For ALL Women and Girls: Felicia Bulmaga on the stereotypes faced by people with disabilities and importance of promoting equal opportunities

The adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 30 years ago paved the way for a more inclusive world, where governments commit to ensuring that all women and girls have equal rights and opportunities. While significant progress has been made toward gender equality, many commitments still fall short in translating into real-life impact. Felicia Bulmaga, a 33-year-old woman with a locomotor disability, has managed to access employment and social inclusion opportunities, becoming a role model for many women and girls.

Turning Passion into a Job and Pathway to Financial Independence

Born with cerebral palsy and abandoned at birth, Felicia spent the first 28 years of her life in a placement center in Hâncești. In 2020, she moved into a protected house in Ialoveni, where she shares a home with other girls with disabilities. She commutes daily by trolleybus to photograph events or to socialize “The most important thing is to not stay inside the four walls and try to integrate into society,” says Felicia.

For the past two years, Felicia has worked as a photographer with the Chișinău City Hall, capturing key moments at public events, often accompanied by a colleague and her canine companion. "This job has allowed me to grow professionally as I’ve taken additional photography courses. This also gave me a certain level of independence. When I received my first paycheck, I was overjoyed to hold my own money for the first time," she recalls with enthusiasm.

Felicia discovered her passion for photography at the age of 14 or 15, and over the years, she saved money to buy a professional camera and take specialized courses. She prefers open spaces, where she can move more easily in her wheelchair. "Unfortunately, many buildings are still not adapted to the needs of people with disabilities," Felicia concludes. However, she focuses on the positive strides being made and opportunities, often expressing gratitude for those who have supported her journey.

Empowering Women and Girls with Disabilities: More Informed about Their Rights and Better Equipped to Prevent Gender-Based Violence

In addition to her photography courses, Felicia actively participates in various training sessions aimed at empowering women - particularly those from underrepresented groups - to better understand their rights and learn about preventing gender-based violence. She is one of the beneficiaries of the NGO "Motivation", the UN Women’s key partner in the efforts to empower women and girls with disabilities. The initiative is part of the second phase of the "EU4GenderEquality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence" programme, funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by UN Women and UNFPA.

Under this partnership, 48 women and girls with disabilities, including Felicia, have participated in a series of training sessions. "A key lesson I learned from the training sessions, which I share with my peers whenever I can, is that no one has the right to force us to do something against our will," Felicia points out, referring to the importance of consent. "During the sessions, we received many informative resources, including the trust line number for women and girls: 0 8008 8008, where we can seek help."

As part of a series of capacity-building activities aimed at increasing the independence of women and girls with disabilities, organized by the "Motivation" Association, Felicia participated in a masterclass on self-makeup on March 4. "I learned some useful tricks that will definitely come in handy in the future," the young woman enthusiastically shared. After the session, the participants engaged in a discussion about gender stereotypes and myths surrounding violence against women and girls with disabilities. "I learned so many valuable things! I really appreciated that the experts used clear, simple language that everyone could understand".

Breaking Barriers: The Power of Personal Initiative and Advocacy for Greater Opportunity

Despite her optimism and unwavering belief in the future, Felicia continues to face discriminatory attitudes. She often encounters harsh comments when attempting to complete her work or when seeking help to navigate curbs or steep ramps. "It’s important to stay focused on my goals and concentrate on the positive aspects," she says.

Additionally, Felicia believes that isolating children with disabilities only perpetuates stigmatization, while inclusive education, where all children learn together, can significantly enhance social integration. She also highlights the vital role played by non-governmental organizations in supporting underrepresented individuals.

While she acknowledges the responsibility of authorities to provide necessary support and protection, Felicia is a firm advocate for individuals with disabilities to actively voice their concerns and assert their rights. "For example, I take it upon myself to report any curb, pothole, or lack of access ramps that hinders my mobility," she says. At the same time, Felicia observes an improvement in the situation, as more and more girls and women with disabilities are gaining greater access to education and employment opportunities.

"I wish all women and girls would have the courage to face challenges and claim their right to equal conditions and opportunities," is Felicia's message.