Society can be mean, unfair, and judgemental, knowing full well of the damage the comments can have on a person’s mental wellbeing and the sad part is no one is spared from people with loose tongues.
Whether disadvantaged or less fortunate, disabled, or members from marginalised communities, abled persons have felt comfortable bashing and saying derogatory words to people and Anna Hembili, who suffers from scoliosis, is no exception to this harsh treatment from society.
She was told she would never progress in life because of her disability and previously, she would hear people saying, “what happened to her”, “look at her back”, “her boobs are not of the same level.”
“When most people would see me, some would laugh, feel pity, look down on me, nothing hurts more than being told, “kuna apa toyi shilema ove”, which means “you will not progress you are disabled in Oshiwambo,” Hembili confided in Vital Signs.
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person’s spine has a sideways curve. The curve is usually “S”- or “C”-shaped over three dimensions. In some, the degree of curve is stable, while in others, it increases over time. Mild scoliosis does not typically cause problems, but more severe cases can affect breathing and movement. Pain is usually present in adults and can worsen with age.
She added: “It hurts and it is very painful to be told that. The same applies when walking past people, some start laughing without any reason, back then, I would go home crying myself to sleep but today, I stare at them like we are in a staring competition.”
She stopped paying attention to the negative thoughts of people and started to dress more confidently, even though her curve is obvious, she embraces it.
“I have been braced twice and had a metal corset rigid, but never gave up on myself due to my condition. I have got used to living with an “S” on my back -the good, bad and ugly that comes with it,” stated the 27-year-old office administration graduate.
Hailing from Omutundungu and raised in Ongwediva, Hembili was diagnosed with scoliosis 14 years ago and today, she is encouraging every disabled person to believe in themselves that they can do extraordinary things despite their condition.
“Be strong, never blame yourself because the change is within you. Never allow anyone to kill the confidence in you and do go out of your comfort zone and start exploring yourself. Believe in yourself. Disability does not mean inability, being different means, you are unique, and God can never give up on you and he is giving you strength to go through every day,” said Hembili.
She added that the current generation should be more creative and include people with disabilities in their projects.
“Cartoon makers should be able to create disabled cartoons and billboards with differently-abled people, designers should design specific clothes, shoes and photographers sign up the disabled so that people learn to understand, love people with disabilities. Artists can also have people with disabilities in their music videos. Let’s create a home for them,” shared Hembili.