Women with disabilities are an integral part of the population of India. They have their own issues that hamper their development in personal as well as professional fields. These challenges must be tackled and women with disabilities assisted to live healthy and independent lives.
With this very aim in mind, NGOs like TRRAIN are working constantly, striving to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to women with disabilities, thereby providing them a decent, dignified life.
The Reality of Women with Disabilities in India
Their gender, in combination with disabilities, adds up the number of problems faced by women in India. Discrimination and prejudice in society, the inability to gain an education, find a job, and integrate into society only worsen the status of women with disabilities.
This is much worse for women with disabilities in a country like India where the equality of women is a far-flung dream and even girls who are able-bodied face so many issues in their day to day life. Look at these numbers, according to the 2011 Census of India –
- Nearly 12 million women in India are disabled.
- Out of the aforesaid number, hardly 45% are educated.
- Nearly 2% of them have multiple disabilities.
- The government of India does their part by providing them free education and reserving 3% of jobs in the public sector.
- As per 2019 data, only 0.05% of the positions in MNCs are occupied by PWDs.
Women with disabilities are a huge segment of society who are often locked out of education, employment, adequate health care and social opportunities, which stifle their development.
Importance of Empowering Women – The Issues That Matter
Indian women who have disabilities have double vulnerability—both as women and as individuals with disabilities. This intersectionality magnifies the obstacles they encounter on a daily basis. Some of the major challenges include:
- Education barriers: Education as a fundamental right continues to be an unattainable goal to many disabled women in the Indian context. Many schools do not have the required infrastructure and staff to meet their requirements. And as a result women with disabilities have low literacy standards as compared to men with disability.
- Employment discrimination: Employers again have a tendency not to offer employment opportunities to women with disabilities because they think such a candidate will not be productive in doing her job or they will have to spend a lot of money on her disability. Single women with disabilities are blamed for being unemployed and cannot be financially independent because many are unemployed.
- Healthcare inequity: Disabled women face many challenges and are often not served adequately by the healthcare systems. Almost all the healthcare facilities through the areas are physically inaccessible, and many of the healthcare providers across the countries lack disability-specific education. This leads to either delayed or improper treatment which again impacts their quality of life.
- Social stigmas and isolation: Disabled women are usually seen as objects of sympathy or they are regarded as a burden. Others perceive them as ‘dependence’, ‘incapable,’ rendering them socially ostracized and excluded from interactions and other social events which make up other aspects of the emotional and mental health disorders.
So now it can very well be established that empowering women with disabilities is necessary not just for their personal well-being but also for creating a more inclusive society.
Why Empowering Women with Disabilities is an Imperative
Women with disabilities, if empowered, bring together a positive change in the society, enhancement of economic growth rate and positive impacts on the societies. Here’s why empowering disabled women is a must –
- Economic empowerment: Women with disabilities must be empowered to promote their economic involvement; which means that if women with disabilities are provided with education, training, and employment; they can become economically productive citizens of their respective countries.
- Improved health and well-being: Giving women with disabilities a chance could benefit them and their families in terms of physical and mental health also. If women with disabilities receive proper health care, rehabilitation facilities and support they can afford to live a normal happy life.
- Stronger communities: Women with disabilities are also able to support their families and make communities more secure when they are empowered. They can lead other people, stand up for the rights of those who cannot do so themselves, and set an example.
- Social inclusion: When women with disabilities are empowered, they tend to change their social status and dispel negative perceptions about the disabled. Through positive social change, there will be social inclusion, which in turn empowers all people and makes them feel valued.
So now you know the reason why we at TRRAIN are working towards empowering women in India, irrespective of their physical abilities.
Strategies for Empowering Women with Disabilities
To empower women with disabilities, we must address the systemic barriers they face and provide them with the necessary support. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:
- Education and training: Providing access to education and vocational training can equip women with disabilities with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. This can involve creating inclusive learning environments, providing assistive technology, and offering scholarships and financial aid.
- Accessible infrastructure: Ensuring that public spaces, transportation, and workplaces are accessible to people with disabilities is crucial for their empowerment. This includes providing ramps, elevators, and other accessibility features.
- Breaking down stigma and discrimination: Challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting awareness about disability rights can help create a more inclusive society. This can involve education campaigns, media advocacy, and policy reforms.
- Entrepreneurship opportunities: Supporting women with disabilities in starting their own businesses can provide them with economic independence and opportunities for growth. This can involve providing training, mentorship, and financial assistance.
- Mentorship and support networks: Connecting women with disabilities with mentors and support networks can provide them with guidance, encouragement, and resources. This can help them overcome challenges, build confidence, and achieve their goals.
The Role of Organizations like TRRAIN
When women with disabilities are empowered, they not only transform their own lives but also contribute to the broader social and economic growth of the nation. TRRAIN, as an NGO committed to social inclusion, understands that disabled women empowerment is crucial for the overall development of society.
Empowering women in India is not just about meeting quotas or passing laws; it is about changing the way we think and act as a community. Through accessible education, inclusive employment policies, enhanced healthcare, financial independence, and peer support, we can create a future where women with disabilities are not seen as a burden but as valuable assets, contributing to the betterment of the society. The road to empowering women with disabilities may be long, but with concerted effort, we can ensure that no woman is left behind, regardless of her physical or mental abilities.
If you also wish to do your part, donate for livelihood creation at TRRAIN, and the country will be one step closer to a fairer society.
Don’t just think, it’s time to act!
