Rose Adili (in white shirt), Anthony Pitia [in blue shirt], and representatives from the Network for People with Disabilities, alongside Zain's Swangin Scopas Taban (in pink shirt), during a talk show hosted by Michael Daniel to commemorate International Day for People with Disabilities on Thursday, December 12, 2024. - Credit: Zain

In a world where suffering is often silent, Rose Adili Moses is a strong voice for the voiceless. As the Secretary General of the Network for People with Disabilities in Central Equatoria State, Rose has made it her mission to empower women with disabilities who have been abandoned by their partners during pregnancy, a heartbreaking and often hidden reality in South Sudan.

During a talk show on Eye Radio to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities supported by ZAIN, Rose highlighted the growing crisis of single mothers with disabilities who face not only the daily challenges of raising children alone but also the isolation, stigma, and shame of being abandoned. For these women, the challenge is not just about survival—it’s about being seen and heard.

“In our communities, when we receive such cases, we take action. But in other communities, these issues are often hidden,” Rose explained. “The shame attached to these situations makes it impossible to address them, leaving many women isolated and voiceless.”

Rose’s words resonate with the painful truth. Many women with disabilities fall victim to relationships where their partners use them, not out of love, but to fulfil their own needs.

“When it comes to love, most men just play with us,” Rose shared, her voice heavy with experience. “They fall in love with us only to fulfill their needs, not because they see us as potential wives. I think many of us are now single mothers.”

The deceit is subtle, and the consequences are severe. These women, once hopeful for love and companionship, find themselves raising children alone after being abandoned by their partners.

It’s a cycle of disappointment that many are trapped in, struggling to care for their children while also carrying the weight of societal rejection.

“The truth is, most women with disabilities are suffering and raising their children alone,” Rose said. “They deceive us based on our desires, and we believe it might be true love. But in the end, we are left disappointed, raising children by ourselves.”

But Rose is not one to accept silence in the face of injustice. She is determined to give women with disabilities the tools to stand up for themselves and fight back against their abandonment.

“We will take action when these cases are reported. We will file complaints with the police and pursue justice through the courts,” she affirmed.

Rose’s call to action is not just a plea for legal recourse but a message of empowerment. She urges women with disabilities to raise their voices and seek help from the network.

“Once you conceive, whether deceived by your partner or your family, you must raise your voice,” she said. “Being a single mother is not easy, and we are here to support you.”

The Network for People with Disabilities has committed to supporting these women, offering resources and guidance to help them navigate the challenges they face. Yet, the road ahead is difficult.

Many communities still hide these issues out of shame, making it hard for organizations like Rose’s to offer the support that is so urgently needed.

South Sudan’s disabled population, currently estimated to be around 1.2 million, faces barriers at every turn. Social stigma, lack of resources, and discrimination have kept these individuals—especially women—from accessing essential services.

Children with disabilities are often excluded from education, and the number of women in vulnerable situations like single motherhood continues to rise.

But Rose and her network are fighting for change. They are advocating for a society that is inclusive, where disabled individuals, especially women, are respected and protected. Through their work, they aim to break down the barriers of exclusion and silence, one case at a time.

“Every woman deserves the chance to be seen, to be heard, and to live a life free from abandonment,” Rose said, her voice resolute. “We will not stop until women with disabilities in South Sudan are given the rights and dignity they deserve.”

In a country where disability is too often hidden, Rose Adili Moses is leading the charge to ensure these women are no longer invisible. Through her advocacy, she’s not just challenging the status quo—she’s paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future for women with disabilities in South Sudan.