Kenya Network of Women and Girls with Disabilities

Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter is a proverb that reminds us of the importance of perspective, voice, and representation. As women with disabilities, or broadly as people with disabilities, we have the privilege now, to tell our stories, to frame them in a way that returns dignity to our lives. Because often, this perspective is missing. In this piece,  Mildred Omino reflects on why more women with disabilities must occupy high level policy engagements. Please read on.   ‘When more people are used to our presence, especially in high policy events, maybe, just maybe, they will stop making ableist remarks masked as complements.’  ‘You are so eloquent!’ I was a speaker in a policy event that brought together key stakeholders in public and private sectors. I made pretty powerful remarks. My lived experience growing up as a disabled girl has brought with it many lessons. I have had to turn around experiences that were not so good, to w...