This blog is published under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Namibia, as part of our continued commitment to advancing disability inclusion across all spheres of society. At UNDP, we believe that inclusive development is not just a goal—it is a fundamental right. Through the stories and lived experiences of individuals like Anna Hembili, we seek to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities and to promote policies and practices that ensure no one is left behind. This feature is a reflection of UNDP’s broader mission to foster equitable participation, meaningful representation, and accessible environments for all, especially youth and women with disabilities. We salute champions like Anna who embody the spirit of resilience, leadership, and justice in shaping a more inclusive Namibia.

Anna Hembili, a 29-year-old advocate for disability rights, hails from Ongwediva and is deeply rooted in the Omusati Region, now living in Ondangwa, Namibia. With a background in Office Administration and years of leadership experience, Anna has dedicated her life to empowering communities, especially young women and girls with disabilities. Her leadership journey began in Omusati, where she served as Chairperson of the Namibian National Students Organization (NANSO), and later as the National Secretary of the Namibian Organization of Youth with Disabilities (NOYD). Anna is a member of the Committee of the Namibia Vocational Training Centre (NVTC) and serves as the President of the Teen Resource Centre (TRC). Her advocacy has taken her to grassroots communities, where she volunteered at the Namibian Planned Parenthood Association (NAPPA), a youth-friendly clinic, providing guidance to peers on health and wellness.

Anna's disability journey is deeply connected to her experience with scoliosis, a condition that began developing silently 16 years ago. She recalls the physical and emotional challenges she faced, including painful treatments, stigma, and feeling misunderstood by others. Despite these hardships, Anna remained resilient, drawing strength from her family and community, which helped her see her disability not as a limitation, but as an opportunity for empowerment. According to the Mayo Clinic (2023), scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways in an “S” or “C” shape. It often appears during growth spurts before puberty. Most cases have no known cause and are called idiopathic scoliosis. The condition is more common in girls than boys. While mild cases may not need treatment, more serious curves can cause pain or movement problems. Treatment may include physical therapy, wearing a back brace, or surgery for severe cases. Early detection helps prevent the condition from worsening (NIAMS, 2022). 

"Scoliosis changed me, but it didn’t break me. It made me stronger," she says.

Throughout her life, Anna has encountered various challenges, especially in environments that lack accessibility for people with disabilities. However, her experience has led her to advocate for more inclusive education, workplaces, and public spaces. She stresses that persons with disabilities should not be seen as objects of charity, but as valuable partners in the development of solutions to societal challenges. Her advocacy aligns with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) goals, which focus on disability inclusion. According to the UNDP, inclusion goes beyond mere presence in a space—it requires meaningful participation, accessibility, and equity for all people, regardless of ability (UNDP, 2020).

Anna’s personal strength is driven by her faith and the unwavering support of her siblings. Her journey exemplifies the resilience needed to rise above societal limitations. One of her most proud moments was stepping into leadership when others doubted her abilities, proving to herself and others that she could not only belong in leadership positions but could also create opportunities for others. In 2020, a piece titled “Disability Is Not Inability” was written about her, highlighting the idea that disability does not equate to incapacity. Today, she carries this message forward, transforming it into a movement of empowerment. She now sees herself not only as an advocate for others but as the inspiration that she once sought.

Anna’s advocacy is shaped by her belief that inclusion is not just about physical presence—it is about being seen, respected, and supported in meaningful ways. She is a strong voice for youth with disabilities through her involvement with the Namibian Organization of Youth with Disabilities (NOYD) and the Namibian Federation of Persons with Disabilities (NFPDN). Her work challenges stereotypes and seeks to create a world where young people with disabilities no longer have to fight the same battles for recognition and access.

Looking forward, Anna hopes to see a Namibia where people with disabilities no longer face barriers to basic services and opportunities. She encourages other individuals with disabilities to embrace their uniqueness and to be proud of their journeys. Anna's message to policymakers and organizations like UNDP is clear: "Inclusion is not charity; it is justice." This aligns with UNDP’s mission to promote disability-inclusive development by ensuring equal access to opportunities for all people, regardless of their abilities (UNDP, 2020).