Brussels, Belgium

In a powerful policy review from Brussels, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut has urged lawmakers to prioritize the rights of women and girls with disabilities, warning that they continue to face deep-rooted and widespread inequalities.

A long-standing member of the European Parliament Disability Intergroup since 2009, she noted that while the European Union has made progress in accessibility, the intersection of gender and disability remains largely overlooked in national policies.

The Challenge of Invisibility

Estaràs Ferragut highlighted that women with disabilities encounter greater barriers in employment and education compared to both men with disabilities and women without disabilities.

She pointed to a critical lack of reliable, disaggregated data, which makes it difficult for policymakers to design effective solutions. According to her, both gender and disability are often treated as secondary concerns rather than central policy priorities.

Ending Gender-Based Violence

One of the most alarming issues raised is the heightened risk of violence. Women with disabilities are estimated to be two to five times more likely to experience abuse.

She strongly condemned the fact that 13 EU member states still allow forced sterilization of persons with disabilities, often justified under the label of protection. Calling this a violation of fundamental rights, she urged an immediate ban on all medical procedures conducted without free and informed consent.

A New Tool for Inclusion

As part of the solution, Estaràs Ferragut is advocating for the European Disability Card—an initiative backed by the European Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen.

The card aims to ensure that disability status is recognized across all EU member states, improving mobility and access to essential services.

The Way Forward

Estaràs Ferragut outlined key priorities for building a more inclusive society:

• Nothing About Us Without Us: Ensuring women with disabilities are directly involved in decision-making

• Digital Inclusion: Making sure digital transformation benefits everyone equally

• Support for Autistic Individuals: Addressing stigma and improving access to education and employment

A Call for Accountability

The message is clear: progress requires more than policy statements. It demands accountability, representation, and a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

As debates on equality continue across Europe, the rights of women with disabilities remain a critical test of how inclusive modern societies truly are.