Celebrating Strength, Resilience, and Inclusion
As Uganda joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day 2025, it is crucial to reflect on the unique challenges and triumphs of women with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Inclusion for Equality: Breaking Barriers for Women with Disabilities,” underscores the urgent need for equitable opportunities, representation, and empowerment of all women, regardless of ability.
At Ubuntu Disability Action for Development Uganda (UDAD-U), we believe that true gender equality cannot be achieved without the full inclusion of women with disabilities in all aspects of society. While progress has been made, many women with disabilities in Uganda still face systemic discrimination, limited access to education and employment, and exclusion from leadership and decision-making spaces.
The Reality for Women with Disabilities in Uganda
Women with disabilities represent one of the most marginalized groups in Uganda. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), over 12% of Ugandan women live with some form of disability, yet they remain underrepresented in key sectors such as education, employment, healthcare, and governance. Some of the major barriers they face include:
- Limited access to quality education due to physical, financial, and societal constraints.
- Higher unemployment rates, with many struggling to secure decent work opportunities.
- Gender-based violence, with women with disabilities experiencing a higher risk of abuse and exploitation.
- Inaccessible healthcare services, which limit their ability to receive quality reproductive and maternal healthcare.
Breaking Barriers Through Advocacy and Action
This International Women’s Day, Ubuntu Disability Action for Development Uganda (UDAD-U) calls for:
- Inclusive Policies and Representation: Government and development partners must prioritize policies that promote the rights of women with disabilities, ensuring their inclusion in leadership, employment, and governance.
- Accessible Education and Economic Empowerment: Investment in inclusive education, vocational training, and employment opportunities will help women with disabilities achieve financial independence.
- Protection Against Gender-Based Violence: Strengthening laws and community awareness to prevent violence, exploitation, and discrimination against women with disabilities.
- Improved Access to Healthcare Services: Ensuring disability-friendly health services, particularly in maternal and reproductive health.
- Breaking societal stigma: challenging negative perceptions and fostering community acceptance and support for women with disabilities.
Celebrating Women with Disabilities as Changemakers
Despite these challenges, women with disabilities continue to be changemakers and leaders in their communities. From business entrepreneurs to human rights advocates, they are actively shaping a more inclusive Uganda. This International Women’s Day, let us amplify their voices, celebrate their achievements, and commit to building a more inclusive society where every woman—regardless of ability—can thrive.