Have you ever found yourself in a situation where words simply didn’t matter? Where connection, energy, and shared purpose took the lead over language? That was exactly my experience at the AfWID Forum!
Imagine this—I, someone who doesn’t speak a word of Portuguese (okay, maybe "obrigado" on a good day), found myself leading a group of incredible Angolan sisters—Teresa Fedão, Celina Sebastião, Dusabe Ozório, and Idalinda Rodrigues. And guess what? The language barrier? Pfft. It had nothing on us!
We connected on a level that transcended words, and that, my friends, is the magic of shared purpose and passion.
I have always been fascinated by languages, which is why I proudly speak eight of South Africa’s twelve official languages (I know, impressive, right?). But this day was different—it was not about linguistic limitations, it was about forming bonds, embracing diversity, and proving that when women unite, nothing can stand in our way.
It all happened during a WOSSO Fellow-organized session on my all-time favorite topic: BACKLASH! Now, if you know me, you know that discussing backlash against human rights advocacy is my love language. I see it as an opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn—not just for myself but for the communities I work with. My mission? To continuously develop strategies to challenge the global, local, and regional pushback we are witnessing against human rights.
And let me tell you, we delivered a session that was nothing short of spectacular!
As part of our session, I had the absolute honor of leading my Angolan dream team in a powerful portrayal of the struggles faced by persons with disabilities. Our sketch was bold, unfiltered, and deeply necessary. It depicted a woman living with a disability who arrived at a hospital to give birth.
The baby’s name? Pushback "A Palavra"—symbolizing the resistance we face in advocating for human rights. But instead of receiving care, she was met with judgment from the nurse, who questioned her for being pregnant as a woman with a disability. Unfortunately, this scenario is not fiction—it reflects the daily discrimination that women with disabilities endure in healthcare facilities.
The injustice didn’t stop there. Another woman, also with a disability, arrived at the hospital seeking guidance on her sexual and reproductive health. Instead of being heard, the nurse automatically assumed she was there for an issue related to her disability, disregarding her right to agency over her own body.
This scene highlighted a critical reality—healthcare systems often fail to recognize the reproductive rights of women with disabilities.
But here’s the kicker—this day was not just about advocacy, it was about connection. We laughed, we mimed, we used exaggerated hand gestures (because, of course, that’s the universal language of "we are figuring this out together"). The language barrier? Child’s play! Our spirits understood each other.
This was not my first time experiencing the power of connection beyond words. I fondly remember my time in Thailand at the AWID Forum, where I spent an entire day with newfound friends who spoke Portuguese and Spanish. With just one translator, we told stories, laughed, cried, and formed friendships that language could never define. I will blog about that experience soon, but for now, let’s bask in the AfWID glory!
A special shoutout to the incredible WOSSO Fellows who facilitated this powerful session! Their dedication, knowledge, and passion for dismantling backlash were truly inspiring. These sisters created a safe and engaging space where we could exchange ideas, share our lived experiences, and strategize for a better future.
The way they handled the session with so much confidence and expertise is something worth celebrating. WOSSO has nurtured a group of phenomenal leaders, and I feel privileged to be part of this movement.
To everyone who joined our session, supported us, and contributed to the conversation—thank you! Your presence, your voices, and your energy made all the difference. These spaces thrive because of people like you who show up, listen, share, and push the conversation forward.
A huge shoutout to WOSSO for making these spaces possible. For believing in us. For allowing us to grow, flourish, and lead. I am soaking in every single moment of this journey.
And when it comes to backlash—oh honey, we are not just pushing back; we are pushing forward, breaking barriers, and making sure our voices echo in every corner of the world!
To my fierce, fabulous, and phenomenal Angolan sisters—thank you! Obrigado! You were brilliant, bold, and beautiful. And to wrap this up in true solidarity, let’s say it in Portuguese:
Nada sobre nós sem nós!
