Pratima's story

Pratima from Jabalpur had low vision since birth. After the intervention of Sightsavers, Pratima joined Kushner Divyang Kalyan Sangh- a DPO supported by Sightsavers under its Social Inclusion Programme in Madhya Pradesh. In the wake of becoming a member of the DPO, soon Pratima participated in training on National and International frameworks related to disability. She even attended the CEDAW training which helped her in gaining confidence and growing her skills.  CEDAW, also known as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women is an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly which is often described as an international bill of rights for women. CEDAW defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination.

After completing her graduation, Pratima would teach at a primary school in her village. She was also provided with assistive devices by Sightsavers under the Inclusive Education Programme.

As an active member of the Disabled People’s Organisation, Pratima assured to protect and help women with disability in fighting against domestic violence. Recently, she participated in the National Level Consultation on Voluntary National Reviews of the Sustainable Development Goals “It is very important to have the information to move forward. It’s very important to be updated with latest rights, Entitlements and laws”, said Pratima.