC. Infrastructure must be adapted, access to health care facilitated, and awareness-raising in society strengthened. These courageous women call on the authorities, civil society and international organizations to take concrete measures to improve their situation, to listen to them and recognize them as full citizens. Change begins with everyone’s awareness.
In conclusion, the voices of women with disabilities in the DRC resonate like a cry of hope and urgency. Their courage, determination and call for inclusion deserve to be heard and supported.. It is time to turn obstacles into opportunities, break down social barriers and build a more inclusive society for all.
*Nancy Clémence Tshimueneka*