Neema’s Story

Six-year-old Neema started life with many cultural disadvantages. Neema was born with polydactyly…she has six fingers on each hand, a condition she inherited from her mother. Her father abandoned them when Neema was born handicapped. Too often, the future is bleak for girls like Neema.

According to Human Rights Watch, “Congo is home to millions of people with disabilities. Many of them face human rights abuses and discrimination, often limiting their access to education and employment. Some, mostly children, face accusations of witchcraft, as disability can be considered a curse by certain beliefs.”