Supporting working women with disabilities

On the 8^th March each year, Handicap International celebrates International Women’s Day. Today is an opportunity for us to recognise the exceptional achievements of ordinary women around the world.

Faw Seuth Ndiaye, who is hard of hearing, works as a handler at the Zena fruit processing plant near the port of Dakar, Senegal. She is supported by Handicap International’s professional inclusion project.

This year, in line with the United Nations theme of “Women in the Changing World of Work”, we celebrate working women with disabilities; acknowledging the additional challenges that they overcome and the significant contributions they make in their communities.

Unfair access to paid work

Men and women with disabilities have less access to wage employment than their non-disabled peers. When they do find work, they are often paid less. Research conducted by Handicap International in 10 countries[i] has shown that women confront an additional layer of discrimination because of their gender, meaning that “women with disabilities are more likely to be poor, excluded and unemployed than men with disabilities”.

Inclusion and Economic Empowerment

Handicap International is helping to redress these injustices. Rehabilitation services help women to return to work after injury and to regain their independence. Specialised inclusive employment projects work closely with local employers to confront real and perceived barriers to employment. We also provide personalised advice and training to build the skills and confidence of women with disabilities, enabling them to reach their potential.

[i]Handicap International, (2016), ‘Situation of wage employment of people with disabilities: ten developing countries in focus’, http://tiny.cc/HIwageemployment