In anticipation of the International Women’s Day 2021 on the 8th of March #IWD2021, GCAP publishes key reports from its #LeaveNoWomanBehind campaign. We encourage National Coalitions and Constituency Group and you, dear reader, to share your messages of solidarity and success, campaigns & statements to celebrate the liberation movement & the ongoing fight for equality using #IWD2021 #LeaveNoWomenBehind. This celebration will culminate on International Women’s Day 2021 with many activities across the globe.

Leave No Woman Behind National Report on the Situation of Women with Disabilities in Kenya

Download the full report here.

Poverty and marginalisation are compounded when gender, age and disability intersect. Persons with disabilities tend to be significantly poorer, with approximately one in five of the poorest people having a disability and this contributes to increased discrimination, marginalisation and vulnerability. Discrimination is also a cause of low self-esteem. The gender-specific issues faced by women and girls with disabilities are described, providing a vivid account of double discrimination in all areas of life.

The Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and women’s stories also show that poverty, lack of opportunities and denial of social rights stemming from cultural, legal and institutional barriers make women and girls with disabilities the victims of multiple discrimination. The few national and international studies and surveys confirm and corroborate these multiple forms of discrimination, stereotyping and social stigma9 experienced by women and girls with disabilities and the enormous barriers they face in accessing adequate housing, health, education, training and employment.

Detailed findings of the report illustrate the many challenges and difficulties faced by women and girls with disabilities in the informal settlements of Nairobi. The report underlines the urgent need for planning for inclusive slum upgrading to take account of the unique needs of women and girls with disabilities in terms of sanitation, education, training, infrastructure, rehabilitation, assistive devices and environmental factors – these issues hinder their involvement in social and development activities and in community, political decision-making and access to social protection services.

The report concludes that for gender equality and empowerment to become a reality for all women and girls, it is indispensable that the specific concerns of women and girls with disabilities are mainstreamed across all development frameworks.10 It is hoped that the analysis in this report will raise attention and focus on this neglected area to bring about a major change.