Imagine waking up every day to a world that feels like it’s actively working against you. For Shiminenge, a 32-year-old Nigerian woman living with a disability, this isn’t just a thought experiment—it’s her reality. But here’s where it gets inspiring: despite facing unimaginable challenges, she’s not just surviving; she’s leading a movement for dignity and inclusion. And this is the part most people miss—her story isn’t just about struggle; it’s about resilience, advocacy, and the power of one voice to spark change.
In Gbajimba, a displacement camp in north-central Nigeria, Shiminenge’s daily life is a testament to perseverance. The camp, designed without accessibility in mind, presents endless hurdles. Uneven terrain, muddy paths during rains, and essential facilities like toilets and water points placed out of reach—every step is a battle. Yet, each morning, she rises to confront these obstacles, refusing to be erased in a place that never considered her needs. ‘Sometimes, it feels like the world isn’t made for people like me,’ she reflects, her voice steady yet heavy with truth.
Shiminenge is one of over 480,000 individuals displaced by intercommunal conflict in Benue State, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). She fled her village in Guma in 2018, seeking safety in the camp. But her journey with adversity began much earlier. At just nine months old, a diagnosis predicted she’d never walk, shaping a life marked by constant adaptation and an early awareness of the world’s inaccessibility.
Life in the camp has layered new challenges onto old: inadequate shelter, non-existent accessible sanitation, and a landscape that feels deliberately unnavigable. Speaking ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, she shares, ‘In the camp, every step outside my tent was a struggle. It’s not just the physical barriers—it’s the feeling of being invisible, forgotten in a place where survival is already a fight.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: Are displacement camps truly designed to serve all, or do they inadvertently exclude the most vulnerable? Shiminenge’s experience highlights a harsh reality: people with disabilities in such settings often face compounded marginalization. Inaccessible infrastructure and limited targeted support exacerbate risks of neglect, exclusion, and abuse. These barriers don’t just make life harder—they threaten the very dignity and rights of individuals like Shiminenge.
Yet, she refused to be silenced. With resourcefulness and determination, she started selling mosquito repellent in the camp, earning a modest income while protecting others from malaria. Her resilience evolved into advocacy as she co-founded a disability association in Gbajimba, uniting 18 others to demand mobility aids, fair resource access, and inclusive facilities. ‘We’re not asking for special treatment—just the chance to live with dignity,’ she emphasizes.
In August 2024, her efforts bore fruit when an IOM team visited the camp to assess living conditions. For the first time, Shiminenge felt heard. Responding to her association’s pleas, IOM, alongside the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, spearheaded a complete camp redesign. Nearly 4,000 upgraded shelters were built, equipped to withstand seasonal rains and provide safer living conditions. A dedicated section for people with disabilities was introduced, featuring accessible toilets, water points, and user-friendly kitchens.
Gently sloped ramps and communal spaces were added, enabling independent movement and fuller participation in camp life. ‘These changes aren’t just about convenience,’ Shiminenge notes. ‘They restore our sense of dignity and belonging.’
But here’s the question that lingers: Why did it take so long for these basic accommodations to be made? And how many others are still living in camps that ignore their needs? Shiminenge’s story is a call to action, challenging us to rethink how we design spaces and support systems. Her journey reminds us that inclusion isn’t a luxury—it’s a right. What do you think? Are we doing enough to ensure dignity for all, or is there still a long way to go? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.
