Hy Local Guides, 
Today starts Women’s Week with International Women’s Day on March 8th. Another Important day with Zero Discrimination Day, is International Wheelchair Day (March 1st).
It’s a worldwide celebration and awareness day to promote positive impact on the lives of wheelchair users. This day also acknowledges our local guide’s contributions towards Wheelchair Accessibility.
Let’s meet @drfathimaasla
Dr. Fathima Asla from Balusherry near Kozhikode. She completed BHMS ( Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) from Kottayam and now runs her own clinic at her hometown and her autobiography titled “Nilavupole Chirikkunna Penkutti (A Girl With a Twilight Smile)”. Apart from being a doctor, she also speaks and works on disability-related classes and takes many motivational sessions.
Let’s hear what Dr. Fathima Asla has to say.
- What does Women’s day mean to you?
Answer : Women deserve respect every day. Women need to be recognized every day. They need to be included and their rights and issues need to be discussed. I wish women should be celebrated every day.
- What are some of your favourite places to visit in your city and why?
Answer : Kozhikode is my favorite place. I am very proud to have been born here. Even though I spent most of my studies in Kottayam, it was a great relief for me to return to my hometown. Kozhikode beach is my favourite place. I often visit there. Even when I’m bored or mentally down, I can feel a lot more relaxation when I go to the beach. Sometimes, when I go early in the morning, I can see families sitting on the beach and talking. I feel like beaches play a big role in connecting people with each other. Other than the beach I also visit Mittai Theruvu for shopping and eating varieties of food. Kozhikode is famous for its wide variety of tasty food items. Kakkayam Dam and Mananchira are the other places I usually visit.
- What messages do you have for other women, especially those with disabilities on Women’s day?
Answer : I feel that women, whether disabled or not, should strive to become financially and emotionally independent. I grew up struggling a lot. I’ve noticed my mother often putting aside all her own preferences. I feel that while maintaining a relationship, we need to value ourselves. I place more emphasis on financial independence. Disabled people should be able to create their own space.
- How do you think Google Maps is helpful towards wheelchair users for accessibility?
Answer : I didn’t know that Google Maps has been a keen part of helping persons with disabilities, especially Wheelchair Accessibility. All thanks to Rahul, who shared this information with me and I am glad that I will use this information when using Google Maps next time.
Thank you Dr. Fathima Asla for giving such a wonderful interview.
Share how your contributions towards wheelchair accessibility have made positive impacts on Google Maps ( like views and reviews).
accessibility
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among the parts of the body continuously work but recognised only when pain occurs. Thanks for bringing such posts.