By Obianuju Isima
An information officer with the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State, and disability rights advocate, Chidinma Ajemba, has called on society to reject stereotypes that portray women with disabilities as unfit for marriage or family life.
Speaking on her Facebook page on July 10 in observance of Disability Pride Month, Ajemba described such assumptions as harmful and dehumanising, noting that many women with disabilities are often judged based on misconceptions rather than their character, abilities and humanity.
According to her, one of the most persistent myths is the belief that women with disabilities are not “marriage material.” She said some people wrongly assume that disability diminishes a woman’s femininity, capacity for love or ability to build a family.
Ajemba shared that women with disabilities frequently face intrusive questions and prejudice regarding their reproductive health, ability to bear children and the possibility of having children with disabilities.
She explained that such attitudes reduce women with disabilities to assumptions and fears, rather than recognising them as complete individuals deserving of dignity, respect and equal opportunities in relationships.
The advocate noted that many women with disabilities have experienced relationship breakdowns due to stigma, ignorance or pressure from family members. In some cases, she said, a willing partner may face resistance from relatives who hold discriminatory views about disability.
Ajemba emphasised that women with disabilities are capable of loving and being loved and can be supportive partners, wives, mothers and contributors to society.
She stressed that choosing to love or marry a woman with a disability should not be viewed as charity, pity or a favour, but as a relationship built on mutual respect, understanding and genuine affection.
The disability advocate also condemned the use of social media as a platform for mocking, bullying or ridiculing women with disabilities who express love, celebrate relationships or choose to get married.
According to her, such online abuse reinforces harmful stereotypes, discouragu many women from living openly and confidently.
Ajemba called for greater public awareness, kindness and inclusion, insisting that every person deserves equal respect, equal opportunities and the freedom to build a family without prejudice.
She urged society to use Disability Pride Month as an opportunity to challenge discriminatory attitudes, recognising that disability does not diminish a person’s worth or capacity for love.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
