Ms Megan Adonis Chauke

Ms Meagan Adonis
Disability and Youth Rights Activist

Ms Meagan Adonis, a 31-year-old African woman with a disability, (blind). She is not only a disability rights activist but also a youth activist, a female empowerment advocate and a serial entrepreneur. Meagan is a proud mother of two boys who is fortunate to have a supportive and loving husband. Her strength and resilience come from her incredible mother, and her younger sister who serves as an epitome of inspiration in her life.

Meagan lost her sight seven years ago due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), which caused optic nerve damage leading to the loss of her sight. Despite this, she is a political science student at the University of South Africa and serves as the deputy chairperson of the UNISA Students with Disabilities Forum. Through this role, she advocates for the rights of students with disabilities and strives for inclusive and accessible education in South Africa.

Education is crucial, especially for young people with disabilities. It opens doors, provides opportunities, and empowers individuals to reach their full potential. Meagan is the Spokesperson of The African Youth Exchange Scholar Program that is currently securing ten full boarding scholarship to 10 African girls to study in the United States of America. She is also The Stakeholder Relations Executive Adviser, at Solve It Consulting, the team engages in grass roots impact project by orchestrating academic conferences for young learners in grade 9 – 12 in the rural arears of South Africa.

As a young woman with a disability, Meagan understands the discrimination and exclusion persons with disabilities experiences in accessing opportunities and economic empowerment. Often, Persons with disabilities are judged based on their disabilities rather than their capabilities. However, they have always defied the status quo, broken down barriers, and challenged the narrative. Meagan passionately believes that disability is not an inability. In addition to her activism, Meagan is also a serial entrepreneur who has ventured into the innovation and technology space through her ICT company Feather Linx.

She led the Feather Linx team that emerged as winners at the Global Young Innovators Competition 2021. Meagan and her team have developed an appreciation for the innovation and technology sector and now focuses on creating systems and applications for persons with disabilities and the vulnerable populations. She is enthusiastic about providing powerful, enabling, and affordable technology solutions to those who need them the most. Meagan recognizes the importance of developing entrepreneurial skills among persons with disabilities to foster independence and contribute to the economy.

Motivational speaking is another avenue through which she has share her lived experiences to inspire others. Meagan utilizes her social media platforms to create visibility and awareness around persons with disabilities, aiming to destigmatize disability by sharing insights into her firsthand experiences. She believes that there should be no limitations to being a present parent and actively participating in society.

Furthermore, Meagan aims to increase the representation of individuals with disabilities in various sectors such as the entertainment industry, corporate settings, and governance to showcase the diverse fabric of the nation.

As an ambassador for Neno Pads, a South African owned and based company manufacturing sanitary products locally for African women, she is dedicated to empowering young women and ensuring accessible menstrual hygiene products for everyone. Through this she has been inspired to design and manufacture her own locally produced, reusable menstrual hygiene products, with the goal of ending feminine hygiene poverty. Her primary source of inspiration stems from her role as a mother to her two sons, constantly motivating her to strive for personal growth and persistence.

Meagan's ambitions extend globally. She aspires to serve as a global advocate for individuals with disabilities, championing their rights, advocating for justice, equal opportunities, and improved education access for all. Her desire involves traveling, gaining insight from diverse experiences, while creating opportunities and supporting those in need through humanitarian programs.

In the long run, her vision encompasses establishing a comprehensive wellness rehabilitation center providing day and night care, equipped with cutting-edge technology to enable individuals with disabilities to flourish and live with dignity. This center would offer training programs promoting independence and livelihoods. Additionally, she envisions an inclusive school fostering social integration, nurturing future leaders who embraces diversity.

Participating in politics holds significant importance for Meagan as it allows her to comprehend the political landscape and impact the lives of individuals with disabilities. As an active member of the African National Congress, she advocates for the representation of persons with disabilities within the organization, contributing to the nation's sustainability and growth.

Philanthropy and social activism are integral aspects of Meagan's life. She strongly believes that leveraging digital platforms and evolving technology provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive independently. She perceives digital transformation and inclusion as catalysts for progress, enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Meagan emphasizes the need for social integration, economic empowerment, access to healthcare, and education for individuals with disabilities. She advocates challenging conventional norms, reshaping narratives, and dismantling barriers to create an inclusive society offering equal opportunities for everyone.

Acknowledging the significance of mental health, Meagan actively maintains her mental well-being, recognizing that it contributes to being the best version of herself for her loved ones and the community. She advocates for open discussions about mental health, believing vulnerability is not a weakness and fostering a culture where such conversations are encouraged without prejudice.

For those facing adversity and individuals with disabilities seeking inspiration, Meagan, a young African woman embracing her disability, stands as a dynamic, resilient figure with courage and determination. Her hope is that her life experiences will inspire and positively impact others.