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Palestinian rights campaigner visits Enham

15 December 2011

The daily prejudices faced by disabled women in Palestine were described with candour and humour by human rights campaigner Ola Abu Al Ghaib recently at a visit to Enham.

Ola was invited to talk to clients and staff at Enham Place, at Enham Alamein near Andover.

Ola painted a vivid picture of a country where people regard the disabled as “ill”. Because of religious convention and social prejudice they are routinely kept behind closed doors, and no thought is given to wheelchair access.

If she wants to travel across the border to neighbouring Jordan, she even has to travel as though she is sick lying flat in an ambulance!

Yet Ola, who has been a wheelchair user since developing a spinal tumour aged 12, managed to complete her education, forge a career, get married and have a son – despite being told it would be impossible.

Not one to take “no” for an answer, Ola campaigns tirelessly to improve facilities and attitudes towards disabled people in Palestine, with gradual success.

Ola is currently studying for her MA at Sussex University. She visited Enham at the invitation of their former Volunteer Co-ordinator Tessa Makepeace.

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