Globally, there are 150 million children living with disabilities. They are often denied an education because they are the most vulnerable and excluded people in their communities.
HOW ARE GIRLS AFFECTED?
Girls with disabilities experience greater exclusion and injustices as a result of their disability and gender.
They are less likely to go to school and are often considered a burden on the family because they are seen as a non-productive member of society.
Providing these girls with an education that meets their needs can play a fundamental role in addressing the root causes of the discrimination they face.
Tot, 18, from Cambodia was born with one arm. With support from Plan International she was able to stay in school. Now she teaches English to younger children in her community and hopes to go to university. “I love teaching English,” she says. “I’m much more confident.”
SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS
Girls with disabilities are kept in the dark about their sexual and reproductive health and often don’t know how to protect themselves against abuse, pregnancy and disease. Our report Let me Decide and Thrive highlights the perfect storm of discrimination faced by girls with disabilities, which leaves many of them totally unaware of their rights.