Hong Kong writer Sa’diyya Nesar has been navigating life with muscular myopathy, a condition that weakens her muscles and requires her to use a wheelchair for most daily activities. Despite the challenges posed by her disability, Nesar has not allowed it to hinder her participation in her community. In fact, she has actively engaged in advocacy work to break down stereotypes that society often imposes on individuals with disabilities.
Born with muscular myopathy, Nesar faced life-threatening situations, particularly during her childhood. The weakness in her muscles would exacerbate common illnesses like the flu, often leading to pneumonia due to her struggles with breathing and coughing properly. At the age of eight, she experienced a collapsed lung, which resulted in a four-month hospital stay. During this challenging period, Nesar found solace in stories about her Islamic faith, immersing herself in books that provided comfort and inspiration.
In her book “Hearts that Remember,” Nesar shares a collection of 99 poems that pay homage to the 99 attributed names of Allah in Muslim tradition. Through her poetry, she seeks to convey the depth of her faith and the strength she draws from it in the face of adversity. Nesar’s writing serves as a powerful testament to her resilience and determination to overcome physical barriers.
Despite the physical limitations imposed by her condition, Nesar has cultivated a mindset of perseverance and resilience from a young age. She recalls participating in school sports events and family outings to Stanley Beach, even though she admits she was not particularly skilled in sports. Despite the stares and challenges she faced, Nesar’s parents always encouraged her to try new experiences and never let her disability define her capabilities.
Nesar’s mother played a significant role in nurturing her daughter’s sense of self-worth and potential. Despite sacrificing her own academic pursuits to care for Nesar, she instilled in her daughter a belief that her disability should not prevent her from fully participating in society. This unwavering support and encouragement from her family have been instrumental in shaping Nesar’s outlook on life and her determination to defy societal expectations.
In her advocacy work, Nesar has been recognized as one of 21 ethnic minority public policy advisers by The Zubin Foundation, a Hong Kong NGO. Her efforts to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity for individuals with disabilities have paved the way for greater representation and awareness within the community. Through her actions and words, Nesar continues to inspire others to embrace diversity and foster a more inclusive society.
Reflecting on her experiences as a wheelchair-bound individual, Nesar acknowledges the challenges of being treated differently due to the visibility of her disability. She recounts instances where people would speak to those around her instead of directly engaging with her, a dehumanizing experience that is all too common for individuals with disabilities. In her book “Strength From Within,” Nesar delves into the misconceptions and struggles she has faced, shedding light on the need for greater understanding and empathy towards those with disabilities.
One of the obstacles Nesar faces in practicing her faith is the lack of accessibility in religious venues in Hong Kong. Many mosques and Islamic centers are located in old buildings with multiple flights of stairs, making it difficult for individuals with mobility issues to attend services. Despite these challenges, Nesar remains committed to her faith and finds solace in praying at home. She emphasizes the importance of addressing accessibility issues not only for individuals with disabilities but also for the elderly and other marginalized groups within the community.
As Nesar continues her journey of empowerment and advocacy, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration and understanding across different communities. By sharing her story and experiences, she hopes to challenge perceptions and encourage dialogue on the intersection of disability, race, and faith. Through her writing and activism, Nesar exemplifies the power of storytelling in breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Moving forward, Nesar is working on her third book and remains actively engaged in initiatives related to disability rights and empowerment in Hong Kong. She advocates for greater awareness and support for individuals with disabilities, urging communities to come together to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups. By promoting collaboration and dialogue, Nesar envisions a more inclusive and equitable society where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to the community’s growth and well-being.