Able Child and the Able Child Africa Network marked International Women’s Day this year, by celebrating the dynamic women across our network who are driving change and advocating for the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in all aspects of society.
Network members are breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and ensuring that no child is left behind. But while we celebrated progress, we also shone a light on the stark realities faced by girls with disabilities across Africa. Nearly 29 million children in East and Southern Africa are living with a disability. A significant proportion of these children live in poverty without access to basic services such as education and healthcare. They are disproportionately vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse, with many spending much or all of their lives in institutions, separated from their families.
For girls with disabilities, the situation is even worse. They are 10 times more likely to experience gender-based violence than those without disabilities. An estimated 70% of girls with intellectual disabilities will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. These girls are too often forgotten, hidden, and left behind.
Despite decades of advocacy since the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, many of these 29 million children continue to be excluded, discounted, and discriminated against. This International Women’s Day, we reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that girls with disabilities are seen, heard, and included in every conversation about gender equality.
Able Child and the Able Child Africa Network will continue to work alongside our partners and supporters to push for systemic change, ensuring that every girl—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the incredible women leading this change and in advocating for a future where all women and girls are included and empowered.
Able Child Africa network members at the General Assembly 2025
