Technology is part of participation
Akram, then identified as executive director of the Special Talent Exchange Programme, said: “For many, technology is considered a luxury, but for persons with disabilities, technology is a need”. Parliamentarian and disability activist Zil-e-Huma also urged decision-makers to do more to protect rights, drawing on her own experience. [1]
Discrimination becomes a policy question
An August 2023 UNDP account described the wider project’s work with disability organisations, including STEP and the National Forum of Women with Disability. A policy dialogue addressed employment quotas, access to justice, workplace harassment and entrepreneurship. Recommendations included accessible buildings and stronger implementation of existing requirements.
Women help design the research
UNPRPD’s report on 2023 said women-led disability organisations helped develop the Women with Disabilities Stigma Inventory in Pakistan, Moldova, Palestine and Samoa. Eight pilot interventions across the four countries were designed with women with disabilities. They addressed discrimination and access to services for people affected by gender-based violence. [3]