Women & Girls

Women with disabilities are subject to double discrimination due to their gender and disability status and continue to be at a disadvantage in most spheres of society and development. Available data suggests that the gap is stark compared with men with disabilities: women with disabilities are three times more likely to have unmet needs for health care; three times more likely to be illiterate; two times less likely to be employed and two times less likely to use the Internet. Among those employed, women with disabilities are two times less likely to work as legislators, senior officials, or managers. Women with disabilities tend also to be in a worse position than those without disabilities. Moreover, women with disabilities are at a heightened risk of suffering sexual violence compared to those without disabilities.

Actions to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls with disabilities

Address the needs and perspectives of women and girls with disabilities in national strategies or action plans on disability and gender.
Empower women and girls with disabilities by investing in their education and supporting their transition from school to work.
Raise awareness of the needs of women and girls with disabilities and eliminate stigma and discrimination against them.
Enhance the collection, dissemination, and analysis of data on women and girls with disabilities disaggregate and disseminate data by sex, age, and disability.
Develop policies and programs focused on women and girls with disabilities aiming at their full and equal participation in society.

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