Photo credit: Wirestock
People with disabilities can be exposed to violence and discrimination because of both their disability and their gender, causing inequalities and power imbalances in their relationships with partners, their families and the wider community.
Studies have shown 70% of the world’s female population is poor, makes up two-thirds of the world’s illiterate group and are continually denied access to basic healthcare, housing, education, social security and work. Men generally experience better opportunities, more freedom, and a higher social standing than women.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report 2020, only 55% of women (aged 15-64) are engaged in the labour market compared to 78% of men.
When women with disabilities do work, they often experience unequal hiring and promotion standards, unequal access to training and retraining, unequal access to credit and other productive resources, unequal pay for equal work and occupational segregation. They rarely participate in economic decision-making.
Women and men with disabilities can and want to be productive members of society. Promoting more inclusive societies and employment opportunities for people with disabilities requires improved access to basic education, vocational training/courses relevant to labour market needs and jobs suited to their skills, interests and abilities.
We also need to dismantle other barriers by making physical environments more accessible, providing communication and information in a variety of accessible formats, challenging negative attitudes, myths and stereotypes about persons with disabilities. Developing and effectively implementing inclusive policies and guidelines also go a long way.
When offering employment opportunities, much needs to be considered. It is never about meeting thresholds, it is about enhancing equity for a better, prosperous and developed inclusive society.
References
Written by Dorothy Mulei, Gender Coordinator, Innovation to Inclusion, Plan International Kenya.