Umodja People with Disabilities Project Coordinator, Ruvubika Pierre, has called on the public to exercise caution when reacting to online content involving people living with disabilities, stressing that everyone has the right to feel safe and comfortable on social media.
Pierre made the remarks on Wednesday at DAPP Teachers Training College on the sideline of a one-day workshop organised by Umoja People with Disabilities, aimed at breaking stigma and supporting refugees with disabilities in Malawi.
Speaking to Yetu FM, Pierre highlighted the need to address mental health stigma within refugee communities, particularly on social media platforms.
“People living with disabilities are often afraid to post their photos or videos online because of negative comments.
This denies them the right to feel safe and comfortable on social media,” said Pierre.
Echoing the sentiments, one of the participants, Jeanne Dark Mwamba, urged social media users to create a supportive and inclusive online environment.
“We ask social media users to support people living with disabilities by creating a safe and respectful online space,” said Mwamba.
