East Africa: Women With Disabilities Face Violence, Exclusion From Leadership - Study

What the report says

A new study released on September 25 and reported by The New Times through AllAfrica says women and girls with disabilities in Rwanda, Kenya and Malawi continue to face high levels of sexual, physical and psychological violence while remaining largely absent from leadership and decision-making spaces. The research, titled "Assessing the participation and leadership of women and girls with disabilities in ending violence against women and girls," was carried out by the Coalition on Violence Against Women, Disabled Women in Africa and the Rwandan Organisation of Women with Disabilities.

According to the report, 287 women and girls with disabilities were surveyed, along with focus group discussions and interviews. In Rwanda, 23% of respondents said they had experienced sexual violence in the previous 12 months, while emotional or psychological violence and physical violence were also reported across the three countries. The study said the abuse includes financial and online forms as well, underscoring what researchers described as overlapping risks linked to disability and gender.

The findings also point to weak representation in leadership. The report said most respondents in all three countries believed women and girls with disabilities had minimal influence in leadership roles, with the highest share reported in Kenya. Researchers urged governments and organizations to ensure accessibility in police stations, courts, shelters and health facilities, and to move beyond token inclusion by giving women with disabilities real roles in budgeting, advocacy and decision-making.

Disability rights advocates quoted in the article said stronger prevention and support systems are needed, along with broader access to education, sign language services and jobs. Their comments framed the study as part of a wider push for more inclusive responses to gender-based violence.