Senada Halilčević is a self-advocate from Croatia.
She was the chair of the European Platform of Self-Advocates (EPSA) and Vice-president of Inclusion Europe.
She took part in the End Segregation campaign and is a strong advocate of deinstitutionalisation.
We discussed with Senada about the importance of self-advocacy and supported decision-making for the political participation of women with intellectual disabilities.
As an EPSA member, she is very active in her country and takes part in international conferences. She is also a member of the European Disability Forum (EDF)’s Women’s committee, where she represents women with intellectual disabilities and shares their concerns.
About self-advocacy
Self-advocacy means that people with intellectual disabilities speak up for themselves. Senada explained that self-advocacy is closely related to decision-making and support.
For people with intellectual disabilities, having the necessary information in easy-to-read is very important. This format allows them to understand things and make good decisions for themselves not only for private matters, but also for political participation.
Senada said that through self-advocacy, it is possible to hear the different experiences of other people and know about the challenges they face.
“Self-advocacy plays a major role in empowering people with intellectual disabilities.”
Discrimination and stereotypes
Women with intellectual disabilities are often not considered or valued for their expertise and knowledge.
They also face discrimination when they want to participate in political life.
As many other women with disabilities, Senada experienced inequalities and stereotypes.
She told me about a bad episode that happened in her life:
“A few years ago, I called a store to inquire about a product I needed to buy. When I called that store and asked if they had that product, the lady who answered the phone commented to the other saleswoman: ‘mentally retarded person called’ and hung up on me.”
Society has still many negative stereotypes towards people with intellectual disabilities. They are humiliated and not taken seriously.
This is especially true for women.
Sometimes, women with disabilities interiorise stigma and do not feel encouraged to express themselves or make decisions.
They do not feel allowed to make political choices and participate in elections.
Right to vote and barriers
14 European countries still limit the right to vote for people with intellectual disabilities under guardianship.
This is not fair. With the right support, they are perfectly able to make decisions and vote.
Yet, in many European countries people with intellectual disabilities are deprived of legal capacity and cannot run for elections.
There are not only legal, but also practical barriers.
This means that even when the right to vote is guaranteed, there are many obstacles.
Among them, there is the lack of accessibility and reasonable accommodation such as assistance, assistive tools and alternative means of voting.
The situation for people living in institutions is even worst. This is why it is important to advocate for deinstitutionalisation.
Institutions segregate people with intellectual disabilities form the rest of the community. They are never an option.
“Although I had the right to participate in the elections while I was in the institution, I could not use that right because I was not allowed to go outside the institution alone. And none of the employees wanted to give me any support so that I could participate in the elections.”
Women have always been excluded from political decisions.
This is even more true for women with intellectual disabilities. They are judged all the time and are not allowed to make choices.
People do not understand that, with the necessary support, they can make their decisions as everyone else.
Excluding women with disabilities from the elections means excluding part of society.
Everyone should be allowed to equally participate in democracy.
Progress and challenges
Senada thinks that society is finally changing its perception of people with intellectual disabilities.
Many self-advocates and activists are raising awareness about intellectual disability, and this is having a great impact.
Many changes are taking place. For example, some countries are changing legislation and there are less stereotypes compared to the past.
“When we look back a few years, we can see some difference in society in a good direction as far as people with intellectual disabilities are concerned.”
However, Senada noticed that the process is still too slow, and the situation is not improving for women.
“As for women with intellectual disabilities, we unfortunately come across judgments against women, especially in planning and realising family life, participation in public and political life.”
Women with intellectual disabilities still face discrimination in many areas of life, including in public and political life.
Having women like Senada, as a self-advocate, in leadership, political and decision-making positions is very important.
It is good in terms of visibility. Young women with intellectual disabilities have the capacity to participate in political life and make important decisions for themselves and the society. They must know that they can be active citizens too.
Including more women with intellectual disabilities in politics is the only way to change society.