•In Kenya, the journey from classroom to delivery room is marred by unseen hurdles, a reality that casts a shadow over the rights and well-being of those with disabilities.
•Sensitisation efforts targeting parents and guardians are equally crucial; their involvement is pivotal in the holistic development of children with disabilities.
Image: FILE
In the heart of every community lies the sanctity of education and healthcare, fundamental pillars for a thriving society.
However, amidst the vibrancy of these critical sectors, there exists a realm of injustice and neglect that often goes unnoticed - the plight of women with disabilities in accessing proper maternity care and the uphill battle faced by children with disabilities in acquiring quality education.
In Kenya, the journey from classroom to delivery room is marred by unseen hurdles, a reality that casts a shadow over the rights and well-being of those with disabilities.
Obstetric violence (OBV), a harrowing violation of women’s rights during childbirth, perpetuates a cycle of discrimination, misinformation, and inhumane treatment. For women already navigating the complexities of disability, the experience within healthcare facilities is often amplified with neglect, disdain, and even abuse.
Imagine the anguish of a woman, already grappling with the challenges imposed by her disability, seeking medical assistance during childbirth, only to be met with dismissiveness or subjected to mistreatment. The trauma inflicted in these vulnerable moments echoes far beyond the hospital walls, leaving scars that may never fully heal.
Kenya's journey towards Universal Healthcare has been progressive, but a critical facet has often been obscured from view; A healthcare that is inclusive of individuals with disabilities!
The true realisation of universal health coverage necessitates an unwavering commitment to safeguarding patient safety, rights, and dignity, an essential undertaking that must extend unequivocally to individuals contending with disabilities.
The time is ripe to deconstruct barriers and biases, cultivating a healthcare and education ecosystem that acknowledges and meets the intrinsic value and specific needs of every individual.
Kenya's pursuit of Universal Healthcare promises equal access to quality care, transcending financial constraints.
However, true universality demands inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, minorities, and marginalized groups. Progress has been made, but it's not enough; barriers and biases must be dismantled for a truly inclusive system.
Furthermore, the educational landscape remains a battleground for children with disabilities. Despite strides made towards inclusivity, the journey towards equitable education is far from complete. The system grapples with inadequacies in policy implementation, inaccessible facilities, and a lack of understanding among educators and peers.
The Ministry of Education could lead the charge in transformative change. Initiatives to establish policies ensuring access to educational facilities for children with disabilities, coupled with educational campaigns fostering an inclusive environment, are indispensable steps towards progress.
Allocating educational funding based on the severity of disabilities and tailoring the curriculum to meet diverse educational needs are pivotal actions that must be undertaken urgently.
Quality education doesn't stop at the curriculum; it requires well-equipped educators. Investment in specialized training for assessment center staff and teachers is essential for facilitating an environment where every child can thrive.
Sensitisation efforts targeting parents and guardians are equally crucial; their involvement is pivotal in the holistic development of children with disabilities.
The recent strides in Kenya's policies offer glimmers of hope. The Universal Health Coverage Policy, The Learners with Disabilities Bill, and the Kenya Health Sector Strategic Plan indicate a commitment towards transformative change.
When the Ministry of Education finally established a special needs directorate, it indicated a step in the right direction, signalling an intent to prioritize the needs of children with disabilities in the education sector. However, the Directorate required more support and financing to be effective.
Intent, therefore, must translate into tangible actions. Lip service to inclusivity is insufficient; concrete steps and robust implementation are imperative. The marginalised voices of women in maternity care and children in classrooms must no longer be silenced.
As a society, we are measured by the way we treat our most vulnerable. It's time to rise above complacency, stand together in solidarity, and advocate fiercely for the rights and dignity of those with disabilities. Let us not be defined by the barriers we create but by the bridges we build to ensure equity, justice, and compassion for all.
In the echoes of our collective conscience, let us pledge to transform the classroom into an oasis of learning, and the delivery room into a sanctuary of care, where the rights of those with disabilities are not just acknowledged but fiercely protected and honoured.
Together, let us pave the path towards a future where every individual, regardless of ability, is embraced, empowered, and afforded the opportunities they rightfully deserve.
Josephine Mwende Kamene & Patience Achieng are Nguvu Change Leaders currently championing advocacy campaigns on Disability-inclusive Education and healthcare.