Kenyan Woman with Dwarfism Says Men Often Make Moves On Her: “Naweza Jaribu Haka”

 

A Kenyan woman with dwarfism has opened up about dating, saying men frequently make passes in an attempt to woo her. A Kenyan woman with dwarfism opened up about her life.  How is it like living with dwarfism in Kenya? Reacting to a viral Tiktok challenge, the woman said men are fascinated with her stature and are attracted to her. The woman said her everyday life is plagued by stares from men who drool over her just to tick "dwarf" off their bucket list. "I am a dwarf in Kenya. Of course once every man sees you, kitu ya kwanza ni, "nawezataka kukajaribu haka," she said. She revealed that people are intrigued by a pregnant woman with dwarfism and often attempt to find out who she is romantically involved with. "I am a dwarf in Kenya. Of course when you see me pregnant unajiuliza sasa nani alikula haka!" she said. The woman went on to humorously list some of the disablist stereotypes that Kenyans perpetuate of people with dwarfism. Top on the list was the belief that persons with dwarfism receive state allowances and import cars duty-free. "I am a dwarf in Kenya. Of course, everyone thinks that the government gives us money for just existing... Everyone wants you to import cars for them tax-free," she said.  She pointed out that they receive unwanted social attention, including staring when going about their daily lives. According to the Tiktoker, harassment and infantilisation were also of major concern. "I am a dwarf in Kenya. Of course, everyone wants to lift you. Everyone thinks you have a relative who is also a dwarf." The woman added that the belief that they are all unathletic, clumsy, quick-tempered, have low self-esteem or lack taste in clothing and like begging was false. Reacting to the post, Kenyans praised the TiktTker for speaking up for people with dwarfism. Obebeche_ninjaturtle: "Oh my! She wanted us to all go to hell today. Love this content." whitneykisau: "Sasa nani alikula haka got me." Hanibani35: "She has a lovely personality." 

by  William Osoro