status of women and girls with disability

status of women and girls with disability

1. STATUS OF WOMEN & GIRLS WITH DISABILITY IN INDIA FATHIMA AMANI MASWDS&A

2. INTRODUCTION Women and girls with disabilities in India face a unique and intensified form of discrimination, often referred to as double discrimination, as they navigate the intersecting challenges of gender bias and disability-related stigma. They experience social exclusion, limited access to education, employment barriers, inadequate healthcare, and a heightened risk of violence and abuse. Despite legal protections such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and various gender-focused initiatives, their inclusion in mainstream development remains limited. Addressing these inequalities is essential to fostering an inclusive society that ensures equal opportunities, empowerment, and dignity for all individuals, regardless of gender or ability.

3. STATUS OF WOMEN AND GIRL WITH DISABILITIES IN INDIA Women and girls with disabilities are among the most marginalized groups, facing double discrimination based on gender, disability, and poverty. They are often stereotyped as helpless, dependent, and asexual, which limits their opportunities and exposes them to violence, neglect, and social isolation. Practices like forced sterilization, justified as being in their "best interests," are rooted in systemic prejudice and deny them basic rights, such as experiencing sexuality, forming families, and accessing education and employment. Disabled women also encounter unequal treatment in hiring, pay, and access to resources, with those in rural areas facing even greater isolation due to lack of awareness and support. Crimes against disabled women and girls often go unreported due to fear or lack of access to justice, and public awareness remains low. Legal systems and policies are ill-equipped to address their unique challenges, leaving them without adequate protection or representation. Despite some progress in gender equality, disabled women continue to be overlooked, with their rights and needs largely ignored in most societies. Achieving equality of opportunity and treatment for women with disabilities remains a critical, unaddressed issue.

4. social, economic, and political status of women with disabilities Social Status Women with disabilities often face significant social exclusion and marginalization due to societal attitudes, stereotypes, and lack of accessibility. Stigma and Discrimination:  Women with disabilities continue to face significant social stigma and discrimination, which can lead to social isolation and exclusion. Violence and Abuse:  They are at a higher risk of experiencing violence, abuse, and exploitation, often with limited access to justice and support services. Limited Access to Education: Barriers such as inaccessible schools, lack of trained teachers, and societal attitudes often prevent girls and women with disabilities from accessing quality education. This lack of education perpetuates cycles of poverty and dependency. Healthcare Disparities: Women with disabilities often face barriers to accessing healthcare, including physical inaccessibility, discrimination, and lack of disability-inclusive services. Reproductive health services are often inaccessible or inadequate for women with disabilities.

5. Economic Status Women with disabilities face significant economic disadvantages, often exacerbated by gender and disability-based discrimination. Employment Discrimination: Women with disabilities experience higher unemployment rates and are often relegated to low-paying, informal, or precarious jobs. Employers may perceive them as less capable or fear the cost of accommodations. Poverty: Women with disabilities are disproportionately represented among the poor due to limited economic opportunities, lower wages, and higher costs associated with disability (e.g., medical expenses, assistive devices). Social protection systems in many countries are inadequate or inaccessible. Limited Access to Education and Training: Lack of access to education and vocational training limits their skills and employability. Many economic empowerment programs are not designed to be inclusive of women with disabilities. Unpaid Care Work: Women with disabilities are often expected to fulfil traditional caregiving roles, which can limit their ability to pursue paid employment or education. Political Status Women with disabilities are often excluded from political participation and decision-making processes, limiting their ability to influence policies that affect their lives. Underrepresentation: Women with disabilities are severely underrepresented in political offices, legislatures, and leadership roles. They are often excluded from political parties and decision-making bodies due to discrimination and lack of accessibility. Barriers to Participation: Physical inaccessibility of polling stations, lack of accessible information, and discriminatory attitudes can prevent women with disabilities from voting or running for office. Limited access to education and economic resources further restricts their ability to engage in political processes. Lack of Inclusive Policies: Even when policies exist to promote disability rights, they often fail to address the specific needs of women with disabilities. Implementation of international frameworks like the CRPD remains inconsistent.

