Goto main content

Humanity & Inclusion highlights violence against women with disabilities

Rights
International

To coincide with the 71st session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Humanity & Inclusion is calling attention to the fact that women with disabilities around the world are almost ten times more likely to experience sexual violence. 

Young girl in Kenya

Young girl in Kenya | © HI

Women with disabilities ten times more likely to experience violence

Humanity & Inclusion will attend the 71st session of the Committee  on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, organised by the United Nations from 22 October to 9 November in Geneva. An issue of central importance to HI, violence affects more than one in three women in their lifetime. Women with disabilities, who are particularly at risk, are nearly ten times more likely to experience sexual violence.

25 years of work

For more than 25 years, HI has been implementing projects to address violence in around ten countries , including by raising women's awareness of their rights and building their self-reliance.

In Rwanda, HI provides psychological support to victims of physical and sexual violence, including women, and organises discussion groups.

In Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya, HI also works to combat sexual violence against children, including children with disabilities, who are three to four times more likely to be at risk of violence.

Making it Work

Hi launched the Making it Work Gender and Disability project to promote good practices in order to eliminate violence against women and girls with disabilities.

The aim of the project is also to ensure that women's voices are heard and that the risks they face (violence, abuse and exploitation) are taken into account in the projects implemented by organisations in the fields of humanitarian action, human rights, feminism and gender-based violence.

HI published a report in June 2018 presenting nine good practices from women's organisations  in six African countries.

Date published: 22/10/18

COUNTRIES

Where we work

Read more

HI certified as a “Specialised Emergency Rehabilitation” Team by the WHO
© B. Blondel / HI
Emergency

HI certified as a “Specialised Emergency Rehabilitation” Team by the WHO

Humanity & Inclusion is certified by the World Health Organisation for its expertise in emergency rehabilitation.

In Ukraine, HI's helping hand in the chaos of war
© S.Roche / HI 2025
Health Rights

In Ukraine, HI's helping hand in the chaos of war

Kateryna, a social worker for Humanity & Inclusion in Mykolaiv, restores hope and dignity to families like Mykola and Lidiia Kobiko, who, after losing everything, are trying to rebuild their lives.

In the Kalobeyei refugee camp, Judita runs a hotel and a grocery shop
© Imani Rugenge / HI
Inclusion Rights

In the Kalobeyei refugee camp, Judita runs a hotel and a grocery shop

Judita Gideon has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but not always the resources she needed. Thanks to training in commercial techniques and HI’s support, she now manages her business brilliantly.

FOLLOW US