In a bid to address the pressing issues surrounding Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) for women with disabilities, Caritas India’s Community Based Rehabilitation (CI CBR) program has emerged as a voice of the voiceless to foster awareness and empowerment among vulnerable communities.

A recent study conducted by CI CBR in collaboration with Light for the World shed light on the myriad challenges faced by women with disabilities in accessing SRHR information and services. The study revealed alarming disparities, with women encountering significant barriers to discussing and seeking assistance for SRHR issues, perpetuating a cycle of neglect and discrimination.

According to the study, societal misconceptions often render women with disabilities invisible in discussions on reproductive health, leading to a lack of access to essential services such as contraception, abortion, and menstrual hygiene management. Furthermore, instances of violence and exploitation compound the already dire situation, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.

In response to these findings, CI CBR took proactive steps to integrate SRHR into its training curriculum, equipping field teams with the necessary knowledge and tools to address these sensitive topics. Over the course of 2023-24, CI CBR conducted 71 sensitization workshops on SRHR across its operational areas, reaching a total of 1,346 girls and women, both with and without disabilities.

These workshops served as platforms for open discussions on various aspects of sexual and reproductive health, including menstrual hygiene, gender equality, and recognizing signs of abuse. Family members were also sensitized on the importance of providing support and protection to adolescent girls with disabilities, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support within communities.

The impact of these efforts has been profound, with participants like Sandhya, an adolescent girl with Cerebral Palsy, expressing gratitude for the newfound knowledge and empowerment gained through the workshops. Similarly, Anupriya emphasized the importance of understanding women’s rights, maintaining personal hygiene, and recognizing unwelcome behavior in their surroundings.

Moving forward, Caritas India underscores the importance of holistic support for sexual and reproductive health, advocating for strengthened services across various sectors. This includes not only health systems but also education and transportation, ensuring that essential healthcare remains accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

With a commitment to promoting dignity, equality, and empowerment, Caritas India’s CI CBR program continues to be at the forefront of driving positive change for women with disabilities, paving the way for a future where SRHR rights are upheld and respected for all.

The initiative’s success lies in its comprehensive approach, which goes beyond mere awareness-raising to address the systemic barriers that hinder access to SRHR services for women with disabilities. By integrating SRHR into its training curriculum and conducting sensitization workshops in partnership with local communities, CI CBR has created safe spaces for open dialogue and knowledge-sharing.

Moreover, by involving family members and health personnel in these workshops, CI CBR ensures that the message of inclusivity and support reaches beyond individual participants to encompass entire communities. This grassroots approach fosters a culture of empowerment and collective responsibility, where everyone is encouraged to play a role in promoting sexual and reproductive health rights.

The testimonies of participants like Sandhya and Anupriya underscore the tangible impact of CI CBR’s efforts on the lives of women with disabilities. Through increased awareness and access to information, these women are empowered to make informed decisions about their own bodies and futures, breaking free from the cycle of discrimination and marginalization.

Looking ahead, Caritas India remains committed to advancing the cause of sexual and reproductive health rights for women with disabilities, advocating for policy changes and systemic reforms to ensure equitable access to essential services. By working hand in hand with communities and stakeholders, CI CBR continues to champion the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their abilities, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.