Episode #12
The Impact of Not Listening: Eve's Story of Self Advocacy (Part 1)
What happens when people speak up, ask for support, or challenge barriers, and nobody listens? In this first part of a two-part conversation on The Equality Edit, Esi is joined by occupational therapist, founder of Uplift With Her, and Celebrating Disability trainer, Eve Mujinya. Drawing on her own lived experience, Eve reflects on growing up without the language to understand her learning differences, navigating racism and discrimination, and the impact of repeatedly being underestimated. Together, Esi and Eve explore how these experiences shaped Eve's understanding of self-advocacy, resilience and personal growth. For HR professionals, EDI leads, managers and leaders, this episode offers valuable insight into the impact of not listening. The conversation explores how low expectations, assumptions and a lack of understanding can affect confidence, wellbeing and opportunity. It also highlights why creating environments where people feel able to contribute, challenge barriers and advocate for themselves is so important. Eve shares how therapy, self-reflection and understanding her neurodivergence helped her move beyond survival mode and build the confidence to advocate for herself and others. Along the way, the conversation explores masking, identity, change and the role that supportive environments can play in helping people thrive. This is Part 1 of 2. Part 2 will be released in three weeks and explores Eve's experiences within occupational therapy training, the barriers she encountered when seeking support, and the lessons organisations can learn about advocacy, accountability and inclusive practice. About Eve Mujinya My path has taken me in two directions: one of deep self-healing, and the other of helping others to do the same. I support people in getting unstuck, reminding them that they already have the awareness and the power to shift into a state of real wellbeing. Meditation isn't something to tick off a list, it's something to experience. It takes time, presence and practice, but it truly leads to somewhere meaningful. I'm also passionate about helping people to see that diversity, inclusion and equity are shared responsibilities. Advocacy is part of my journey, one I'm still learning and growing into. I believe that our lived experiences hold value, and I'm committed to using mine in a way that supports, uplifts and creates space for others to be seen and heard. Resources and Links • Uplift With Her – https://www.upliftwithher.com • Royal College of Occupational Therapists – https://www.rcot.co.uk • NHS Talking Therapies – https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-nhs-talking-therapies-service • Celebrating Disability Resources – https://celebratingdisability.co.uk/resources
