Definition of disability and gender

Disability refers to physical, mental, intellectual or sensory limitations that long-term affect a person's full and effective participation in society. On the other hand, gender relates to the social, cultural and behavioural characteristics associated with each sex, which vary from one society to another and over time.

The intersection between disability and gender refers to the unique experiences of discrimination and exclusion faced by people with disabilities of different genders. This intersectionality highlights the importance of understanding the various ways in which discrimination and inequality affect specific groups within society.

People with disabilities often face additional barriers due to their gender, resulting in double discrimination that negatively impacts their access to education, employment, healthcare and participation in community life.

Importance of addressing double discrimination

Addressing double discrimination based on disability and gender is crucial to promoting equity and inclusion in society. People who experience this double discrimination face significant obstacles in exercising their human rights and accessing equal opportunities.

Lack of awareness about the intersectionality of discrimination can lead to policies and practices that overlook the specific needs of people with disabilities of different genders. By recognizing and addressing double discrimination, work can be done towards creating inclusive environments that respect diversity and promote equal participation for all people.

It is critical for human rights advocates and policymakers to understand the complexity of disability and gender discrimination in order to implement effective measures that address the barriers faced by people belonging to both groups.

By addressing double discrimination, one can work towards eliminating the barriers that prevent women and girls with disabilities from enjoying their human rights on an equal basis with other members of society.

Disability and gender discrimination

In the context of human rights, double discrimination refers to the intersection of two types of discrimination, in this case, discrimination on the basis of gender and on the basis of disability. This means that people who experience this form of discrimination face additional obstacles and unique challenges due to the combination of these two factors.

Double discrimination can manifest itself in various ways, such as limited access to education, precarious or non-existent employment, discrimination in the area of ​​health, social exclusion and barriers to participation in public life. This highlights the importance of addressing discrimination from an intersectional perspective that recognises the multiple dimensions of a person's identity.

Combating double discrimination on the basis of disability and gender seeks to ensure equal opportunities and the full exercise of human rights for all people, regardless of their gender, skills or abilities.

Relevant statistics and data

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that at least 17% of the world's population lives with some form of disability, of which almost half are women. This figure highlights the magnitude of the population facing double discrimination based on gender and disability.

Regarding access to education, UNESCO data indicate that girls and women with disabilities are less likely to attend school compared to boys and men with disabilities, highlighting gender and disability disparities in this area.

In addition, statistics show that women with disabilities have higher rates of unemployment and underemployment compared to men with disabilities, reflecting the additional barriers they face in the workplace due to double discrimination.

Specific challenges faced by persons with gender disabilities

Persons with gender disabilities face unique and complex challenges arising from the intersection of disability and gender. These persons face physical, social and cultural barriers that hinder their full participation in society. Gender discrimination and disability discrimination are intertwined, resulting in double discrimination that negatively impacts their quality of life and opportunities.

Lack of accessibility to reproductive and sexual health services is one of the most significant challenges faced by persons with gender disabilities. They are often denied access to crucial information, family planning services, prenatal care and obstetric care, putting their health and that of their children at risk. In addition, gender-based violence against women with disabilities is disproportionately high, as they are more vulnerable to abuse, assault and exploitation.

Another major challenge is limited participation in social and economic life due to lack of accessibility in physical environments and in the labour market. Persons with gender-based disabilities face obstacles in accessing education, employment and community services, which contributes to their exclusion and the perpetuation of gender and disability stereotypes.

Legal framework and human rights

Relevant international standards

At the international level, there are relevant standards that address discrimination on the basis of disability and gender. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006, recognises the intersectionality of discrimination, i.e. how people with disabilities and gender-based persons face unique and often overlapping challenges. This convention establishes the obligation of States parties to take measures to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability and to ensure gender equality for people with disabilities.

Another key instrument is the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which recognises discrimination based on sex as well as disability. These international standards provide a robust legal framework to address the double discrimination faced by women with disabilities.

At the regional level, the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the Organization of American States, also addresses discrimination on the basis of disability and gender, recognizing the need for special protection for women and girls with disabilities.

Recognition of double discrimination in legislation

In many countries, double discrimination on the basis of gender and disability has been recognized in national legislation. For example, Mexico’s Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination Law expressly recognizes multiple discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of disability and gender. This law states that women with disabilities have the right to receive special protection to ensure their access to justice, health and other services.

Similarly, Argentina’s Gender Equality Law recognizes multiple discrimination and establishes specific measures to address the barriers faced by women with disabilities in exercising their rights. These examples demonstrate progress in the legal recognition of double discrimination and the need for specific measures to ensure gender equality for persons with disabilities.

Furthermore, in the workplace, many laws recognise discrimination based on disability and gender, establishing employment quotas for women with disabilities or affirmative action measures to promote their participation in the labour market.

