CEPD, GCED Celebrate Women with Disabilities on International Women’s Day, Advocate for Economic Empowerment
The Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD) and the Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (GCED) have come together to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women with disabilities to national development, particularly on this International Women’s Day.
In a joint statement, the organisations acknowledged the unique and multifaceted challenges faced by women with disabilities, especially in the Global South, where they encounter systemic barriers both as women and as persons with disabilities.
They highlighted that women entrepreneurs with disabilities, in particular, experience significant obstacles hindering their ability to establish, grow, and sustain their businesses. The organisations identified some of the key challenges:
1. Limited Access to Education and Skills Training 2. Inadequate Financial Support and Limited Access to Capital 3. Inaccessible Business Environments and Markets 4. Discrimination and Social Stigma 5. Lack of Favorable Policies and Legal Protections 6. Limited Networking and Mentorship Opportunities 7. Gender-Based Violence and Exploitation 8. Challenges with Mobility and Assistive Technologies 9. Limited Representation in Decision-Making Spaces 10. Economic Instability and Climate Change.
The CEPD and GCED also noted that economic fluctuations, inflation, and climate-related challenges such as droughts and floods disproportionately affect women entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Despite these challenges, the organisations emphasised that women entrepreneurs with disabilities continue to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and leadership in driving economic growth and national development.
In recognition of their contributions, CEPD and GCED reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for policies and initiatives that foster inclusivity, accessibility, and economic empowerment.
They stated, “Together, we can create an environment where women entrepreneurs with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national and global development.”
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com