On December 3, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), an annual observance proclaimed in 1992 by the UN. Considering persons with disabilities through an intersectional lens, A.H. Monjurul Kabir, the UN Coordination Adviser on Gender Equality and Disability Inclusion, has argued that “disability, gender and discrimination are inextricably interlinked. One in five women globally live with a disability. Women are often at increased risk of developing a disability for reasons, including discrimination in health care and violence against women.”
In addition, Kabir points out, “women and girls with disabilities suffer up to three times greater risk of rape, and are twice as likely to be survivors of domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence (over a longer period and with more severe injuries) than women without disabilities.”
During the 16 Days of Activism, you can find out more by following the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs on social media (on Twitter @UNDESASocial, @UNDESA and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/undesasocial) and spread the word by sharing IDPD information and using the hashtags:
- #disabilityday #idpd #idpd2023 #everyoneincluded
- #16days #16daysofactivism #16daysofactivismagainstgenderbasedviolence #listenlearnact.
For more information about important dates and actions you can take during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, check out our earlier post: https://camosunfaculty.ca/16-days-end-the-violence-2023/ and follow @camosunfaculty on Instagram.
Also, visit the Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) of Canada 16 Days of Activism 2023 campaign site for more information: https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/16-days/16-days-2023.html
Sarah McCagherty (שרה רנה)
Co-CCFA rep on the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators (FPSE) Women and Gender Equity Committee and Co-Chair of the Camosun Women and Gender Equity Committee
Leave a Reply