By Dawda Baldeh
Former National Assembly Member Ndey Yassin Secka has launched a scathing critique of disability groups in The Gambia, accusing them of undermining her during her time in parliament and contributing to the loss of the seat reserved for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at a recent conference, Secka, the first person with a disability to serve in the National Assembly, said she received little support from the very community she represented.
“Instead of supporting me, they were fighting against me; we would’ve been there up to this time. This is why we don’t have any representation there now,” she said.
She recalled that when she was nominated in 2017, “none of the persons with disabilities congratulated me. That’s when I knew it would be a tough battle.”
Despite the challenges, Secka said she remained committed to disability rights and played a key role in the passage of the Disability Act.
“Whether they like it or not, I am that blind woman who fights to have the disability act passed. So, anyone who is enjoying these rights today is because of me, with the help of Allah. This will remain as my legacy,” she said.
She also recounted a painful experience on a radio talk show where she was insulted by another person with a disability.
“This person said I was nominated because there were no women in parliament. He called me a blind girl. No one told me this; I heard it myself.”
Secka said she faced discrimination from within the disability community itself. “I’m not in parliament, but anytime I hear programs about disabilities and women, I’m always there. I am a woman and a person with disability. So, nobody can take that from me,” she said.
She urged Gambians to support those working for positive change, warning that personal attacks only hinder national progress.
“No matter what, I will continue to defend persons with disabilities. Disability is not a commodity in the market. Whoever has it, never wished for it,” she said.
“You can just wake up and become a disabled person. There was a friend of mine who dressed up, going to a program, on her way, she was knocked down by a truck, and at the hospital, she was amputated,” she added.
Hon. Secka called for greater solidarity and compassion, urging people to support rather than traumatize persons with disabilities.
By Dawda Baldeh Former National Assembly Member Ndey Yassin Secka has launched a scathing critique of disability groups in The Gambia, accusing them of undermining her during her time in parliament and contributing to the loss of the seat reserved for persons with disabilities. Speaking at a recent conference, Secka, the first person with a The Fatu Network
