Disability rights activist defies odds

Disability rights activist Sinikiwe Kademauka embodies the powerful mantra “disability is not inability.”

Through unwavering resilience, she has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, becoming a beacon of inspiration Her journey challenges societal perceptions and breaks down barriers, proving the transformative impact one person can have in paving the way for a more inclusive world For Kademauka, the phrase is more than a slogan, it’s a lived reality Born with a disability in Gandanzara, a rural village in Rusape, she grew up as the only child with a disability in a family of five

She was rejected by her paternal grandparents and raised by her maternal grandmother, whose love and encouragement instilled in her the resilience to pursue her dreams “My grandmother taught me to press on,” Sinikiwe reflected “Her support made me see myself as capable, not different from anyone else.”

Her education began at Jairos Jiri Centre, where she laid the foundation for her future Later, she excelled in secondary school, earning As, Bs, and a C in her Ordinary Level exams

But societal attitudes weighed heavily “Growing up, I felt like an outsider,” she said “It shattered my confidence, even at university,”

Yet, self-acceptance became her turning point She launched a blog to share her story, sparking a wave of support that propelled her into advocacy.

Source: The Standard Zimbabwe