Stories of Stigma: How Kupenda is Reducing Negative Perceptions About Disability

Families impacted by disability report that stigma surrounding disability is often more challenging to deal with than the disability itself. The World Health Organization (WHO) summarizes, “Stigma occurs when … a person or group of people is viewed negatively. Society may come to see that person … in an undesirable way … leading to unnecessary division between ‘us’ and ‘them.’”

The WHO pinpoints four types of stigma that may result, including self-stigma, stigma by association, public stigma, and structural discrimination–each of which play a large part in the lives of the families impacted by disabilities that we serve. Below are examples of each type of stigma and the ways that Kupenda is working to reduce their negative impact.

1. Self-Stigma is when a person internalizes others’ prejudicial attitudes.

Issa’s Story:

Issa thought his disability made him “dirty” because that is what his community told him. He also experienced isolation and physical abuse. As a result of Kupenda’s support, however, Issa received physical therapy and other medical care, proper nutrition, an education, and counseling. Today Issa states,

“I feel good. I am doing better than before. … I am now empowered and skillful.”

2. Stigma by association is when a person is viewed negatively or treated poorly because of a relationship or association with someone from a stigmatized group, such as someone with a disability.

Margaret’s Story:

Margaret’s son was born with a disability. Since her community believed a disability was a curse, they began excluding her from social gatherings and her husband abandoned her. After attending one of Kupenda’s Disability Training Workshops, however, Margaret learned more about disability. She educated her husband about the medical causes of disability, and he returned home. She also formed a parent support group to help other parents of children with disability.

3. Public stigma refers to negative knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors of large groups within society towards people with disabilities.

Josephine’s Story:

Josephine tried to enroll her daughter with a disability in school but was turned away. After Josephine attended one of Kupenda’s disability training workshops, she learned about the rights of children with disabilities. Motivated by what she learned, she met with stakeholders in her community and advocated for children with disabilities to attend their local school. As a result, 20 children with disabilities were welcomed into the Mariakani Roman Primary School!

4. Structural discrimination refers to larger-scale injustices, such as discriminatory laws or policies, or inadequate allocation of funding for disability care.

The Kilifi Disability Bill:

In 2021, the Kenyan government developed and refined a disability bill but failed to consult people with disabilities in their community that it would impact most. As a result, Kupenda-trained disability advocates gathered people with disabilities in their community together. They supported them to provide important feedback to the authors of the bill before it was adopted into an act.

To partner with us in this mission, please consider supporting a child to receive a scholarship, giving in other capacities, or finding ways to spread the word and get involved! Thank you for supporting Kupenda to transform negative stigma surrounding disability to beliefs and practices that improve lives!

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