PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation (PLAN Foundation) recently conducted a comprehensive Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Assessment among a wide array of relevant stakeholders to explore the interplay of stigma and poverty as significant factors contributing to the vulnerability of women with disabilities in Oyo State to GBV. The assessment was carried out in view of complaints of gender-based violence and intimate partner violence among women with disabilities who are the major target beneficiaries of PLAN Foundation’s ongoing project titled Eliminating Multiple Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Young Girls and Women with Disabilities in Oyo State (EMBASSY Project) being funded by AmplifyChange. The assessment was aimed at uncovering the underlying causes of these issues, particularly how they intersect and exacerbate the challenges faced by this vulnerable group and identifying solutions and strategies for overcoming the identified challenges.
Stakeholders at the assessment include representatives of cluster groups of women with disabilities in the State, the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities (OYSAPD), the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Oyo State Ministry of Health, the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, Community Leaders, Religious Leaders as well as representatives of microfinance institutions.
The assessment was carried out with the use of several analytical tools such as the Stigma Mapping Tool, Gendered Resource Mapping Tool, and Causes and Effect Diagram Tool. The Stigma Mapping Tool revealed that women with disabilities often encounter stigma in various environments, such as their homes, social gatherings, places of worship, and public spaces like markets, schools, airports, and healthcare facilities. These findings showed the prevailing nature of stigma, which serves as a barrier to accessing necessary resources and support for women with disabilities. With the use of Gender-Based Assessment Tools, participants identified systemic issues preventing persons with disabilities from receiving help when they are faced with GBV, practical solutions were also outlined where economic empowerment and inclusion were suggested to break the cycle of stigma and its interconnections with GBV.
Stakeholders did a thorough analysis in identifying the root causes of GBV among women with disabilities, revealing factors such as, skin complexion for person with albinism, physical appearance, health conditions, self-stigma, political beliefs, economic status, cultural and religious differences and gender bias. Each of these factors contributes to the stigmatization of women with disabilities, leading to profound psychological and social effect. The consequences of such stigma often manifest as social isolation, low self-esteem, depression, frustration, and emotional distress, all of which heighten the risk of GBV, poverty and vulnerability among women with disabilities.
In response to these findings, the assessment highlighted critical strategies to address the barriers faced by women with disabilities. One key recommendation is financial empowerment, which plays a vital role in alleviating economic constraints that enhances GBV experienced by women with disabilities. Initiatives aimed at financial empowerment could include vocational training programs and financial literacy. Other solutions suggested include women with disabilities being provided paid employment in both private and government owned organizations and improved access to financial resources such as microloans, microgrants and social protection schemes. Participants at the assessment meeting enthused that by fostering financial independence, women with disabilities can gain greater control over their lives, get more informed about their rights and how to protect the rights thereby reducing their vulnerability to sexual and gender-based violence.
In conclusion, it was established at the meeting that there is an intersection of gender and disability which heightens the risk of GBV among women with disabilities with perpetrators exploiting the perceived vulnerabilities. The various forms of sexual and gender-based violence have severe psychological and physical impacts on the survivors, reinforcing cycles of poverty and economic instability while restricting access to education and employment opportunities, trapping women in abusive relationships especially when they are financially dependent on their partners.
SUGGESTIONS ON REDUCING GBV AMONG WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES
Stakeholders at the meeting concluded that promoting inclusion along with advocacy and capacity building for improved access to financial resources and inclusive services for women with disabilities while developing comprehensive support systems that specifically address GBV and economic challenges for women with disabilities will go a long way in helping women with disabilities to get out of poverty while preventing them from domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
It was also stated that raising Community awareness campaigns aimed at combating stigma and promoting the rights and capabilities of women with disabilities will reduce GBV for women with disabilities in the society.
PLAN Foundation believes that by strategically tackling these interconnected issues will improve the resilience and empowerment of women with disabilities, leading to more equitable and just communities.
