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Today, we have with us a storyteller who has made a significant impact in this area: 

Ms. Sun Yaoyao

Founder of the Beijing Enable Sister CenTer (BEST)
 

Over more than a decade of public welfare practice, I have witnessed too many women with disabilities being deprived of their basic rights due to their disability status, which has a profound impact on their lives. Many women with disabilities are unable to go out freely, leading to the deprivation of their right to education and social participation. They often fall into a state of low self-esteem and self-denial. Among the 85 million people with disabilities in China, women account for 51.2%, but their employment rate is only one-third that of men. As a woman with disabilities, I know how important rights protection and equal treatment are for women with disabilities. Therefore, I founded the Beijing Enable Sister Center (BEST), hoping to help more women with disabilities step out of their homes, build confidence, and fully participate in social activities through various forms of activities.

• £¨Data Source: Disability and Women's Development Report 2022£©

Over the years at BEST, our team has witnessed countless women with disabilities whose life trajectories have been forcibly changed due to their disabilities. This is not only a challenge brought about by health issues but also closely related to the social environment. Women with disabilities face higher barriers in the job market: doubts about their physical abilities and considerations regarding marriage and pregnancy lead to a lack of confidence in economic independence. Over time, this results in dependence on others, increased feelings of unworthiness, and even a loss of self-worth.

Due to the limitations of the social environment and the lack of opportunities for social participation, it is rare to see the presence of women with disabilities in social activities. They often find themselves in a "follower" or even "invisible" state. In social situations, women with disabilities often appear vulnerable due to a lack of confidence, and their voices are more easily ignored. Under long-term self-doubt and social conditioning, they are also less likely to actively pursue emotional fulfillment, making them more prone to passivity in family relationships. As a result, women with disabilities are more likely to suffer from domestic violence and be bound by the "chains of love," enduring invisible harm.

About Beijing Enable Sister CenTer (BEST):

Our work is committed to promoting the equal participation of women with disabilities in all fields and fostering their sense of independence. We have found that art is not only a means of expression but also a bridge for communication, enabling women with disabilities to build confidence through creation and to tell their stories from their own perspectives.

To raise public awareness of disability issues and break stereotypes, we present these stories to the public through art advocacy. In this process, we have carefully created an accessible stage environment, allowing women with various disabilities to take the stage and express themselves bravely. Such performances not only help them gain confidence but also enable more audience members to deeply understand the real situation of women with disabilities, thereby gradually changing society's perception of people with disabilities and achieving the concept of disability inclusion.

More importantly, these artistic practices have brought a deep sense of achievement to women with disabilities, giving them stronger motivation to integrate into society and move towards a broader future.

The Interview

Her power is limitless

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