In Uganda today, many women and girls live in the shadows of fear, some in their own homes, some in their communities. For women and girls with disabilities, the risks are even higher: ignored, silenced and often invisible, they face violence that leaves deep scars on their lives. Long-held cultural practices continue to enable abuse, making the fight for safety and dignity more urgent than ever.
Nearly 36% of women in Uganda have experienced sexual violence while countless others suffer physical and emotional abuse. For women and girls with disabilities, the numbers are even more alarming about 39% of women with disabilities report experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime compared to 22% among women without disabilities.
The vulnerability of women and girls with disabilities is heightened by multiple factors. Limited mobility makes escaping abusive situations harder. Social stigma often silences survivors while discrimination from service providers reduces access to justice.
The consequences of this violence are devastating. Many girls drop out of school after abuse. Women with disabilities may face rejection, abandonment or barriers to employment, trapping them in cycles of poverty and marginalization. Violence also has broader social and economic costs: Uganda loses an estimated Shs 31 trillion annually due to the impact of gender-based violence.
These numbers are a stark reminder that action is urgent. Every woman and girl deserves safety, dignity and the opportunity to win. Those with disabilities must not be left behind. Challenging harmful cultural practices, raising awareness and ensuring access to reporting and support are essential steps toward breaking the cycle of violence.disabilities.
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