16 Days of Activism: Addressing the Challenges Young Women with Disabilities Face in Relation to GBV

By Melisa Mongina

As Kenya joins the global campaign to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) during the 16 Days of Activism, The Hummingbird Grassroots Centre in collaboration with Kenya Association of The Intellectually Handicapped (KAIH) convened a group of young women with disabilities to shine a light on the unique challenges they face regarding GBV.

The event sought to create a safe space where these women could share their experiences, learn from one another, and acquire critical knowledge to empower themselves and their communities.

Women with disabilities are often marginalized in society, making it difficult for them to report harassment or abuse. This lack of support leads many to suffer in silence, compounding their struggles and increasing the risk of depression due to fear of being ignored or denied help.

In an interview, Hope, a young woman with an intellectual disability, recounted her harrowing experience of being sexually abused at the age of 13. 

Unaware of how to report the incident, she chose to stay silent. In the immediate aftermath, Hope bathed and washed the clothes she was wearing that day, unintentionally destroying critical evidence. It was only later, when her mother discovered what had happened, that Hope learned about GBV and how to report such cases.

Wanja Maina Founder of The Hummingbird Grassroots Centre with the young people with disabilities

“I was sexually abused at 13 and knew nothing about reporting such cases. I stayed silent and even bathed and washed my clothes that day, not realizing I was destroying the evidence. When my mother later found out, she taught me how to report such cases and who to tell,” Hope shared.

Access to medical assistance is another major hurdle for people with intellectual disabilities, especially when they lack a support person to advocate on their behalf. 

In legal settings, these individuals often struggle to provide specific details, such as the timing of incidents, leaving them vulnerable to intimidation by lawyers.

“For us, seeking medical assistance is a challenge because hospitals often ignore us unless we have someone to speak on our behalf. A support person is also essential in court to help us navigate the process and prevent lawyers from intimidating us because of the gaps in our recollection,” Hope explained.

Loise Atieno, a young woman with albinism, shared a recent incident involving a bus conductor who harassed her after she declined to board his bus, opting instead for a matatu to save time. The conductor threatened her, claiming he could kill her and profit from her remains.

“I was with my younger sister and a friend when the bus conductor approached us. We refused to board his bus because it would take too long to fill up. He then harassed my friend, and when I confronted him, he raised his hand to slap me. I blocked him, and that’s when he called me a shadow and threatened that he could kill me and get rich from my remains,” Atieno recounted.

At the police station, the conductor repeated the same threats in front of officers. Shockingly, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) dismissed the case, advising Atieno to forgive the man. 

Meanwhile, the conductor’s sister excused his behavior, claiming he had skipped his medication. He was later released on bail, and the hearing was scheduled for March 2025.

“Surprisingly, the OCS told me to let it go and forgive the man. The conductor’s sister also tried to excuse his actions, saying he had missed his medication. The court granted him bail and scheduled the hearing for March 2025,” Atieno shared.

Willet Riri, a young hearing-impaired woman, spoke of her friend, who also has a hearing impairment, and the devastating impact of domestic violence on her life. Her friend lost her sight due to repeated abuse in her marriage but was too fearful of her husband to seek help or report the violence.

“My friend lost her sight because of domestic violence. Her husband used to beat her constantly, and fear stopped her from reporting him or asking for help,” Riri shared.

Riri also highlighted the discrimination women with disabilities face in the workplace, particularly during the job search. Some employers exploit their vulnerability, demanding sexual favors before offering assistance or employment. 

She called on grassroots organizations to support women with disabilities by creating awareness about GBV and ensuring survivors get justice.

“We face discrimination in employment, with some employers asking for sexual favors before helping or hiring us. Organizations must educate women with disabilities about the dangers of abusive marriages and ensure justice for survivors,” she urged.

The event underscored the often-overlooked struggles faced by young women with disabilities in the fight against GBV. By sharing their stories, these women felt seen, included, and valued, proving that their safety and well-being matter to the wider community.