Film
Featuring R&B singer John Chiti
Dancing through the streets of Zambia, R&B singer John Chiti, executive director of the Albinism Foundation of Zambia, encourages persons with disabilities to take precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include washing your hands and social distancing. He reminds viewers that everyone is impacted by the pandemic, whether they have been infected or not. The video was produced by the Cheshire Homes Society of Zambia, which has been providing services to adults and children with disabilities for the last 45 years. It urges government officials and others to make information about the pandemic more accessible.
R&B singer John Chiti is the executive director of the Albinism Foundation of Zambia (AFZ). The musician, who counts a former first lady and president of Zambia among his fans, has produced two songs about the coronavirus to raise awareness of its impact on persons with disabilities.
Chiti is one of Zambia's most prominent people with albinism. He has used his music to educate people about this genetic disorder in which there is little to no production of a pigment called melanin. This pigment determines the color of someone's skin, hair, and eyes. Chiti is open about the discrimination he's faced as a person with albinism. Today, he is a household name in Zambia. He is married with two children.
About this video: Women with disabilities in the Solomon Islands face barriers to employment. When Diana Ma’ahoro experienced these firsthand, she enrolled in a national leadership program. Now she's a renowned disability rights activist in the Pacific.
About this video: DJP Fellow Sita Sah explores the challenges and societal barriers faced by blind women in Nepal, highlighting both their personal struggles and the collective activism aimed at systemic change.
About this video: Following her husband’s death by suicide, Santoshi BK experienced depression and hallucinations. She gained support through a self-help group and has become an advocate for those with psychosocial disabilities.
About this video: Fazira Kauma toppled political barriers in Uganda when she became the first woman and the first blind citizen to be appointed deputy mayor in Jinja. She says disability representation in politics is key.
About this video: For many Indonesians with psychosocial disabilities, access to mental health care remains a challenge. With the help of a friend, 44-year-old Ardiansyah eventually found refuge in a local mosque.
About this video: Kiribati native Ruby Nabetari has witnessed first-hand the severe and rapid impacts of global warming. She hopes that through theater, she can speak volumes to policymakers deciding the fates of climate-vulnerable nations.