Women and girls with disabilities in Africa face double discrimination and are at great risk of violence, injury, abuse, neglect, maltreatment and exploitation.

Key barriers that limit their participation in society are:

Stigma and discrimination

Gender inequality – men often dominate the representation in Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).

Poverty and lack of educational opportunities that results in illiteracy and economic dependence

Cultural and traditional issues

These factors impact on their self –confidence, decision making abilities and capacity to initiate and sustain representative organisations. There is therefore a critical need for disabled women to align themselves, and to network with those of other countries.