Ahead of International Women's Day, Human Rights Watch has put a harsh spotlight on the most vulnerable women in the world and the injustice they face every day.
In a new report, the group found that women who have disabilities are up to three times more likely to be victims of abuse and rape. They're also more likely to be discriminated against, which makes them more isolated. Women with intellectual disabilities are the most vulnerable; they're four times as likely to be victims of violence.
Disabilities also make it much harder to report abuse when it happens. Hearing-impaired women may not have confidential sign language interpretation, and education materials about life skills and HIV prevention may not be available in formats like braille.
In Zambia, women with disabilities have a harder time negotiating safe sex, because their partners pressure them and the women are afraid of being abandoned. And in India, there's an institution that allegedly physically, verbally, and sexually abuses women and girls with intellectual disabilities.
Human Rights Watch is urging governments around the world to address this problem, and provide more resources for women with disabilities. "Women and girls with disabilities are too often the victims of violence, yet get too little information on where to go for help," Shantha Rau Barriga, the group's disability rights director, said in a statement. Let's create a safer world for them to live in.
[H/T: Time
You should also check out:
George Clooney Wrote a Harrowing Op-Ed About "Torture Rapes" in Darfur
Angelina Jolie Is Opening an Academic Center to Combat Violence Against Women in War Zones
-
Elle Macpherson Recalls Drinking Vodka From Shattered BottleThe model details her struggle with alcohol use in her new memoir.
-
Give Selena Gomez's 'Emilia Pérez' Coat the Oscar AlreadyThe symbolic costuming choice is also my winter wardrobe inspiration.
-
The True Story of Dolours and Marian Price Is Just As Harrowing As It Seems in 'Say Nothing'The new FX series is set in Ireland during The Troubles.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to MenIt's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
Today, on Human Rights Day, the U.S. Must Abolish Child MarriageIn all but six states, American adults can marry people aged 17 and younger.
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the OrganizationUnder Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State LegislatorsEmily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
-
Your Abortion Questions, AnsweredHere, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do NextBetween the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
-
How to Help Afghanistan Refugees and Those Who Need AidWith the situation rapidly evolving, organizations are desperate for help.
-
It’s Time to Give Domestic Workers the Protections They DeserveThe National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, reintroduced today, would establish a new set of standards for the people who work in our homes and take a vital step towards racial and gender equity.
