‘You have no face – so you have no eyes’: Experiences of women with visual impairments in Ileni Mwiitaleleko centre of Namibia

Abstract

Vision plays an important role in every individual’s life. Women with visual impairment face significant barriers in participating in academic, social, and community life and gather various experiences in their daily lives. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to gain insights into the lived experiences of women with visual impairment and how they meet their everyday basic needs in the centre where they are accommodated. Employing a purposive sampling, nine women with visual impairment who are active members of the Ileni Mwiitaleleko Centre in the Oshikoto region of Namibia were recruited. Data were collected using individual interviews and focus group discussions with the help of interview guides. Data were analysed using the thematic approach. The study revealed that women with visual impairment encounter complex challenges to access and participate in family, social, and community events. Findings revealed complex challenges of accessing public services as participants have to hire someone to take them to various places; spending the social grant on water bills, electricity, and pond repair. They also experienced difficulties in maintaining steady love relationships and become highly vulnerable for neglect, abuse as well as discrimination. Currently, there is a lack of coordination among the three agencies and this has an implication for the inhabitants of the centre. The study recommends that both government and non-government agencies should continue providing support to the women with visual impairment in Ileni Mwiitaleleko Centre.