Jenifa Chuwa

Jenifa Chuwa became disabled when she was 4 years old, and she never met a group of
people with disabilities until when she met Songambele peer supporter in 2018.

They had some talk, and she invited her to join girls and young women group discussion, and
she agreed. The first meeting was not easy for her, she was very shy and was not able to look
at other peers’ eyes and talk at all. Her sister was speaking on behalf of Jenifa all the time.
Jenifa continue to attend Storytelling and experience sharing which help her to realize that
women and girls with disabilities are facing the same challenges.

Songambele peer supporters continue to encourage Jenifa to attend peer group meetings which
helped her to build her confidence. Gender training focusing on girls and young women to
empowered, supported, aspiration to improve their lives change was the program which
boosted Jenifer self-esteem. She started speaking up on her own.

The turning point was when we had a workshop to encourage people with disabilities to make
sure they have participated in general elections from ward to national level. Jenifa took it all and
she participated in the election and stood for the post where she won a seat as a member of
council.

Explaining how her life has changed, ‘she said; before I joined Songambele, I thought I was the
only one who was facing discrimination to access education, health and employment. I am very
happy I have learnt a lot from others. I have gained confidence; I can stand in front of people
and speak for others. Now I am a member of council speaking up for other people with
disabilities especial women and children who are facing multiple descriminations compared to
the men.

We are very proud of our work; we are very happy to have one of our beneficiaries who will
lobby for accessibility in the council because the council are the ones who plan for the city
infrastructure