Women with disabilities call for urgent action to end violence in Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda

Women and girls with disabilities are calling on governments and stakeholders in Malawi, Kenya, and Rwanda to urgently strengthen disability-inclusive policies, improve access to justice, and increase funding for organizations led by women with disabilities.

Speaking in Lilongwe on Friday at a sub-regional convening, participants said the meeting, focused on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG), brought together advocates, feminist leaders, government representatives, human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners from the three countries.

Delegates shared experiences from their countries, highlighting persistent barriers women and girls with disabilities face in accessing protection services and justice.

The convening served as a platform to explore ways to strengthen inclusive advocacy and cross-country collaboration.

Organized by Disabled Women in Africa in partnership with the Coalition on Violence Against Women, the event received support from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women.

Organizers said the initiative aims to promote the inclusion and leadership of women and girls with disabilities in national and regional efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

Participants emphasized that strategies to end violence must actively include the voices and leadership of women with disabilities.

The meeting discussed measures to improve access to justice, including legal support and policy interventions tailored for women and girls with disabilities.

Delegates also stressed the importance of increasing funding for organizations led by women with disabilities to enhance services, advocacy, and community support.

Cross-country learning was a key feature of the convening, enabling participants to exchange best practices and lessons from ongoing initiatives in Malawi, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Organizers said the outcomes of the meeting are expected to guide policy formulation, program development, and regional collaboration to better protect women and girls with disabilities from violence.

The convening highlighted that ending violence against women and girls cannot succeed without addressing the specific needs and rights of those with disabilities, making their inclusion urgent and essential.