People with Disabilities in Adamawa Confront Gender-Based Violence and Systemic Neglect
In Adamawa State, individuals with disabilities are enduring severe gender-based violence, including verbal, physical, and emotional abuse, while being systematically excluded from political processes and community decisions. A recent report highlights their struggles, with many feeling unloved and isolated due to public discrimination and government neglect.
Disabled Survivor Shares Harrowing Experience of Abuse and Isolation
A disabled person in Adamawa, who faced verbal and physical assault recently, has withdrawn from social interactions out of fear of humiliation and discrimination. He expressed feeling unloved by others, leading to a life of isolation. This sentiment is echoed by many in the community, where disabled individuals are often treated as insignificant, a disheartening and unacceptable attitude perpetuated by both the public and government.
Gender-based violence against people with disabilities manifests in various forms, such as sexual and emotional abuse, exacerbating their marginalization. The chairman of the disabled association in Demsa Local Government Area, Mr. Bitrus, disclosed to sources that discrimination comes from friends, family, community members, and even government officials.
Challenges Faced by Disabled Individuals in Adamawa
Mr. Bitrus revealed that disabled people are underrated and excluded from community decision-making and political involvement, despite many being educated. He shared a personal incident where he was humiliated by someone who attributed his disability to divine punishment, leaving him emotionally drained and feeling disregarded.
In response, he built confidence to overcome abuse and now encourages others to speak up against gender-based violence. While he has not encountered such violence in his community yet, he vows to fight it if any member becomes a victim.
Political Neglect and Calls for Inclusion
In terms of politics, Mr. Bitrus lamented that disabled individuals are completely left out like trash, with no regard or importance. He noted that while they exercise their right to vote during elections, they are forgotten afterward, and political leaders often reject their pleas for assistance.
He called on the public to love and encourage people with disabilities, emphasizing their need for support to feel valued in the community. Additionally, he urged the government to include them in political positions to enable effective exercise of their rights.
Inspiring Innovation Amid Adversity
Despite these challenges, Muhammad Dalhatu, a physically challenged innovator from Adamawa, has created practical appliances like reachable fans, oil stoves, and heater buckets using local materials. His inventions serve communities regionally and internationally.
After a spinal cord injury from a 2015 accident, he turned adversity into purpose, using proceeds from his inventions to plant over 1,000 trees and support environmental efforts in schools and communities.
