Fear of being judged affects Women with Disabilities

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

Fear of being judged by their communities is preventing many Women with Disabilities from speaking out about sexual exploitation, a disability forum has heard.

The issue came to light during discussions on the adoption of an international framework for the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). The session formed part of a two-day joint learning visit for disability champions from Chipinge and Chimanimani districts, held in Chipinge on February 25 and 26.

The event was coordinated by the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative, known as REPSSI, with funding from CBM Global through Irish Aid.

During the discussions, disability champions raised concerns that cultural norms are making Women with Disabilities more vulnerable to exploitation. They noted that when a woman with a disability falls victim to sexual abuse, communities often blame the victim rather than the perpetrator.

This judgement, champions said, discourages women from reporting cases or seeking justice. The fear of being shamed by neighbours and family members leaves many suffering in silence, they added.

As a way forward, the champions agreed that economic empowerment could be part of the solution. They argued that women who are financially independent are more likely to have the confidence and resources to pursue their cases through the proper channels.

The EQuaLISED Project, under which the meeting was held, works to improve the rights and participation of people with disabilities across several wards in both districts. In Chimanimani, the project is active in wards 10, 15, 17 and 23, while in Chipinge it operates in wards 26, 27, 29 and 30.

The project places particular focus on mental health and psycho-social disabilities, aiming to create communities where all persons with disabilities can live free from exploitation and abuse.