There are an estimated one billion persons with disability around the world or 15 percent of the global population. This means one in six people has a disability, whether that is visible or non-apparent.
Ironically, it is a group that is often invisible in many spaces. A group whose specific needs for inclusion are often ignored.
Whereas Kenya’s national principles and values include equity, social justice and inclusiveness, it has not been lost to the disability community that 24 counties in Kenya miss a representative in their county assemblies.
A recent meeting of women with disability listed other critical spaces where their voices continue to be left out. Participation in the open labour market, access to sexual reproductive health services, access to quality inclusive education, and climate change discussions are some of the areas they listed.
In some this is deliberate, in others it is unintentional. It goes without saying that the specific needs of these persons will often not be reflected in related policy decisions. It is more difficult for women and girls.
Josephta Mukobe, a former PS for Culture and Heritage, said women are asked "very embarrassing" questions in medical facilities.
"Who made you pregnant? Why don’t you sympathise with yourself when you have enough problems? …yet we are just human beings, and we are just doing what other human beings do."
For all these concerns to be made visible, let's keep talking about them and have women with disability at the planning table as Lucy Mulombi, a grassroots woman leader with disability, has observed.
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Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.
