Flying as a woman with a disability and exclusion from global spaces
Commentary by Elizabeth Ombati and Jane Kihungi Many activists and human rights defenders spend a considerable amount of time on travel. The disability mantra has always been nothing about us without us, signifying the critical importance especially for activists with disabilities to be in spaces where decisions are made that affect the lives of people with disabilities. Many activists have often decried global travel experiences; with many calling the processes surrounding this travel as humiliating. This is more so when it comes to the acquisition of visas. Visa restrictions for activists from the Global South is not new to many activists. Visa restrictions is one of the many ways that meaningful participation by activists and human rights defenders in global convenings is hampered. But it is not the only one. For activists with disabilities, it is often double tragedy, especially when it comes to airplanes. In March this year, I (Jane) was invited to take part in the 69th...