This poster was created in partnership with the Pacific Disability Forum. The poster is blue and features a picture of a women with a walking frame. She is speaking to a group and is holding her palms open.
Insights from a report by the Pacific Disability Forum.
The challenge
Across the Pacific, gender equality programs are expanding, yet women and girls with disabilities are still not consistently included in these.
This gender mapping examines how gender policies and programs are translating into practice for women and girls with disabilities, and where gaps remain.
This matters because gender equality cannot be achieved if women with disabilities are left out.
The mapping looked at
• Regional and national gender policies and programs
• How women and girls with disabilities are considered in design and delivery
• The role of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
• Examples of progress and persistent barriers
Led by the Pacific Disability Forum, the mapping draws directly on evidence from OPDs, stakeholders and development practice across the region.
What we learned about disability inclusion in gender efforts
• Recognition of disability in gender work is increasing
• Inclusion is inconsistent and uneven across programs
• Engagement with women with disabilities is often limited or tokenistic
• Program design and consultations frequently overlook accessibility
• OPDs are key contributors but are under‑resourced and under‑utilised
What happens next
• Plan for inclusion from the start, not as an add‑on
• Make information, activities, and monitoring accessible by default
• Support women with disabilities and OPDs to influence decisions, not only participate
• Strengthen accountability for disability inclusion including through disability indicators
Acknowledgements
Commissioned by the Pacific Disability Forum.
Funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
Developed with technical support from CBM Global’s Inclusion Advisory Group, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The views expressed are those of the Pacific Disability Forum.
You can read the full report using the link below.