6. P rogress in the status of women with disabilities overtime There has been a growing recognition of the rights and needs of women with disabilities, partly due to advocacy by disability rights organizations and feminist movements. Many countries have enacted laws and policies aimed at protecting the rights of people with disabilities, including women. For example, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has been instrumental in promoting the rights of women with disabilities globally. There is more representation of women with disabilities in media, literature, and public discourse, which helps challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity. There have been some improvements in employment opportunities for women with disabilities, with more inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations. Various programs and initiatives have been launched to support the economic empowerment of women with disabilities, including vocational training, microfinance, and entrepreneurship support. Some countries have expanded social protection schemes to include women with disabilities, providing them with financial support and access to healthcare. There has been an increase in the political representation of women with disabilities, with more women with disabilities running for office and holding political positions. Women with disabilities are increasingly involved in advocacy and decision-making processes, influencing policies that affect their lives. International frameworks like the CRPD and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the inclusion of women with disabilities in political processes.

7. Prevalence of Disability Census-2011 reveals that 11,824,355 women in India have disabilities, making up 44.09% of the total disabled population. Types of Disabilities 20% of disabled women have vision impairments 20% have hearing impairments 18% have mobility impairments 8% have multiple disabilities Educational level of Disabled Women (Census 2011): Girls with disabilities are less likely to attend school compared to boys with disabilities. Illiterate Population: Total: 1,21,96,641 Male: 56,40,240 Female: 65,56,401 Women with disabilities are more likely to be illiterate compared to men. The highest number of disabled women reside within the 10-19 age group. This highlights the importance of early intervention programs for children with disabilities. STATISTICS ON WOMEN AND GIRLS IN INDIA

8. CHALLENGES 1.⁠ ⁠Education Challenges Lack of Accessible Schools and Resources: Many schools lack ramps, Braille materials, sign language interpreters, and inclusive teaching methods, making education difficult for disabled students. Social Stigma and Discrimination : Families and communities may discourage girls with disabilities from attending school, considering them a burden. Teachers may also have low expectations, leading to neglect in classrooms. 2.⁠ ⁠Healthcare Challenges Limited Access to Reproductive and Maternal Health Services: Many healthcare facilities are not equipped to provide accessible reproductive and maternal healthcare, leading to a lack of essential services for disabled women. Neglect of Mental Health Needs : Mental health services are often inaccessible, and there is a lack of awareness about the emotional well-being of disabled women, leading to untreated psychological distress.

9. 3.⁠ ⁠Employment Challenges Barriers to Entering the Workforce: Many workplaces lack disability-friendly infrastructure and policies, making it difficult for women with disabilities to find and retain jobs. Wage Gaps and Exploitation: Disabled women who do find jobs often receive lower wages than their non-disabled peers and may experience workplace discrimination and exploitation. 4. Violence Disabled women are considered as asexual, they are the ones at higher risk of being sexually abused. As girls and women with disability are more vulnerable, they remain unprotected against any assault on their honour like sexual harassment, rape, or forced prostitution. This vulnerability increases for those who are marginalized and dependent. Women who live under poor economic conditions often have to undergo these atrocities because of their disability. 5. S urvival Disabled women face discrimination right from their birth. When the life of the normal female infants is ended by foeticide and infanticide, the plight of disabled girl children is worse. With the help of highly sophisticated reproductive technologies, the imperfect foetus is eliminated denying their right to survival. Though some of them succeed in that, they continue to suffer throughout their life for other survival needs. 6. Poverty Disabled girl children in the poor families are the depressed of the depressed in the society. Due attention and care are not given to them. Most of the times their needs are neglected and therefore they do not show the required physical and mental growth. Poor disabled girls struggle for everything throughout their life for example, from ill health, malnutrition and low level of quality of life. 7. Sexuality and Reproduction of Women with Disabilities : Women with disabilities are often viewed as asexual and unfit for traditional roles like lover, mother, or homemaker. Marriage remains elusive—many don’t marry, marry late, or face divorce, often leading to isolation or exploitative relationships due to limited social and economic resources. Disabled mothers face societal stigma, being seen as unfit for pregnancy and parenting, and their struggles remain largely invisible in literary and feminist discourse. This highlights the need to challenge stereotypes and support their rights to sexuality, reproduction, and motherhood.  

10. LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK IN INDIA Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 Recognizes women with disabilities as a vulnerable group requiring special protection. Provides provisions for their education, employment, and protection from abuse. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 Covers women with disabilities and provides legal protection from abuse and domestic violence. The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006 Recognizes the need for special attention to women with disabilities in areas such as education, employment, and rehabilitation. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 Protects women, including those with disabilities, from harassment in workplaces. The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amended 2017) Ensures maternity benefits for women, including those with disabilities. National Trust Act, 1999 Focuses on the welfare of individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and multiple disabilities, including women.

11. SCHEMES AND PROGRAMS Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana – Encourages financial security for girls, including those with disabilities. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao – Promotes education and welfare for all girls, including those with disabilities. Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) – Aims to improve accessibility in public spaces for women with disabilities. Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) – Provides assistance to NGOs working for women with disabilities.

12. SUCCESS STORIES Noor Jaleela , a resilient young woman from Mayyanad , Kozhikode, was born without forearms and lower legs due to a congenital disability. Despite these challenges, she has emerged as a motivational speaker, artist, and social activist, using her creativity and determination to inspire others. Fitted with artificial limbs, Noor refuses to let her disability define her, embracing life with unwavering optimism. Her journey of perseverance and courage has touched the hearts of thousands, making her a symbol of strength and hope for many.

13. Arunima Sinha is a true symbol of resilience and determination. After losing her left leg in a tragic train accident, she could have let her dreams fade. Instead, she chose to rise above her circumstances. With relentless training and an unbreakable spirit, she became the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest. Her journey wasn’t just about reaching the summit—it was about proving that no obstacle is too big when faced with hope and perseverance. As she stood atop the world’s highest peak, Arunima sent a powerful message: Mount Everest never said you can’t reach me without legs—all you need is hope. Her story continues to inspire millions, proving that disability is never a barrier to greatness—only doubt is.

14. Preethi Srinivasan was a rising cricket star and an accomplished swimmer when a tragic accident at the age of 18 left her paralyzed from the neck down. Instead of letting her disability define her, she transformed her pain into purpose. Determined to create a better world for people with disabilities, she founded Soulfree , an organization dedicated to empowering those with spinal cord injuries. Through advocacy, awareness, and support, Preethi works tirelessly to ensure dignity and opportunities for people with disabilities in India. Her journey is a testament to inner strength, perseverance, and the power of hope . Preethi’s life proves that while physical limitations may exist, the spirit has no boundaries .

15. CONCLUSION Women and girls with disabilities face double discrimination—both due to their gender and their disability. They encounter barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and social participation, often being marginalized in society. Despite legal frameworks and policies aimed at promoting inclusion, the implementation gaps continue to hinder their access to equal opportunities. However, stories of resilience and empowerment—like those of Arunima Sinha and Preethi Srinivasan—highlight that with the right support, accessibility, and awareness, these barriers can be broken. Moving forward, a collective effort is needed from governments, organizations, and communities to ensure inclusion, dignity, and equal rights for women and girls with disabilities. True progress lies in creating a world where disability is not a limitation but a part of diversity, and every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.

16. REFRENCES Addlakha , R. (2008). Disability, gender and society. Indian journal of gender studies, 15:191-207 Pal, S. & Vishwakarma, B. (2018). Status of Women with Disabilities in India. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 6(3), 139-151. DIP:18.01.213/20180603, DOI:10.25215/0603.213 Society for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies ( n.d ). Employment rights of disabled women in India : A study of compliance & impact of the PDA with Special Reference to UP, Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra and Tamilnadu . New Delhi: National Commission for Women United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006). Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and optional protocol. New York: UN.