Left Without Succour: The Plight of Persons With Disabilities

Living with a disability can be a challenging experience, especially in developing countries where accessibility and inclusion are limited. Malawi and Nigeria are no exceptions, and the plight of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country is a significant concern. 

Unemployment 

For PWDs in Malawi, unemployment is a significant challenge that can profoundly impact their lives. Enoch Chilombo, an orphan from Malawi with mobility impairment, lost his parents at a young age and lived with a disability. He, therefore, has experienced this challenge firsthand.

After his parents passed away when he was still young, Chilombo was forced to rely on the support of extended family members. Despite his disability, Chilombo was determined to make the most of his life and pursued an education, hoping to find employment and provide for himself. He gained a bachelor’s degree in music after part-time studies at Seneca.

However, despite his qualifications and determination, Chilombo found it challenging to secure employment. Many employers were hesitant to hire him because of his disability, assuming that he would not be able to perform specific tasks. Chilombo faced discrimination and stigmatisation at every turn, leaving him isolated and frustrated.

“The main challenge facing persons with disability in Africa is stigma. Instead of employers looking at your ability to do work, they will look at your physical disability,” says Chilombo. He appeals for government support of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), “as these organisations will employ more persons with disability and train many, which will improve their lives and well-being.”

Since he was young, Chilombo has loved music. He narrated how he sings, and the songs are dedicated to PWDs. He looks forward to the day when the world will believe that disability is not inability. The songs are about how people should stop looking down on PWDs. Unfortunately, he has not been able to produce his music because of financial issues. 

Nevertheless, he is optimistic that a day will come when his songs will be heard all over the globe.

“Do you think the world will ever change its perspective about persons with disability? Do you think discrimination will end? Will the world ever value persons with disability?” Chilombo asked rhetorically.

The situation for PWDs in Malawi is challenging. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate for PWDs is 23.2%, compared to 16.5% for non-disabled individuals. This disparity is partly due to a lack of accessibility in public spaces and discrimination in the hiring process.

Despite his challenges, Chilombo remained determined to make the most of his life. He continued to apply for jobs, network with others, and advocate for greater inclusion and support for PWDs. Chilombo also became involved in disability advocacy groups, working to raise awareness about the challenges faced by PWDs in Malawi.

Chilombo’s story highlights the need for greater awareness and support for PWDs in Malawi. The government needs to do more to provide accessibility accommodations in public spaces and to promote disability rights and inclusion. Employers must also be more open-minded and inclusive in their hiring practices, recognising the potential and value that PWDs can bring to the workplace.

The challenges faced by PWDs in Malawi are numerous and complex, with unemployment being a significant challenge. Chilombo’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of PWDs in Malawi and the need for better support and inclusion. With greater awareness and support, PWDs can live meaningful lives, contributing to their families, communities, and society.

Partner Abandonment 

Oladosu Olarewaju is a civil servant in his 40s with a disability that limits mobility. He is also the President of the Ede Disability Community in Ede, Osun state. He had always known that life would be challenging for him. He had been born with a disability that left him unable to use his legs. Despite this, he was determined to make the most of his life. He had gotten an education, started a successful business, and even found love. But when his wife left him to marry another man in another country, Olarewaju was forced to face the harsh realities of life as a person with a disability in Nigeria.

The plight of PWDs in Nigeria is a complex issue that affects millions of individuals. The National Population Commission (NPC) of Nigeria has estimated that no fewer than 19 million Nigerians are living with disabilities. Despite this high number, PWDs in Nigeria face many challenges that often make it difficult to live independent lives.

He had been married to her for eight years, and although they had not been able to have children, they had been happy together. However, his wife abandoned him and started a new life without him. This was a tough blow for him, as he had always relied on his wife for emotional support and assistance with everyday tasks.

Since then, Olarewaju has been having marital issues. Olarewaju explained, “My wife left me in 2019 after eight years of marriage. She left Nigeria to marry another man and got pregnant for him. Now I am close to 50 years without any hope of carrying my child.”

He pointed out that the essence of marriage is to show love and commitment. “You cannot claim to be in love with me and be the first to get out when it gets tough. No. No one leaves whoever they claim to love like that. You claim to love me, but the best way to show it is to leave me to die?” Olarewaju lamented.

After his wife left, Olarewaju was forced to confront the harsh realities of life as a person with a disability in Nigeria. One of his biggest challenges was the lack of accessibility in public spaces. Many buildings in Nigeria do not have ramps or other accommodations for PWDs, which makes it difficult for them to access essential services like healthcare, education and even banking services. Olarewaju had to rely on friends and family members to help him get around, as he was often unable to access buildings and public transportation independently.

Chilombo’s and Olarewaju’s stories paint pictures of many PWDs who suffer without help. To compound things, they should be inclusively considered for humanitarian assistance. Hence, they struggle for their survival.