ABSTRACT
Women with disabilities is one of the most marginalized populations in society. On investigation of their life experiences, this study’s findings suggest that gender and disability play an important role in shaping their lives. Traditionally, negative societal attitudes towards disability create impediments to access to education and work, among other spheres of life. Stigmatization faced by women with disabilities can be internalized, and result in their presumed undesirability and incapability to take on the traditional gender roles as caregivers. Much of the negative internalization is due to the influence of socialization within and outside of their families, which has heavily influenced their decisions in relationships, in particular. Yet women with disabilities also find support in family structures. Interdependence in family and community settings increases security and stability in their lives and expands their social networks, which are integral to the overall wellbeing of an individual. Thus, positive acceptance of disability rather than mere tolerance or discrimination by their families and the community, along with familial and community support, will help in increased inclusion and better growth of women with disabilities.
