Women and girls living with disabilities are being urged to reclaim their narratives, embrace self-worth and publicly assert their abilities, amid persistent stigma that continues to limit their participation in community life.
Hope Resurrect Trust founder Florence Mudzingwa said fear of judgement and social comparison remains one of the biggest barriers preventing young women with disabilities from reaching their full potential.
“They should not be afraid to tell their story, showcasing their abilities and talent,” Mudzingwa said.
Drawing from her own lived experience as a woman born with a disability, Mudzingwa said many girls internalise exclusion long before it is imposed by society, leading to silence, withdrawal and low self-esteem.
“Being a woman born with a disability I could relate to the challenges women and girls with disabilities face,” she said, adding that empowerment begins with self-acceptance and confidence rather than external validation.
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Mudzingwa said identity pressure often pushes young women into unhealthy comparison, eroding confidence and distorting purpose.
“You are unique the way you are, search within yourself and pursue that which you are passionate about,” she said.
She urged young women to focus on personal growth rather than competition, saying fulfilment comes from authenticity rather than conformity.
“Accept yourself and stay in your lane doing what makes you happy, there is no need to compete with anyone, work towards creating the best version of yourself,” Mudzingwa said.
She added that amplifying lived experiences of women with disabilities is critical in reshaping public attitudes and challenging stereotypes that frame disability through limitation rather than capability.
Mudzingwa said telling personal stories remains one of the most effective ways to confront stigma, restore dignity and expand opportunities for inclusion across social, educational and economic spaces.
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