Rwandans with dwarfism say that although awareness and inclusion have significantly improved over the years, stigma and accessibility barriers still affect their lives.

They shared this on Tuesday, October 29, during Rwanda’s first-ever celebration of International Dwarfism Awareness Day, which was held under the theme "Supporting all of us for each of us.” The day is internationally marked on October 25.

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Members of the Rwanda Union of Little People (RULP) said that continued advocacy and public education are key to achieving full equality and social acceptance.

Theodore Niyigaba, a resident of Bumbogo Sector in Gasabo District, said that while the community is becoming more understanding, discrimination still exists.

"Sometimes when you walk in the streets, some people mock you and call you names like Gasongo [Tall Man] or Gikuri [Short Man]. Even though it is not as bad as in the past, that challenge remains,” he said.

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He explained that such behaviour used to force many people with dwarfism to stay indoors.

"That used to make many of our members stay in their houses to avoid being mocked. But as time goes on, and through the training we receive, we’ve improved how we react,” he added.

Niyigaba recalled painful childhood memories of being bullied when he started primary school in the early 2000s.

"Pupils used to run after me and form circles around me. Crossing the road to go back home was a big challenge, but I adapted as time went by,” he said.

Later in life, he faced discrimination while trying to access public services.

"One day I went to a bank, and when I tried to enter, the security guard told me, ‘Go away, man, there’s nothing here for you,’ thinking I was a beggar,” he said.

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Honorine Tuyishimire, the Executive Director of RULP, said the challenges faced by little people are diverse, given that there are over 200 types of dwarfism worldwide.

"The challenges are diverse, even though we all have dwarfism, because there are different types,” she said.

She explained that RULP was founded to promote the rights and inclusion of people with dwarfism.

"We wanted them to enjoy their human rights so that they don’t miss out on anything other Rwandans have,” Tuyishimire said.

When the union was first established, stigma was so severe that some members were afraid to be seen together in public.

"On the first day we met, we faced stigma as people kept staring and mocking us. We were even afraid to travel together to avoid being ridiculed by the public,” she recalled.

She noted that, over time, more members have gained confidence, with several completing their education and securing employment.

"Now we have seen others graduate and even get jobs. The challenges have reduced; they are not like before,” she said.

RULP currently operates in nine of the country’s 30 districts, working with around 400 members. Tuyishimire said there are still many who have not yet been reached and remain isolated.

"They need someone to reach out to them, show them their worth, and help them overcome the challenges they face,” she said.

Emmanuel Ndayisaba, the Executive Secretary of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), said RULP has been operating for ten years and continues to play a key role in raising awareness.

"This is the first time they have marked International Dwarfism Day in Rwanda. Some challenges remain, including infrastructure, such as light switches placed higher than they can reach, and hospital beds that are not adapted for them,” he said.

He added that the NCPD regularly inspects public facilities to ensure accessibility and compliance with disability standards.