Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-07 07:11:34
Growing up, Bridget Banda had always dreamed of wearing the angelic white uniform of a nurse. The hospital corridors filled with the scent of medical drugs, the thrill of holding a syringe, and the joy of seeing a patient being discharged were all things she envisioned for her future. However, Bridget was born with a growth deficiency called dwarfism, which made her stand out as different from a young age. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, Bridget was determined to pursue her dreams.
Hailing from Wimbe area in Kasungu district, Bridget was a bright student and excelled academically. Her mother encouraged her to aim higher and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Despite facing ridicule and discrimination from her peers in school, Bridget persevered and eventually scored 15 points in her Malawi School Certificate of Education examinations.
With her sights set on a Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery program at Kamuzu College of Nursing, Bridget was determined to prove her doubters wrong. However, upon arriving at the college, she faced discrimination based on her dwarfism. The administration informed her that people with dwarfism were not allowed to study nursing, crushing her spirits and leaving her questioning why she was being denied the opportunity to pursue her dream.
Devastated by this rejection, Bridget returned to her village in Kasungu and felt lost for a year. Eventually, she sought help from non-governmental organizations, which led to her enrolling in a Social Sciences program at Chancellor College. Despite not initially wanting to pursue this course, Bridget felt she had no choice and spent four years studying before graduating.
Following her graduation, Bridget struggled to find employment despite being qualified and having a degree. She faced discrimination and rejection in the job market, with some employers citing her dwarfism as a reason for not hiring her. Despite her persistent efforts, Bridget found it challenging to secure a job in a society that was discriminatory towards people with disabilities.
Bridget’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with dwarfism in Malawi. The lack of facilities and opportunities for people with disabilities, including those with dwarfism, hinders their ability to fully participate in society. Organizations such as the Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi condemn such discrimination and advocate for equal opportunities for all individuals.
Moving forward, advocates like Michael Kaiyatsa and the Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, emphasize the importance of inclusivity and non-discrimination in society. They call for the government and employers to provide equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their physical disabilities. Bridget’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against discrimination and ensuring that everyone has the chance to pursue their dreams and be recognized for their abilities, not their disabilities.
Read the original article on The Times
