Allocate a special kitty in healthcare systems for women with disabilities- lobbyists tell counties

Right Jemima Kutata Jemima Kutata from Champion of Inclusion and Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Kenya, Human Rights Agenda (HURIA) Community and Partnership Engagement officer Mwinyihaji Ali, This Ability managing director Lizzie Kiama and Terry Mwongela an advocate from FIDA Kenya addressing journalists in a Mombasa hotel on Wednesday.

BY PETER KOMBE

 A section of lobby groups working around the rights of women with disabilities have appealed to counties to set aside a special kitty in health facilities to address the needs of women with disabilities.

Led by This ability, the organizations says that currently counties do not have such funds at their disposal.

In a joint presser in Mombasa on Wednesday, This Ability managing director Lizzie Kiama said there is a need for counties to hike their engagement on matters women with disabilities.

“In February 2019 we conducted a baseline survey in the coast region where we met groups of women with disabilities from Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties,” she said.

She also wants counties keep accurate data on women with disabilities to facilitate policy engagement.

Ms Kiama cites forced procedures such as abortion and sterilization and stigma as some of the challenges that women with disability face.

She says the organization seeks to amplify the voices and increase the visibility of women and girls with disabilities.

“The aim was to find out what challenges they experienced particularly around accessing sexual reproductive health services. We are centered in Nairobi but work nationally. Currently we are working in eight counties,” she said.

Terry Mwongela a FIDA Kenya advocate says they are working closely with the civil society to ensure that women with disability access justice at the courts.

The advocate says 80 per cent of women with disability can now access justice at the courts.

“As FIDA Kenya we work very closely with WWDs so that they can access justice. We are proud to say that most of them know their rights,” she said.

She further says that in a bid to address the concerns of WWDs FIDA offers legal advice to WWDs at no cost.

Human Rights Agenda (HURIA) Community and Partnership Engagement officer Mwinyihaji Ali says the program will airlift a program they implemented previously in Kwale County.

According to him there is need for the male gender to airlift women in the contemporary society so that they can realize their potential.

“We had a similar program in Kwale County previously. This program has therefore come at the right time. We shall be able to carry out the program in that county,” he explained.

The activist points out that it is clear that most women are not fully involved in decision making.

He further urged the media to stay at the forefront in championing for the voice of the voiceless.

“You journalists should stay ahead. You are the voices of the community down there,” he noted.

Jemima Kutata from Champion of Inclusion and Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Kenya however admits that WWDs face a myriad of challenges at the grassroots level.

She argues that there is need to create awareness so that WWDs can access health care services in healthcare systems.

“Disability mainstreaming is vital. We need to have sign language interpreters in all our health facilities. The beds should also be disability friendly,” she said.

She is advocating for wants numerous public participation exercises at the grass root to sensitize Kenyans on the rights and needs of women with disabilities.