Empowering Women with Disabilities in Bugesera District. Case study of Duterimbere Women Group in Rilima Sector

Abstract

The study assessed the empowerment of Women with disabilities in Bugesera District using a case study of Duterimbere women group in Rilima Sector. The study population involved 672 women with disabilities in Bugesera District, According to the fourth population and housing Census (Rwanda, 2012). A sample of 86 women and girls with disabilities aged between 15 up to 60 were selected purposively from Rilima Sector and in disabled women grouped in Duterimbere Association. Data was gathered through the use of questionnaires and interviews and focus group. In data analysis, frequencies, percentages, and means were obtained and used to show the magnitude of effect the independent variables have on the dependent variable. The researcher examined cultural belief, Attitudes, and perceptions as the constraints on women with disabilities for their participation in development process. Study findings revealed that cultural beliefs, attitudes and perceptions are negatively affect the WwDs to participate in development activities and above 55% of respondents agreed that the above constraint affect negatively the wellbeing of WwDs. The study revealed that advocacy through inclusive education, economic empowerment, health care social protection and family support are strategies that applied by AEBR for WwDs towards their participation in development programs. These strategies were empowered WwDs to have abilities of participating in the economic activities. The study also revealed that there are a set of gaps in AEBR‟s activities that prevent the WwDs to have part in development programs these gaps are including among others the complete set of demographics about the women with disability status, which complicates the holistic intervention towards their really felt needs. In conclusion therefore promoting a more inclusive society and employment opportunities for women with disabilities requires improved access to basic education, vocational training relevant to labor market needs and jobs suited to their skills, interests and abilities, with adaptations as needed. There is the need to dismantle barriers and make the physical environment more accessible, provide information in a variety of formats, and challenge attitudes and mistaken assumptions about women with disabilities. It is therefore recommended that there is a need to sensitize community members against the existing prejudice that WwDs are a curse and prioritize the involvement of WwDs in development programs at different stages of development programs.