The blueprint for a truly progressive society is not measured merely by economic growth or technological innovation, but by the extent to which it protects and empowers its most marginalized citizens. At the heart of this global evolution lies a demographic that has historically been relegated to the sidelines of policy and public discourse: women and girls with disabilities. For centuries, the intersection of gender and disability has created a unique set of barriers that stifle potential and silence voices. However, as the international community looks toward a more resilient future, it is becoming increasingly clear that the rights, dignity, and leadership of these women are not just matters of social justice—they are the essential catalysts for global stability and community resilience.
Advancing social progress requires a fundamental shift in how societies perceive disability. It is no longer sufficient to view inclusion through the lens of charity or medical intervention. Instead, a rights-based approach is required, one that recognizes women and girls with disabilities as active agents of change rather than passive recipients of aid. Their contributions are already woven into the fabric of our communities, often invisibly. From the intricate management of care systems to their roles in economic life and peacebuilding, women with disabilities demonstrate a unique form of leadership grounded in lived experience and problem-solving. When environments are made fully accessible and inclusive, these women do more than just participate; they lead, showing the world how to build systems that are more humane and effective for everyone.
Despite this potential, the reality for many remains defined by a "double discrimination" that bridges the gap between gender bias and ableism. This intersectional struggle manifests in limited access to essential services, a lack of economic opportunities, and a systemic exclusion from leadership positions. In many parts of the world, women with disabilities are still fighting for the basic right to participate in public life. The barriers are not only physical—such as lack of ramps or braille materials—but also structural and psychological. Deep-seated social stigmas often result in these women being overlooked for education and employment, while legal frameworks in many nations still fail to recognize their full legal capacity or provide adequate protection against violence.
Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, UN Women has intensified its global footprint, currently operating in more than 55 countries to dismantle these barriers. This work is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it is a collaborative effort involving national governments, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), civil society, and various international partners. The goal is to create a ripple effect that transforms policy into tangible local impact. By focusing on the expansion of accessibility and the promotion of inclusive policies, these initiatives aim to ensure that the "nothing about us without us" mantra becomes a functional reality in every corner of the globe.
One of the most transformative aspects of this work is the integration of assistive technologies. In countries grappling with complex socio-political landscapes and conflict—such as Georgia, Pakistan, Palestine, and Ukraine—assistive technology is proving to be a lifeline for women’s participation. Whether it is digital tools that allow women with visual or hearing impairments to engage in the workforce, or mobility aids that facilitate movement in war-torn regions, technology is bridging the gap between isolation and engagement. In Ukraine and Palestine, where conflict has exacerbated the vulnerabilities of disabled populations, these tools are not just conveniences; they are essential instruments for survival and the preservation of human dignity. By promoting the use of these technologies, international efforts are ensuring that women with disabilities can remain active participants in their economies and advocates for their rights, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Simultaneously, the global conversation is shifting toward the "care economy," a sector that has long relied on the unpaid and undervalued labor of women. In Colombia, Kenya, Mozambique, Panama, and Tanzania, UN Women is partnering with various agencies to address the specific challenges faced by women with disabilities within care systems. This involves a two-pronged approach: reducing the unpaid care burdens that often fall disproportionately on women and girls, and ensuring that disability inclusion is a core component of national care policies. By restructuring these systems, these nations are moving toward a model where care is a shared social responsibility, and where women with disabilities are supported both as caregivers and as individuals who may require specific care services themselves.
However, policy and technology are only as effective as the funding that supports them. Sustained financial investment remains the backbone of the movement for disability rights. The UN Global Disability Fund stands as a primary vehicle for this investment, providing the resources necessary to scale up successful programs and pilot innovative solutions. Furthermore, dedicated initiatives like the UN Women Trust Fund to End Violence against Women are critical. Statistics consistently show that women and girls with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence, often facing unique forms of abuse such as the withholding of assistive devices or the denial of communication support. The Trust Fund plays a vital role in supporting networks of women with disabilities, providing them with the resources to advocate for their own safety, access justice, and assume leadership roles within their communities.
Looking toward the near future, the international community is preparing for a landmark moment in the fight for equality: the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), scheduled for March 2026. The primary focus of this session will be women’s access to justice. This theme is particularly resonant for women and girls with disabilities, who often find themselves trapped in a legal vacuum. From courtrooms that are physically inaccessible to legal procedures that do not account for diverse communication needs, the path to justice is frequently blocked. CSW70 represents a critical opportunity for global leaders to commit to removing these legal and structural barriers. It is a moment to demand that justice systems be redesigned to provide equal protection and support for all women, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.
The journey toward a disability-inclusive society is not a sprint, but a marathon of accountability and systemic change. It requires a persistent commitment from all sectors of society—from local grassroots activists to the highest levels of international governance. The goal is clear: to create a world where a girl born with a disability has the same opportunities to learn, lead, and thrive as any other child. This involves more than just passing laws; it involves changing hearts and minds, challenging the stereotypes that limit human potential, and recognizing that the inclusion of women with disabilities is a prerequisite for a sustainable and peaceful future.
As UN Women continues its work across the globe, the focus remains on ensuring that women and girls with disabilities are not just included in the conversation, but are the ones leading it. Their perspectives are essential for solving the world’s most pressing problems, from climate change to economic inequality. By fostering environments that are grounded in human rights and fully accessible, we unlock a reservoir of talent and resilience that has been suppressed for too long. The progress of any society can be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable, but the strength of a society is found in how it empowers them. Moving forward, the global community must remain steadfast in its accountability, ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind as we shape the future of our collective communities.
