Savita's story

Savita is 24 years old and has orthopaedic disability. She comes from a remote village in Chhattisgarh, India. Savita had always wanted to study and after graduating from college, she turned her focus towards working for the rights of people with disabilities. In 2019, Savita joined a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO), supported by Sightsavers, where she was elected as the Group’s President.

Savita’s efforts during the COVID-19 crisis have been amazing. She has been making cloth masks for people in need of protection from the pandemic. Savita has donated one month of her disability pension to the StateCOVID-19 relief fund. She has been working with other DPO leaders to provide financial assistance to people with serious and multiple disabilities in her region amidst the lockdown . Under Savita’s leadership, the DPO members have also helped the local administration in identifying people in need of support (particularly people with disabilities) and providing them with relief supplies.

“My contribution may seem small, however, I am hopeful that the donation made by me will definitely contribute to fulfilling someone’s needs. I will continue to help and spread the awareness on COVID-19 to persons with disabilities for as long as it is required,” says Savita.