Ethiopia
The story of Yetnebersh Nigussie is one that combines ability with determination. Despite being visually impaired, she strived to get an education and set out to help people with similar challenges.
She was named a joint-winner of the 2017 Right Livelihood Award, also known as Sweden’s alternative Nobel Prize.
Ethiopia’s visually impaired lawyer fighting for disability rights
Niguisse was among the first three visually impaired persons to study law at Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa university. She recalls having to transcribe audio recording of her lectures into Braille throughout her 5-year study.
“I really want to see a world where nobody is discriminated because of his or her disability or any other status,” she told the Thompson Reuters Foundation. She was not born blind but has not allowed it to limit her in life.
“I started my fight, not by telling people, but showing people that I’m able to contribute. I have one disability but I have 99 abilities,” she added.
She makes our nomination list for Africanews 2017 Top Newsmaker. You can vote for her via our social media platforms. Twitter and Facebook.
#2017 is coming to an end and it is time to recognize our #African Personality of the Year. Who among these four will you go for and why? ?
— africanews (@africanews) December 25, 2017
01:02
Pics of the day: April 25, 2024
01:49
Togo: Women candidates campaign ahead legislative and regional elections
01:56
Ivory Coast: Women cooperative for vegetables transforming rural village
00:49
London Marathon: Women's-only world record, Kenyan double victory
01:30
UN reports widening global inequality in sexual and reproductive health and rights
02:20
'Fietan du Burkina', the dance troupe empowering the deaf