The voice of the silent ones

Women’s Day commemorates the strength of women coming together in the struggle against injustice and inequality. Women with disabilities are in many ways, invisible to people who advocate for gender equality and those fighting for the rights of people with disabilities. These women are silent, marginalised and an extremely vulnerable group in society.

In many countries laws were only recently abolished that promoted the sterilisation of girls with disabilities, enforced marital restrictions, allowed involuntary abortions and forced women to relinquish their children. This mayhem still continues in several developing countries.

It is time that the voices of these silent survivors, these mothers and daughters, these heroes, are heard! Epilepsy South Africa calls on people to listen to the deafening silent cry of the millions of women with disabilities who endure far more than any one person should. The organisation calls on policy makers to specifically include women with disabilities in policies and legislation promoting equal rights and opportunities for all.

“Women with disabilities have an important and equal role to play as caregivers and social leaders in their communities. They have vast untapped potential to contribute to the economy and Epilepsy South Africa provides empowerment programmes to nurture and cultivate this potential”, says Marina Clarke, National Director of Epilepsy South Africa.

Companies and organisations that want to join these essential programmes are welcome to contact the organisation on 021 595 4900.