Safety concern for women with disabilities

WOMEN living with disabilities are at a higher risk of being physically and sexually abused.
“Studies show that women and girls with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be victims of physical and sexual abuse than women without disabilities,” chairperson of Women with Disability Network Jacqueline Goroau said.
“Women with disabilities experience sexual and physical violence from intimate partners, caregivers, strangers and acquaintances.”
Goroau, who is also a principal adviser to the Prime Minister’s Department, said organisations could incorporate the gender equity and social inclusion (Gesi) policy into their daily practices and procedures.
She said the Gesi policy was an initiative in 2012, to teach a positive work culture and equal opportunities for all employees, free from discrimination.
Speaking at a discussion programme, Goroau shared her experiences as a woman living with disability and expressed her gratitude towards her colleagues for their support that had enabled her to work and be a voice for women with disabilities in PNG.
She spoke on the hardships faced by women living with disabilities and the involvement of the government to support them through Gesi.
“We face double discrimination because it’s already difficult being a woman but it’s extra difficult when you have a disability,” she said.
Goroau was one of the panel speakers at the National Women’s Day and National Day for People with Disabilities hosted by the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission.