Women and girls with disabilities continue to face multiple and intersectional discrimination based on both their gender and their disability. Women with disabilities do not have equal opportunities to participate on an equal basis with others in all aspects of society. They are too often excluded, among other things, from inclusive education and training, employment, access to poverty reduction schemes, adequate housing and participation in political and public life, and a number of legislative acts prevent them from making decisions about their own lives, including their sexual and reproductive rights. They face barriers to the enjoyment of their rights as EU citizens.
Timeframe and/or implementation plan
EDFs Women’s Committee, which brings together women with disabilities from different corners of Europe and which represents different disability groups, has been working on equal access and enjoyment of sexual and reproductive rights and health. Earlier this year, EDF published a report on ending forced sterilisation of women and girls with disabilities. This report was presented at the European Parliament, and the Women’s Committee is now investigating opportunities at the national level to present the report and to raise awareness on the issue with national and local organisations of women with disabilities.