Participatory Photography Exhibit: vivid pictures reflecting the reality of disability in Gaza

Social Developmental Forum in partnership with Medical Aid Palestinians- MAP opened a participatory photography exhibition on Tuesday, December 3, which marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The exhibition featured the work of persons with disabilities in Gaza, vivid and realistic images that reflect the most important challenges and problems that people with disabilities face on a daily basis in Gaza.

The exhibit, which included the works of 15 men and women with disabilities, came in conjunction with a similar exhibit in London where the photos of the participants were displayed to help the community fully understand the lives of persons with disabilities and the barriers that prevent them from obtaining their rights ensuring a just and dignified life.

The most important issues covered in the participants’ photos included the high unemployment rate among persons with disabilities, the inadequacy of public facilities, the difficulty of movement and discrimination against persons with disabilities, the lack of assistive devices and sports participation, and the impact of the repeated Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Irhaf Abu Al-Zanatit, one of the participants in the exhibition said, “I have the right to live in a harmonious society that helps me achieve my dreams, aspirations, and my participation in this exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the most important barriers and obstacles that stand in my way and that of many of my colleagues with disabilities.”

Regarding the Forum’s contribution to the exhibit, Walla Karaja, Advocacy Coordinator said: “We are pleased with this qualitative project that provides new tools for people with disabilities to advocate for their issues and invests in pictures to convey their reality and the obstacles that they face locally and internationally.”