Locomotor disabled women a study of opportunities and challenges in district Panchkula Haryana

Abstract

People with disabilities face many obstacles in their struggle for equality. Although men and women with disabilities are subject to discrimination because of their disabilities, women with disabilities are at a further disadvantage because of the combined discrimination based on gender and discrimination based on disability. Disabled women and girls are commonly stereotyped as sick, helpless, childlike, dependent, incompetent and asexual, greatly limiting their options and opportunities. Discrimination is an enduring issue for all people with disabilities. Women and girls with disabilities however, are subjected to double discrimination: sexism as well as disability bias. The present paper pertains to locomotor disabled women residing in Panchkula District, Haryana. Locomotor disability means disability of the bones joints muscles leading to substantial restriction of the movement of the limbs or any form of cerebral palsy. The main objective of the study is to highlight the problems and challenges faced by the locomotor disabled women. In the present study 10 case studies have been analyzed. Results indicate women with disabilities are constantly faced with discrimination and are subjected to neglect, prejudice, revulsion, rejection and pity. They face economic, educational, architectural, legal and health barriers, which prevent them from leading a fulfilling life and achieving their full potential. The findings reveals that disabled have suffered because of the negative attitude of community, prejudices against them, lack of awareness about their abilities and rejection of their rights and misconceptions which lead to their marginalization, powerlessness and non-acceptance in the society. Education is the key to the advancement of women and girls with disabilities as it provides access to information, enables them to communicate their needs, interests and experiences, brings them into contact with other students, increases their confidence and encourages them to assert their rights. newline