Online Reporter
Trish Mukwazo,[email protected]
“MYTHS suggest that having intimate with a woman who has a disability has certain benefits, however, these misconceptions put women with psychosocial disabilities at a disadvantage.”
This was said by Zimbabwe Women with Disabilities in Development’s (ZWIDE) disability inclusion trainer Ms Sukoluhle Mhlanga during a panelist discussion at Emthonjeni Women’s Forum (EWF)’s Gender Based Violence symposium.
The symposium is themed ‘Bridging Action and Accountability: Strengthening GBV Prevention and Response’
The symposium brings together the communities EWF has been working with and key stakeholders to reflect on progress, share strategies and strengthen coordination in addressing GBV across communities.
Ms Mhlanga highlighted that women and girls living with disabilities are often at a disadvantage in terms of GBV.
“A woman with Down syndrome who becomes pregnant cannot consent to sexual intercourse due to her intellectual disability,” she said adding that women using wheelchairs often face public transport inaccessibility.
She said women with disabilities often rely on assistance which can lead to exploitation.
“Communication barriers further exacerbate the problem, women are more likely to face GBV due to that factor,” she said.
She cited a recent case of a deaf and mute girl who was violated by her uncle and failed to report the matter due to communication barrier.
“Women with disabilities are often vulnerable to sexual violence particularly at the hands of family members or caregivers,” she said.
She suggested that to bridge the gap sign language should be made an added advantage in facilities.
Giving her remarks at the symposium EWF’s Executive Director Ms Sikhathele Matambo stressed on how when women have access to resources and rights are at the better forefront to fight against GBV.
She said the event is a platform to look at the progress, challenges and the way forward.
“We are here to strengthen women’s agency in fighting GBV and claiming their rights,” she said.