Challenges in implementing laws and policies

Despite advances in legislation, the effective implementation of laws and policies that address double discrimination based on disability and gender remains a challenge. Cultural barriers, lack of resources and lack of awareness of the specific needs of women with disabilities contribute to the persistence of discrimination.

Furthermore, the lack of data disaggregated by gender and disability makes it difficult to fully understand the situation of women with disabilities and limits the ability of governments to design effective policies and programs. It is essential to advance the collection of disaggregated data to better understand specific needs and design appropriate interventions.

In this regard, it is necessary to strengthen collaboration between governments, civil society organizations and people with disabilities to ensure that laws and policies are effectively implemented and that the barriers faced by women with disabilities due to double discrimination are comprehensively addressed.

Addressing this problem requires implementing inclusive policies that ensure the accessibility of educational institutions and promote equal opportunities in the workplace. In addition, greater awareness of the capabilities and contributions of people with disabilities is required, as well as specific measures to counter gender discrimination in the workplace.

It is essential to recognize that promoting gender equity and the inclusion of people with disabilities in educational and employment settings not only benefits the individuals directly affected, but also enriches society as a whole by taking advantage of all available potential and talent.

Health care and support services

Double discrimination based on disability and gender also influences access to health care and support services necessary to ensure the well-being and autonomy of affected persons. Physical barriers, lack of sensitivity of health service providers and gender discrimination can limit access to appropriate treatment and rehabilitation and support services.

It is essential that health systems and service providers are trained to address the specific needs of persons with disabilities, including gender considerations, and that universal accessibility is promoted in all health facilities and services. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that support services, such as personal care and assistance in daily living, are available and accessible to all persons who need them, regardless of their gender or disability status.

Violence and abuse

The intersection of disability and gender also increases people’s vulnerability to violence and abuse. Systemic discrimination and lack of access to support resources can leave people at greater risk. Women and girls with disabilities, in particular, face disproportionately high rates of gender-based violence and abuse, in many cases perpetuated by people in positions of authority or trust.

It is critical to implement effective measures to prevent violence and abuse, as well as to ensure that people with disabilities, regardless of their gender, have access to appropriate support and justice services. This includes training professionals to identify and address violence, as well as creating safe and trusting environments where people can report and receive necessary support.

Double discrimination based on disability and gender has a significant impact on various areas of people’s lives, from access to education and employment to healthcare and exposure to violence. Addressing this complex reality requires a comprehensive approach that recognizes and addresses the intersections of discrimination and promotes equity and inclusion for all people, regardless of their gender or disability status.

Empowerment and social participation

Empowerment and social participation are crucial elements in the fight for equity for people who face double discrimination based on gender and disability. Empowerment involves strengthening the self-esteem, confidence and decision-making capacity of people with disabilities, especially those who also face gender discrimination. This initiative seeks to ensure that people with disabilities have control over their own lives and are able to actively participate in society.

Social participation, on the other hand, involves ensuring that people with disabilities and gender discrimination have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. This includes participation in policy formulation, program design and the implementation of initiatives that seek to promote equity and inclusion. The goal is to ensure that people with double discrimination have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society and that their perspectives and needs are taken into account at all levels.

Empowerment and social participation not only benefit the people directly involved, but also enrich society as a whole by fostering diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. These actions are fundamental to challenging and overcoming double discrimination based on disability and gender, creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to develop their full potential and contribute fully to the community.

Challenges and barriers

Double discrimination based on disability and gender entails a series of challenges and barriers that significantly impact the lives of people who find themselves in this situation. Below, we will explore some of the most relevant obstacles faced by people who deal with this double discrimination.

Combating stigma and social prejudice requires awareness-raising, education and the promotion of inclusion in all areas of society, as well as the implementation of policies that guarantee equal opportunities and respect for diversity.

Limited access to specific resources and services

Another significant challenge faced by people experiencing double discrimination based on disability and gender is limited access to specific resources and services that meet their particular needs. This includes specialized medical care, rehabilitation programs, assistive devices, and psychosocial support, among others.

Lack of accessibility to these resources and services can exacerbate the difficulties faced by these people, limiting their ability to function autonomously and satisfactorily in their daily lives. Lack of accessibility can also contribute to perpetuating exclusion and inequality, making it difficult for them to fully exercise their rights.

It is essential to ensure equal access to specific resources and services for people facing double discrimination based on disability and gender, as well as to promote inclusive environments that facilitate their active participation in society.

Lack of representation in the media and society

The lack of representation in the media and in society in general is another relevant aspect in the fight against double discrimination based on disability and gender. The invisibility of these people in the media and the limited presence of their voices and experiences in the public sphere contribute to perpetuating stereotypes and limiting their participation in decision-making that affects their lives.

