Breaking Barriers – a personal journey on advocacy

My name is Vilda Atieno, and I am a young Kenyan woman with a disability. I am extremely passionate about addressing the various challenges and barriers that young people face when it comes to accessing healthcare systems. Currently, I serve as a youth panel member in Kenya, and I also have a role in the regional and global youth panel of the Make Way program.

My involvement in the Make Way program is something I hold dear to my heart. As a young person with multiple vulnerabilities, I am grateful for the opportunity to amplify the voices of young people regarding access to sexual and reproductive health rights. It has always been my dream. Growing up in a rural area and living in a children’s home as the only person with a disability has greatly influenced my decision to passionately speak out on the issues that young people face. For instance, I have personally experienced gender-based violence, and I understand the challenges young girls and women with disabilities encounter, such as menstrual health management.

According to a 2017 report by the United Nations Secretary-General on the status of women and girls with disabilities and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), it was estimated that there would be 700 million women and girls with disabilities worldwide. Furthermore, UN Women states that among all the statistics, women and girls with disabilities are more likely to experience gender-based violence, whether from family members, intimate partners, caregivers, or within institutional facilities. This information is deeply concerning to me, as I envision a society that is free from rape and violence, promoting sexual and reproductive health for all.

I am determined to advance this advocacy globally by utilizing existing platforms and nurturing other young girls to join the cause. Storytelling will be one of the tools I employ, as I believe it can inspire and empower others. It is essential for us to recognize that nobody lives a life limited to a single issue. Embracing our diverse backgrounds, we all have a role to play in making society a better place, especially when provided with equal opportunities.