The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Pakistan along with the National Forum of Women with Disabilities (NFWWD) on Tuesday organized a summit on the empowerment of women with disabilities to highlight the challenges and opportunities for their growth here in Islamabad.
The summit was also held to assess the current situation of women with disabilities in Pakistan and other aspects.
Addressing the summit, speakers said that in Pakistan, which is ranked 147 among 188 countries in the Gender Inequality Index, women with disabilities are a largely overlooked minority.
The summit brought together over 100 participants, including representatives from government authorities as well as humanitarian and development organizations to chart a way forward on a more disability inclusive environment in the country.
A barrier-free environment is central in assisting women with disabilities reach their full potential and achieve autonomy,said AbiaAkram, CEO NFWWD. She said this cannot be done without including the voice of these women in mainstream gender and disability decision-making processes.
Immediate realization of efforts is needed for inclusion of girls and women with disabilities in all walks of life in Pakistan, said Mohammad Iqbal, the advisor on disability inclusion at the ICRC.
