Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 04:4 (Fall 1990)
Article: Speaking Up: For Women Without a Voice
Author: Mariana Ruybalid

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PP 4:4 Fall 1990) p. 1

Speaking Up: For Women Without a Voice

Mariana Ruybalid

Despite first-hand experience with cerebral palsy, Latin America Mission missionary Mariana Ruybalid lives alone, drives a car and is able to walk short distances on level ground. She aspires to be a positive role model for people with physical limitations, as well as a voice for those who have no voice.

Mariana Ruybalid serves under the Latin American Evangelical Center for Pastoral Studies in Costa Rica. She has a BA. in Math and Philosophy and Master degrees in Operations Research and Psychology. Before joining LAM in 1983, she counseled and taught independent living skills at the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley, CA.

Reprinted by permission from Latin America Evangelist, July-September 1988.

It had not been easy for me, with poor balance, to reach Lisa’s home. I had to cross a drainage ditch, go up six stairs, through the narrow living room and kitchen, over another ditch and then up a slight incline. Two more rickety stairs led into the two-room shack.

I now understood why the Costa Rican woman seldom left her bed. Lisa often suffered great pain due to arthritis, so the short distance would be tortuous. It would take two strong men to carry her.

Looking at Lisa’s home, I also now realized the difficult circumstances in which she lived.

The shack’s walls were made of wood and cardboard, and a cold wind blew between the gaps, which were covered with bright material. Five relatives shared the tight living space.

Because Lisa originally came from another Central American country—even poorer than Costa Rica—she was unable to receive the medical care that she needed. And the other family members, not able to get work permits, earned less than minimum wage.

Lisa welcomed my visit. I had come to announce that the groups for women with physical limitations, which started the year before, were beginning again. I had come with time to listen, and Lisa had much to share. We prayed together.

An unreached minority

At least 10% of the people in developing countries have functional limitations, said a 1984 World Health Organization report. Of these, women and girls receive proportionately less food, less education and less opportunity. Women with physical limitations are the poorest of the poor.

People with physical limitations in the U.S. have access to education, rehabilitation services, jobs and, where work is not feasible, Social Security benefits. But in Central America, the person with physical limitations must be supported by his or her family.

This presents an intolerable hardship fo...

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