European Disability Forum launches its third manifesto on the rights of women and girls with disabilities

Today, Friday 1 March 2024, the European Disability Forum (EDF) launched its third manifesto on the rights of women and girls with disabilities, “Empowerment and Leadership”. The manifesto calls for specific actions from decision-makers to tackle the systemic marginalisation of women and girls with disabilities – 25.9% of the population of women in Europe. It outlines ways to empower women and girls with disabilities and ensure their leadership over their lives and issues that affect them.

The manifesto focuses on four specific areas:

1. Political participation - the right for women with disabilities to participate in all aspects of the political process. Women with disabilities should have the proper and necessary support to run as candidates and be politicians at all levels.
2. Combatting violence against women - especially by criminalising the practices of forced sterilisation and forced abortion against women and girls with disabilities in all European countries. Initiatives must take into account that women and girls with disabilities are still at a higher risk of violence, including human trafficking, especially during humanitarian crisis.
3. Leadership - women and girls with disabilities should lead their lives as independent persons. They should be able to assume leadership roles in their own lives but also in society.
4. Visibility and empowerment in all areas of life that leads to equal opportunities and inclusion.

The manifesto represents a clear call to the European Union, national governments in Europe, and organisations to meaningfully include women and girls with disabilities. Authorities must also support their full participation and leadership in society.

Pirkko Mahlamäki, Chair of the EDF’s Women’s Committee, said, "Women and girls with disabilities must be recognised and supported by leaders and changemakers. Our movement’s motto, “Nothing without us”, cannot become a reality without the full and effective participation and inclusion of women and girls with disabilities. This manifesto presents clear demands to ensure this becomes reality."

ENDS