Prominent physically challenged women to inspire girls

The Girls Education Initiative of Ghana, GEIG which advocates for the education of the girl-child would on Saturday, March 12, host some of Ghana’s celebrated women leaders with disability, at a conference.

The programme, which would serve as the first of the GEIG’s 2016, "Women Who Inspire Us" series, would be under the theme: “I am differently abled.”

A statement released to the Ghana News Agency, on Tuesday, said the programme would be organised in collaboration with the Department of Social Work, the Office of Disability Services, University of Ghana, Aim Higher Africa, and Patriots Ghana.

The speakers for the programme include Farida Bedwei, a Software Engineer, and Co-founder & Chief Technical Officer at Logiciel, who developed cerebral palsy.

It is a condition caused by abnormal development or damage to the part of the brain that controls movement, balance and posture.

Another slated speaker is Elizabeth Patterson - Founder/Executive Director of the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana, GEIG and the 2015 Vlisco Ambassador. She was involved in an auto accident at 18 years, and this resulted in a traumatic brain injury; leading to limited mobility in her left arm and leg.

Peace Hyde who is a TV Presenter, Forbes West Africa Correspondent & Founder of Aim Higher Africa, who was diagnosed in high school with dyslexia, is also a guest. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that makes it difficult to learn, read and understand written language.

Mary Amoah, a former teacher and an advocate for people with communication disabilities, would also be there. Her only daughter is autistic.

During the programme, the speakers would engage in breakout sessions with the participants in groups to reflect on their lives and experiences.

"I am differently abled" would be held at the Conference Room, Office of Students with Special Needs, the University of Ghana, Legon, at 1000 hours,” the statement said.