The 2022 International Women’s Day is commemorated with the theme “Changing Climates: Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow, recognises and celebrates the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are working to change the climate of gender equality and build a sustainable future.” In this context, the Disability Rights and Rights of Older Person Department at the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) reflected on the need to work on inclusive gender equality.
Many girls and women across the world still face double and multiple discriminations due to disability and old age. In Ethiopia, this situation is even more concerning.
Children with disabilities have insurmountable challenges due to attitudinal barriers that start within their families, inaccessibility of education, health and other services as well as unavailability of reasonable accommodation.
Challenges become more complex as women get older because higher risk of social and economic marginalization means they are exposed to various abuses. Accessing services such as health care, justice systems and other social and economic benefits become difficult.
Taking into account these challenges and concerns, the aim of this video developed in collaboration with the Embassy of New Zealand in Addis Ababa is to raise awareness on the need for inclusivity within gender equality.
There is a need to empower all women- including women with disabilities and elderly women. Their human rights should be taken into account in all discussions and interventions on gender equality.
