The Challenges and Opportunities of Female with Visual Impairment to Participate in Social Activities in Case of Ethiopian National Association of the Blind (ENAB)
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Date
2020-12
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AAU
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to identify the major challenges that hold back the
participation of female with visual impairment in the society and to show the available
opportunities for female with visual impairments to participate in social activities. It is known
that social participation has various benefits for human domain. But female with visual
impairment are isolated and excluded from social participation by ill customs, negative attitudes,
low social skill, inaccessible physical environments, low economic income, and ETC. Qualitative
research method and phenomenology research design were used in this study. Purposive
sampling technique was employed to conduct the study. The study was conducted with 7 key
interview informants and with 10 focus group discussion participants who purposively selected
generally 17 participants were involved in the study. Total blind females and age from 25-55
were included in the study. The data analysis was used thematic data analysis and the data is
described based on the research questions organization. The participants of the study described
the challenges thy experienced in relation to negative social attitude, low social skills, negative
cultural attitude, inaccessible physical environment, and low economic status. The respondents
of this thesis were also discussed about the challenges and opportunities based on the questions
posed to them. The result of this study is members of the society consider female with visual
impairment as incapable and incompetent to make social participation. The finding of the data
also indicated that female with visual impairment have low social skill. Female with visual
impairment met so many impediments to participate in social activities. Despite the challenges
female with visual impairment encounter, the society gives priority for female with visual
impairment which is a great opportunity. In addition, members of the society also began giving
recognition to person with visual impairment. Persons with disability should have the
opportunity to be actively involved in decision-making processes about policies and programme,
including those directly concerning them. In order to ensure self-determination, female with
visual impairment must be supported to make their own decisions over their lives, their bodies
and how they choose to seek justice has been recommended at the end