Riyadh event challenges stigma surrounding people who stutter
Personal testimonies and expert discussions highlighted inclusion, self-acceptance and the importance of supportive families and communities
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — A community event in Riyadh marking International Stuttering Awareness Day brought together people who stutter, their families and speech specialists to challenge misconceptions and promote greater acceptance of different speech patterns.
According to Arab News, the gathering featured personal testimonies, panel discussions and an open-microphone session that allowed participants to share experiences often complicated by embarrassment, anxiety and social discrimination.
Fourteen-year-old Moayed Al-Qarni told attendees that his words deserved to be heard, expressing his determination to pursue his ambition of becoming a successful doctor despite his stutter.
Fatima Sharfi, a 25-year-old architect and jiu-jitsu athlete, said that defining people by their speech difficulties can restrict their opportunities for expression.
She described how supportive surroundings helped her develop confidence, although she later encountered teachers who treated her differently during her school years.
Other participants discussed the role of family understanding in building confidence. Renad Al-Jurayyad said that people around her became more supportive after learning to listen patiently and stop interrupting her.
The event was organized by Mutalathem, a Saudi initiative established by Saad Al-Munajem in 2021. The organization provides peer-support groups, community activities and programs for young people who stutter, including camps for children and teenagers.
Al-Munajem said the initiative had expanded beyond Saudi Arabia, with online groups attracting participants from across the Arab world.
Discussions also explored how stuttering can vary according to circumstances, including whether someone is speaking a familiar language, singing or communicating with strangers.
Participants stressed that experiences differ between individuals and that support should reflect those differences.
The event underscored a broader message: communication should not be measured solely by fluency, and people who stutter should have equal opportunities to participate in education, employment and public life.
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