Women with disabilities in VR unaware of rights-Study

Adidome (V/R), April 3, GNA - Studies conducted by Volta Physically Challenged Independent Group (VOLPHIG) indicates that many women in the Volta Region with disabilities remain unaware of their rights as stipulated in Disability Act 2006, Act 715. They are also ignorant of opportunities to improve on their life situation to enable them live happily in society. Ms Christine Dekator, a member of VOLPHIG made these assertions at a day's forum for women with disabilities at Adidome in the North Tongu District on Thursday.

She expressed regret that these women "are marginalized and suffer violence, harassment and negative stereotyping, which are having negative impact on their sense of security, wellbeing and ability to participate socially and economically in their communities". Ms Dekator therefore appealed to stakeholders to beef up the education of people with disabilities, especially women on their rights, to empower them to assert themselves in society. She said accessing healthcare and education were some of the areas where physically challenged women felt detested, according to the study. Ms Bernice Broom, in charge of Girls Education in the District, urged the public to accept people with disabilities as members of the society and desist from ridiculing them. She advised people with disabilities to work t ogether to support each other to ensure that their rights were respected. As part of the programme some physically challenged women recounted how they were assaulted, discriminated against and harassed. 3 April 09