This presentation explores how stigma towards disabilities, cultural expectations, and media representations particularly in South Asian communities, contribute to the silencing and shaming of women who stutter. Through personal stories, media analysis, and group reflection, we will examine how “hiding perceived flaws” creates barriers to acceptance and voices. Participants will leave with insights into how intersectionality affects speech and self-expression.
The purpose of the workshop is to raise awareness on what women stutterers from marginalized communities face on a daily basis which ranges from being shamed and belittled due them not fitting the criteria of perfection. It is to create awareness, such as recognizing how stuttering intersects with gender, class, ethnicity and disability. Allowing a discourse between facilitators and participants to confront and deconstruct societal biases against marginalized identities and stuttering. The workshop will allow the amplification of voices through the personal narratives shared within the workshop.
On an individual level, the goal is to empower women and help participants to reclaim their voices. We want to bring awareness of how intersectionality and stuttering is weaved together, as cultural acceptance towards stuttering has a huge impact. This will give SLP’s an insight as how women stutterers from marginalized are treated and how many of their experiences are different and unique from the majority population.
About the presenters
Misha Gohar
Misha navigates the world with a perspective shaped by stuttering, embracing it as part of her voice without letting it define her. She is studying Strategic Relationship Marketing at George Brown College and contributes to the CSA’s social media team, working to foster connection and visibility around stuttering and self-acceptance.
Ridwana Miah
Ridwana is a paralegal with an academic background in politics, law, and policy making. As someone who stutters, she actively raises awareness around stuttering through her writing and contributions to International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD). She shares personal stories, opinions, and insights that reflect both the challenges and the triumphs of living with a stutter in modern day society. Volunteering with the Canadian Stuttering Association gives her the opportunity to help others connect with and resonate with her experiences. It also allows her to contribute to the organization's many initiatives and discussions aimed at raising awareness and fostering understanding around stuttering.