Throughout the world, women with disabilities are subject to two-tiered discrimination, based on their gender and based on their disability.

Where women with disabilities belong to other marginalized groups, such as racial minorities or people living in poverty, they may be subject to additional layers or dimensions of discrimination.

Women with disabilities are denied jobs, excluded from schools, considered unworthy of marriage or partnership, and are even barred from certain religious practices.

Women and girls with disabilities are often the last to receive the necessary supports (for example, education, employment, appropriate general health care services) to enable them to overcome poverty and lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Women and girls with disabilities are at higher risk for abuse and violence, which in turn can aggravate existing disabilities or create secondary disabilities, such as psychosocial trauma.