Who is Abena Jon'el and what is her advocacy in Ghana?

Abena Jon'el is a Ghanaian-American model and writer who uses her platform to advocate for the visibility and inclusion of people with disabilities in Ghana, challenging stereotypes and promoting positive representation.

How does Abena Jon'el use her kente-wrapped prosthetic leg?

Abena Jon'el's kente-wrapped prosthetic leg is a symbolic statement of her pride in Ghanaian heritage and serves as a visual tool to challenge perceptions and advocate for disability awareness on fashion runways.

What is Abena Jon'el's goal for disability representation in Ghana?

Her goal is to shift the narrative by showcasing disabled individuals as ambitious, stylish, and complex, moving beyond pity and promoting greater accessibility and support to combat stigma.

Home / Lifestyle / Ghanaian Model Shatters Disability Stereotypes on Runway

Ghanaian Model Shatters Disability Stereotypes on Runway

28 Jan

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Summary

Model Abena Jon'el uses fashion to advocate for disability visibility in Ghana.
Her prosthetic leg, wrapped in kente cloth, symbolizes pride in Ghanaian heritage.
She aims to challenge stigma by showcasing disabled individuals positively.

Ghanaian Model Shatters Disability Stereotypes on Runway

Ghanaian-American model and writer Abena Christine Jon'el recently made a significant impact at a major fashion show in Ghana, walking the runway with her prosthetic leg adorned in colourful African print. At two years old, Jon'el lost her leg due to a rare cancer, but has since dedicated herself to advocating for the visibility of people with disabilities. Her presence aims to build on years of work in both the US and Ghana to challenge stereotypes that portray disabled individuals as merely inspirational or compliant.

Jon'el, who now permanently resides in Ghana, describes her identity as ancestral and deeply connected to the country, a feeling solidified by a transformative visit in 2021. Her kente-wrapped prosthetic serves as a powerful symbol of her love for Ghana's heritage and pride. She highlights the critical difference in how disabled people are perceived between the US and Ghana, noting a greater need for representation and access in Ghana.