The lack of representation also impacts social perception and collective awareness of the realities and challenges faced by people in this situation, making it difficult to generate empathy, understanding and solidarity.

It is crucial to promote greater visibility and representation of people who face double discrimination due to disability and gender in the media, culture and the public sphere, as well as to encourage their active participation in all areas of society as agents of change and defenders of their own rights.

Fighting for equality

The fight for gender equality and equal opportunities for people with disabilities is a constant challenge that requires continuous empowerment and activism on the part of those affected. Empowerment involves providing people with disabilities with the tools and support necessary to take control of their lives, actively participate in decision-making that affects them and have the opportunity to develop their potential to the fullest.

The activism of those affected is essential to make visible the barriers and inequalities they face on a daily basis, as well as to demand significant changes at the social and political level. Through defending their rights, participating in movements and organizations, and promoting greater inclusion, people with disabilities can significantly contribute to the transformation of society as a whole.

It is crucial to recognize and support the fundamental role that people with disabilities play in the fight for equality, as well as to promote their active participation in all areas of social and political life.

Government and non-governmental organization initiatives

Government and non-governmental organization initiatives play a crucial role in promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and in combating double discrimination based on gender and disability. At the government level, it is essential to adopt and implement policies and laws that guarantee equal opportunities, accessibility and non-discrimination for all people, regardless of their gender or disability status.

On the other hand, non-governmental organizations play a fundamental role in raising awareness, providing support and advisory services, advocating for rights and promoting social and cultural changes that promote inclusion and equity. Through specific programs and projects, these organizations work to make visible the intersections between disability and gender, as well as to offer support and resources to people who face this double discrimination.

Collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations is essential to comprehensively address double discrimination based on gender and disability, as well as to ensure that effective policies and programs that promote equity and inclusion are developed and implemented.

Awareness-raising and education programmes

Awareness-raising and education programmes play a key role in combating double discrimination based on gender and disability, as they help raise awareness of the barriers and challenges faced by those affected, as well as promoting greater understanding and empathy in society as a whole.

These programmes may include awareness-raising campaigns, educational workshops, information materials and training activities aimed at both the general community and professionals from different fields, in order to promote inclusion, respect for diversity and the elimination of stereotypes and prejudices.

Awareness-raising and education are powerful tools to promote cultural and social change that favours equity and equal opportunities for all people, regardless of their gender or disability status. By fostering greater understanding and empathy, the foundations are laid for building a more just and inclusive society for all.

Gender equality has been a highly relevant issue at a global level, and although significant progress has been made in the fight for equality, important challenges still persist that require attention. In many contexts, women with disabilities face double discrimination, which worsens their situation and limits their access to fundamental opportunities and rights.

It is essential to recognize that the inclusion of people with disabilities, especially women, is essential to promote a truly equitable and fair society. The fight against double discrimination requires concrete measures that guarantee the full exercise of human rights for this vulnerable group. Inclusion and empowerment are fundamental pillars on this path towards equity.

To promote equity and human rights, it is necessary to implement policies and programs that guarantee the active participation of people with disabilities, especially women, in all areas of society. This implies the creation of inclusive spaces, access to education, decent employment, health care, as well as the elimination of physical and social barriers that limit their full participation in society.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is double discrimination based on disability and gender?

Double discrimination based on disability and gender refers to discrimination faced by people who belong to both groups, i.e. those who have a disability and are also women.

2. What are the challenges faced by people who experience double discrimination?

People who experience double discrimination face additional challenges in accessing education, employment, healthcare and other essential services, due to the intersection of their disability and their gender.

3. What measures can be taken to address double discrimination based on disability and gender?

It is crucial to implement policies and programmes that specifically address the needs of people who experience this double discrimination, as well as to promote inclusion and equity in all areas of society.

4. What role do human rights defenders play in combating double discrimination?

Human rights defenders play a fundamental role in making visible and denouncing double discrimination based on disability and gender, advocating for legislative and social changes that promote equal opportunities.

5. Where can support be found for people facing double discrimination based on disability and gender?

There are organizations and networks both locally and internationally that provide specific support and resources for people facing this double discrimination, offering advice, guidance and advocacy for their rights.

Final reflection: The fight for equality

Double discrimination based on disability and gender is a reality that continues to exist in today's society, despite advances in human rights and equality. It is crucial to recognize that this problem is not from the past, but continues to affect many people today.

The influence of discrimination based on disability and gender extends beyond laws and regulations, deeply impacting the daily lives of those who experience it. As activist Stella Young said, "Disability does not reside in individuals, it resides in the interaction between people with disabilities and a non-inclusive environment." Stella Young.

It is essential that each of us reflect on how we can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all people, regardless of their gender or condition. The fight for equity is not just the responsibility of a few, but a collective commitment that requires empathy, action and perseverance.