The Population Council, in partnership with Diakonia and several governmental and international organizations, hosted a panel discussion focused on the reproductive rights of women with disabilities in Egypt and Jordan. The event brought together representatives from Egyptian ministries, the Egyptian Parliament, international organizations, and experts in human rights, reproductive health, and disability from both countries.
The session aimed to address the challenges women with disabilities face in achieving their reproductive goals while discussing policy recommendations to empower them both socially and economically. This event highlighted the ongoing efforts in both countries to promote social justice and ensure that women with disabilities can fully exercise their reproductive rights and integrate into society.
Highlighting the Importance of Reproductive Rights for Women with Disabilities
Dr. Nahla Abdel Tawab, Country Director of the Population Council in Egypt, opened the discussion by emphasizing that reproductive rights for women with disabilities are a fundamental human right. She pointed out that the disability rate in the Arab region ranges from 10-20%, with higher rates in conflict zones. Dr. Abdel Tawab highlighted how, for years, the reproductive health needs of women with disabilities have been overlooked, due to misconceptions that people with disabilities should not marry or have children.
Amb. Dr. Moushira Khattab, an influential figure in Egypt’s human rights landscape, discussed the role of the National Council for Human Rights in ensuring equality for all citizens, particularly those with disabilities. She emphasized that Egypt’s Constitution and laws protect the rights of people with disabilities, and ensure service accessibility to all citizens with dignity and without discrimination.
Dr. Iman Karim, Director of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, reiterated the Council’s focus on the reproductive rights of people with disabilities. She spoke about the collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population to strengthen the capacity of healthcare providers in delivering appropriate reproductive care to persons with disabilities.
Ms. Asia Yaghi, a member of the Jordanian Senate, emphasized the importance of empowering women with disabilities by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to claim their rights and combat all forms of discrimination.
Key Recommendations for Supporting Women with Disabilities
The panel generated several crucial recommendations to improve the lives of women with disabilities and ensure respected reproductive rights:
- Improved Healthcare Access: Experts recommended enhancing healthcare providers’ training to ensure that women with disabilities receive proper reproductive care. Additionally, they called for the provision of necessary aids to support medical staff in delivering effective services.
- Raising Awareness of Disability Rights: The discussion highlighted the need to raise public awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly in relation to their reproductive health.
- Creating Employment Opportunities and Promoting Independence: Participants advocated for better employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the private sector. They also emphasized the importance of providing assistive technologies to help individuals achieve greater independence.
- Legal and Educational Reforms: One of the key recommendations was to explicitly address the reproductive health needs of people with disabilities in national laws. Panelists also called for incorporating these issues into educational curricula to foster early awareness and understanding.
- Strengthening Advocacy and Research: Participants underscored the need to strengthen advocacy networks for persons with disabilities and called for more research in the field of reproductive health to ensure that these issues are effectively addressed in policy-making and public discourse.
Looking Forward: Ensuring Equality and Empowerment
The panel highlighted the urgent need for inclusive policies and practical solutions to address the reproductive rights of women with disabilities in Egypt and Jordan. By improving healthcare access, increasing societal awareness, and securing legal recognition of their rights, both countries are taking important steps to empower women with disabilities to make informed choices about their reproductive health. The recommendations made during the event represent a critical effort to foster an inclusive society and secure the fundamental rights of people with disabilities in the region.
This collaborative discussion sets the stage for future progress in ensuring equality and dignity for women with disabilities, empowering them to lead fulfilling, autonomous lives.
