Imagine if you couldn’t decide for yourself whether you’re allowed to date or have children. Or if you were denied access to contraceptives because it’s assumed they aren’t meant for you. Women with disabilities face such challenges in developing countries. For example, access to contraception or childbirth services may be entirely out of reach, as healthcare services are often not accessible. Women with disabilities are also at greater risk of being exploited or subjected to violence, and they often have limited opportunities to defend themselves or seek help.

Kynnys’ project in Malawi promotes the sexual and reproductive health of women with disabilities and combats gender-based violence. The women learn that they have the right to make independent decisions about their bodies, such as choosing when and with whom to engage in a sexual relationship, whether to use contraception, whether to have children, or when and how many children to have. They also learn that they have the right to live free from violence, sexual exploitation, or other forms of abuse. This includes the right to protection and justice if they are subjected to sexual or other violence.

The project also trains parents, authorities, and service providers to treat women with disabilities equally and to offer them high-quality services. Additionally, the project engages in advocacy with authorities to change discriminatory laws, cultural practices, and social norms to be non-discriminatory.