Monrovia, Liberia — A physically Challenged graduate of the state-run University (University of Liberia) has publicly expressed frustration and heartbreak after allegedly facing discrimination from commercial taxi drivers in Monrovia.
Beatrice Snyder, who recently earned her degree from the University of Liberia, said she was rejected by 10 out of 11 taxis while attempting to secure transportation within the city. The incident, which occurred under the scorching sun, has sparked renewed concern about the treatment of persons living with disabilities in Liberia.
In a statement recounting her experience, Snyder described the ordeal as a painful reminder of the barriers she faces daily.
“My today’s experience for transportation was a painful reminder of my disability. After being rejected by 10 out of 11 different taxis in the hot sun in Monrovia, it broke my heart,” she wrote. “The rejection and discrimination that come with disabilities are worse than the disability itself.”
Snyder said the drivers appeared to focus on her physical condition rather than her need for transportation. “Drivers saw my disability before they saw my humanity,” she stated, adding that while transportation in Monrovia is already challenging, the discrimination is what weighs most heavily on her.
She emphasized that the obstacles confronting persons with disabilities extend beyond infrastructure. “The barriers aren’t just in the roads, they are in the hearts of some people,” she noted.
Despite the painful encounter, Snyder remains hopeful. She said she is praying for a “good Samaritan” to bless her with a vehicle that would ease her movement and reduce her reliance on public transport.
Her account has prompted conversations about accessibility, equal rights, and the urgent need for greater public awareness to ensure that persons with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect across Liberia.
