File photo of a person with disability
The Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD) and the Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (GCED) have joined forces to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and invaluable contributions of women with disabilities, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
In a statement issued on March 8, 2025, the two organisations highlighted the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities.
These include “limited access to education, financial support, and inclusive business environments, as well as pervasive discrimination.”
Recognising these systemic barriers, CEPD and GCED advocate for inclusive policies that empower women entrepreneurs with disabilities.
“CEPD joins GCED to celebrate women with disabilities on International Women’s Day. The Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD) and the Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (GCED) proudly recognize and celebrate the exceptional efforts and invaluable contributions of women with disabilities to national development,” the statement said.
The statement further said, “We recognise the unique and multifaceted challenges faced by women with disabilities, particularly in the Global South, where they experience systemic barriers both as women and as persons with disabilities. Women entrepreneurs with disabilities, in particular, encounter significant obstacles that hinder their ability to establish, grow, and sustain their businesses.”
Despite these barriers, women with disabilities continue to drive economic growth and play a vital role in national development.
CEPD and GCED reaffirmed their commitment to fostering accessibility, inclusivity, and equal opportunities.
They emphasised the importance of creating an environment where women entrepreneurs with disabilities can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Read the full statement below:
CEPD joins GCED to celebrate women with disabilities on International Women’s Day
The Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD) and the Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (GCED) proudly recognize and celebrate the exceptional efforts and invaluable contributions of women with disabilities to national development.
We acknowledge the unique and multifaceted challenges faced by women with disabilities, particularly in the Global South, where they experience systemic barriers both as women and as persons with disabilities. Women entrepreneurs with disabilities, in particular, encounter significant obstacles that hinder their ability to establish, grow, and sustain their businesses. Some of the key challenges include:
1. Limited Access to Education and Skills Training
2. Inadequate Financial Support and Limited Access to Capital
3. Inaccessible Business Environments and Markets
4. Discrimination and Social Stigma
5. Lack of Favorable Policies and Legal Protections
6. Limited Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
7. Gender-Based Violence and Exploitation
8. Challenges with Mobility and Assistive Technologies
9. Limited Representation in Decision-Making Spaces.
10. Economic Instability and Climate Change
Economic fluctuations, inflation, and climate-related challenges such as droughts and floods disproportionately affect women entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Despite these challenges, women entrepreneurs with disabilities continue to defy the odds, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and leadership in driving economic growth and national development.
In recognition of their contributions, CEPD and GCED honor and celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs with disabilities and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for policies and initiatives that foster inclusivity, accessibility, and economic empowerment. Together, we can create an environment where women entrepreneurs with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
RAD/AE
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