Shiminenge, a 32-year-old woman living in a displacement camp in Gbajimba, north-central Nigeria, navigates daily life with a mobility impairment in an environment that is largely inaccessible. Tents are pitched on uneven ground, paths become muddy when it rains, and essential facilities like toilets and water points are often out of reach. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to participate in camp life and not be overlooked, reflecting the struggles of more than 480,000 people displaced by intercommunal conflict in Benue State.
Her mobility challenges began in infancy, shaping a life of constant adaptation and resilience. Displacement has compounded these difficulties, with poor shelter conditions, inaccessible sanitation, and difficult terrain making everyday tasks a struggle. Beyond physical barriers, Shiminenge and others with disabilities often experience invisibility and exclusion in displacement settings, limiting access to healthcare, essential services, and safe living conditions.
Despite these obstacles, Shiminenge demonstrated resourcefulness and initiative by selling mosquito repellent in the camp, earning a small income while helping protect residents from malaria. Her efforts evolved into advocacy, leading her to establish a disability association in Gbajimba with 18 other members, pushing for mobility aids, equitable access to resources, and inclusive facilities within the camp.
In August 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, visited Gbajimba to assess the living conditions of displaced persons. Acting on the association’s recommendations, the camp underwent a comprehensive redesign, resulting in nearly 4,000 upgraded emergency shelters built to withstand seasonal rains and offer safer living conditions for families.
The redesign included a dedicated section for people with disabilities, featuring accessible toilets, water points, and kitchens. Gently sloped ramps and communal social spaces were added throughout the camp, allowing residents to move independently and engage more fully in daily life. For Shiminenge, these improvements represent more than physical convenience—they restore dignity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging in a place that was previously challenging and isolating.
