A Groundbreaking Workshop on Health, Sexuality, and Dignity
On 24 September 2022, the Namibia Association of Wheelchair Users (NAWCU) hosted a transformative workshop at Dagbreek School in Klein Windhoek. This wasn’t just another event; it was a bold step toward holistic inclusion, addressing topics that are often overlooked in disability spaces: bowel and bladder care, reproductive health, and sexuality. For many wheelchair users, conversations around these areas are shrouded in stigma or silence. Yet they are central to our well-being, autonomy, and dignity. This workshop created a safe, empowering space to learn, ask questions, and connect with professionals who understand the nuances of spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation and physical therapy.
1. What We Learned
The day was rich with insight and compassion. Sister Lettie Langendorf, a specialist in SCI rehab, brought clinical expertise and deep empathy to the conversation. Olivia Webster, a physiotherapist, offered practical guidance on managing physical health with confidence and care. Together, they helped demystify topics that many wheelchair users struggle to navigate alone, like managing continence, understanding sexual health, and advocating for our bodies in medical settings.
2. A Space for Connection
Beyond the presentations, the workshop was a space for community. Wheelchair users shared stories, asked candid questions, and supported one another. The inclusion of the NAWCU Annual General Meeting (AGM) added a layer of collective purpose, reminding us that advocacy begins with solidarity.
3. Why It Matters
Workshops like this are more than educational; they’re revolutionary. They affirm that wheelchair users deserve full-spectrum health care, including sexual and reproductive rights. They challenge outdated assumptions and empower us to speak openly about our needs. Thanks to Side by Side Early Intervention Centre for sponsoring this event.
4. Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this powerful day, one thing is clear: inclusion must go beyond ramps and policies. It must reach into the intimate, complex realities of our lives. AWCU’s commitment to this vision is a model for disability advocacy across the continent.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s keep showing up, for ourselves and each other.
