How Gertrude Fefoame is advocating equality for people with disabilities
At just 10 years old, Gertrude Fefoame began experiencing vision loss. Four years later, she went blind. Living in Ghana, she endured stigma and discrimination which people with disabilities are regularly subjected to.
“There is a misconception in most parts of Africa that one would have a disability as a result of one's ill deeds,” Fefoame says. She internalised this prejudice, feeling gradually isolated. But after attending a school for people with blindness and meeting others with similar experiences, she gained new confidence and belief in herself. Now, Fefoame has dedicated her life to making the world more accessible for people with disabilities.
Read more about Gertrude Fefoame here.
You can contribute to the work of Sightsavers here.
Footage and images by Sightsavers were used in the creation of this film.
How Gertrude Fefoame is advocating equality for people with disabilities
At just 10 years old, Gertrude Fefoame began experiencing vision loss. Four years later, she went blind. Living in Ghana, she endured stigma and discrimination which people with disabilities are regularly subjected to.
“There is a misconception in most parts of Africa that one would have a disability as a result of one's ill deeds,” Fefoame says. She internalised this prejudice, feeling gradually isolated. But after attending a school for people with blindness and meeting others with similar experiences, she gained new confidence and belief in herself. Now, Fefoame has dedicated her life to making the world more accessible for people with disabilities....
8 Aug 2022 14:28
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The hall is decorated with bright streamers. Pop music fills the room, beckoning people to dance. Young students adorned in custom-made gowns take the hand of their well-dressed dates. In South Africa, a matric dance is the first time many pupils are made to feel special. But not all can afford the occasion. This was apparent to design duo Fagin Hardine and Adri Andrews of Paarl. Wanting to provide for the youth of their community, they decided to honour the final-year students in style.
Read their full story...
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#BeautifulNews: You can’t choose your family. Unless you join the circus
Grabbing a vertical pole with hands stretched wide, Johannes ‘Timo’ Gunther braces himself and lifts his body parallel to the ground, forming a perfect human flag. Somewhere above him, Phelelani Ndrakrokra is suspended upside down, loving life.
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#BeautifulNews: The feminist photographer showing that real is better than perfect
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4 Aug 2020 09:01
#BeautifulNews: Even a tragic accident couldn’t throw this record-breaking athlete off track
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Read Puseletso Mabote's full story...
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#BeautifulNews: This is my chance. Serving shots of opportunity after years of facing prejudice
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Read Kevin Boshoff's full story...
23 Dec 2019 12:07
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Glittering sunlight beckons at the end of the cobalt tunnel. Glide across the water’s surface, dance with the sway of the board, and feel the rush of the wave collapsing. Surfing is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the ocean. But it’s expensive. The cost of the sport, from lessons to surfboards and wetsuits, keeps many people onshore. Luckily, nine-year-old Will Ronquest-Ross is helping other kids catch their big break.
Read Will Ronquest-Ross' full story...
12 Dec 2019 12:45
#BeautifulNews: The hijabi tackling expectations of a rugby player
Zahraa Hendricks had a game to win. To her, scoring tries was the challenge, not wearing a headscarf. The young hijabi didn’t expect to make headlines in her first rugby match. But when Hendricks ran onto the field, pictures of her were taken and posted to social media. Instantly, they went viral. Hendricks’ amendments to her kit had caught onlookers off-guard. For protection and as a symbol of modesty, Muslim women veil their hair. Because of it, they’re often doubly painted with the stigma of being oppressed. “That’s not true,” Hendricks says. “I am free.”
Read Zahraa Hendricks' full story...
26 Sep 2019 11:20
#BeautifulNews: Vandalism? Look again. My graffiti tells a story of hope
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Read Chad Hanning's full story...
13 Aug 2019 11:59
#BeautifulNews: “Fashion should be inclusive.” Introducing SA’s first-ever range of braille clothing
If your clothes could talk, what would they say? Designer Balini Naidoo believes an outfit can do more than make a statement. Naidoo’s uncle is visually impaired, and she realised he struggled to identify his clothing. Choosing what to wear and reading the size and wash care details on a label can be a challenge for people who can’t see. “Fashion should be inclusive,” Naidoo says. So she began creating garments which enable people to become more self-reliant. With her range of braille apparel, she’s altering the industry.
Read Balini Naidoo's full story...
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Read Athrah Lakay's full story...
24 May 2019 14:04
#BeautifulNews: Empowerment is as simple as learning to ride a bike
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Read Lebogang Mokwena's full story...
30 Apr 2019 13:33
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Read Justin Dingwall's full story...
25 Apr 2019 11:12
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Read Prince Modiba's full story...
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#BeautifulNews: Talent and legend meet to level the playing field
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Read Gary Kirsten's full story...
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