BHUBANESWAR: Women activists from seven States, including Odisha, discussed issues of violence against Women with Disabilities (WwD) at a workshop held here on Wednesday.
The workshop deliberated on issues of discrimination against WwDs on several sectors like social equality, opportunity and justice. A major point highlighted was social media for advocacy of issues concerning differently-abled women.
The workshop was inaugurated by State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Minati Behera. Shanta Memorial Rehabilitation Centre (SMRC) executive vice-president Asha Hans and senior disability rights activist Amba Salelkar were present.
Speakers at the conference said disability and gender bias together pose social, economic, health and human rights issues for WwDs in India. They face double discrimination of exclusion and stigma in the society and continue to be neglected on gender and disability-oriented programmes.
Low literacy, lower income and rare control of resources make WwDs disadvantaged in the field of education and employment. Besides, violence perpetuated on them at home and outside contributes to their powerlessness, Hans said.
In the midst of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, both the Central and State governments have been mum on the number of disabled-friendly toilets build. Besides, several Government offices and public places continue to remain inaccessible for persons with disabilities, Hans said.
