Collaborating to improve gender-based violence services | Blogs

Accessibility was also raised as a significant challenge, given that the environments where service providers are located are often inaccessible for wheelchair users. Rose, one of the workshop attendees, explains the importance of accessible spaces.

The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to understand the lack of accessible and inclusive GBV support for women with disabilities. The urgent need for greater understanding by the women themselves of GBV and the requirements of service providers to create an enabling environment became evident. In order for Sightsavers to begin the process of tackling barriers in relation to lack of knowledge, negative stereotypes, behaviour, inaccessible environments, poor policy implementation and low levels of information and disability-inclusive information, we urgently need funding. Sightsavers is ready to develop a programme with local women with disabilities at the heart of the initiative.

The power of collaboration, inclusivity and learning from those directly affected will guide us in our work moving forward. We need to challenge ourselves and other organisations to actively support and engage in this vital mission. Together, we can create a future where no one has to endure violence in silence and where pathways to safety and justice are accessible to all.

Resources

After the workshop, we produced two guides to help organisations develop disability-inclusive strategies for tackling GBV.

Read the guide for civil society organisations (pdf)
Read the guide for state institutions (pdf)