Differently-abled women can contribute equally

Women in general face many obstacles in our society, and for women who are challenged physically or emotionally, those challenges increase exponentially. These women represent one of the most underprivileged groups in society who remain outside the development process altogether and are deprived of work opportunities. That they are looked upon as a burden at the societal and family level does not absolve the government of its responsibility of making plans to bring them into the field of economic activity. As a group of extremely marginalised people, they deserve special attention from authorities so that they may lead lives of dignity and productivity.

These were the demands of rights activists at a discussion recently that brought forth some disturbing facts. That 99 percent of women with disabilities are living under the poverty line shows that none of the social safety net programmes run by the government have taken them into account. It is time that authorities ensure programmes targeting disabled women in the field of education, health and employment and create opportunities for them to be represented in the field of politics so that their voices may be heard in the various forums that deal with socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Steps should be taken with special focus on this group, like making infrastructure disability-friendly, which will make it feasible for them to enter the workplace easier. The prejudice attached to people living with disability is an entrenched one, but not one that cannot be overcome if there is seriousness at policy level to include them in the development activities.