Biira’s Story

Meet Biira.

Biira is a member of Bwera United Women with Disabilities Association (BUDWA). Below, she shares her story of hearing about BUDWA in a village community meeting and what happened when she joined the group.

“I didn’t go to school, and I didn’t have a job. I was just doing some casual work, digging and earning about 1,000 shillings (about 20p).

“I joined BUDWA and was trained in how to make bags. I was able to sell the bags I made and started earning something.

“Once I started earning, I joined the BUDWA savings group. I started with a loan of 20,000 (£4), buying some tomatoes and onions and selling them in the village. I now have a business selling tomatoes, bananas and other vegetables. Using the loan from BUDWA I buy these vegetables, as well as firewood, oil and mandazi (a type of doughnut) to sell. In that way I make money.

“I want to pass on the skills I’ve acquired from BUDWA to other girls with disabilities so that they can also earn something.”

Biira

Family mediation for disability justice.

“Before this my family were not supportive of me. I was not taken to school and I experienced discrimination from my own family. Juliet invited my family to come for a joint discussion. BUDWA shared information with my family and I got to learn a skill through the training opportunities. I’m now accepted in the family and they treat me as someone of value. Juliet regularly does follow up visits with our family and we are grateful.

“I’m grateful to be earning money, but it’s not just that – it’s also the mediation. The earning would be nothing without the understanding of my family.

“I felt happy when I saw the BUDWA team coming to mediate, and felt reassured to see that it was someone with a disability doing it: it restored hope for me. These are people who understand the challenges I’m facing, and they know how to actively support us.

“I’m now planning for the future. When I have money, I’d like to find my own place to live. I want to become independent and grow my business.”

Biira

“People with disabilities in our community are facing a lot of challenges. Their families need information so that they know how to care for persons with disabilities.”