In locations where the rhythm of city life is relentless, there are stories rarely told with the urgency they deserve. The struggles of disabled women so often go unnoticed, but from the crowded sidewalks of New York City to the historic streets of Berlin, the historic landscapes of Stockholm, and the vibrant avenues of Barcelona, there is an ongoing resilience, determination, and a quest for equality and recognition.
Let’s dive into the heart of these cities, armed with insights like those from UN Women’s comprehensive report on women and girls with disabilities, which states that: ‘As a result of substantively distinct life experiences…women and girls with disabilities are often pushed to the extreme margins and experience profound discriminations’. So this journey isn’t merely an academic exercise; it’s a quest to unravel the complexity of disabled urban life, where every thread of policy and every weave of infrastructure reflects the broader themes of social inclusion and equality. Through the lens of these four global cities, each with its distinct approach to accommodating disabled people, we can sketch a vivid, empathetic and comparative analysis – charting the ongoing battle to forge a world that doesn’t just accommodate but celebrates every one of its citizens.
Tracing back to the early days of the women’s suffrage movement and the subsequent battles for disability rights, New York City has been a battleground for policy shifts and societal changes.The history of these movements provides a rich backdrop to its current endeavors in social inclusion and accessibility. This historical context not only highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to lead but also sheds light on the complexities and challenges that come with intertwining disability rights within the broader spectrum of women’s rights. It’s essential to recognize the layers of progress and the shadows of past battles that shape the present landscape of disability services for women in the city.
And, at the heart of the city that still tries to lead, social inclusion efforts in NYC at least attempt to go beyond mere participation; framing disabled women not simply as subjects of services but as architects of the community. There is the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, and federal initiatives like Access-A-Ride. But the path is strewn with hurdles – like the struggles of navigating an outdated and inaccessible subway system, and the fight for more equal employment opportunities. The ongoing dialogue between the city’s administration and its disabled residents highlights a dynamic relationship where feedback and experiences directly influence the evolution of services (or at least, it should). This invites us to explore how other global cities are addressing the needs of disabled women and what lessons can be learned and applied universally. Let’s first take a look at Berlin.
At the end of 2021, Germany was home to approximately 7.8 million severely disabled people, with the need for at least some kind of disability service split fairly evenly between men and women. Berlin’s dedication to creating an accessible environment for disabled citizens serves as a beacon of progress in a world still grappling with the nuances of inclusivity and equality. The city’s public transportation system emerges as a champion of this cause, with a vast majority of its train stations boasting elevators and tactile guidance systems – and the city extends its inclusive embrace to public spaces and buildings, many of which are adapted or designed from the ground up to put disabled people at the forefront of places they can be seen, heard, and live in authentically.
Disabled women in Berlin are also supported by their own network, which describes itself as ‘the only self-help, contact and advice center in Berlin for and by disabled and chronically ill women and girls’ reflecting an understanding that true empowerment comes from full participation in all aspects of life. The city’s Tourism for All campaign further underscores Berlin’s efforts towards inclusivity. This initiative provides detailed accessibility information on venues, attractions, and accommodations, empowering visitors with disabilities to explore the city with confidence and ease. Berlin also champions the rights of disabled individuals through legislation and advocacy, ensuring their voices are heard in policy-making processes and that their rights are protected.
Similarly, In the heart of Scandinavia, Stockholm stands not just as a city, but as a testament to what societies can achieve when they refuse to leave anyone behind. The spirit of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities pulses through the streets and infiltrates classrooms, hospitals, and workplaces.
The Nordic Cooperation on People with Disabilities in Sweden outlines Sweden’s commitment to ensuring equal participation for all individuals. The country’s laws, including the Local Government Act, Social Services Act, and the Act concerning Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments, ensure that disabled women receive necessary support to participate fully in society – as do the city’s Independent Living Cooperative and Disability and Rehabilitation services.
And for these disabled women, this isn’t just policy-making; it’s dignity. The International Disability Alliance states that: ‘Sweden is funding a number of organizations and initiatives that include women and girls with disabilities.’ As Stockholm strides forward, it extends an invitation to banner cities like NYC: to build a future where inclusivity isn’t an aspiration, but a foundation.
Elsewhere in Europe, the heartbeat of Barcelona’s commitment to its residents with disabilities can be heard in the hum of its public transportation. Buses and metros, equipped with lifts and ramps, offer more than just a ride—they promise freedom. The city’s streets, lined with tactile paving and serenaded by auditory signals at crossings, sing a song of independence for those with visual impairments, making Barcelona not just navigable but welcoming for women with disabilities, whatever kind of assistance they may need. This is largely thanks to Barcelona’s array of disability services, framed within the larger story of Spain’s commitment to dismantling barriers through its Disability Strategy 2022-2030. A blueprint for a more inclusive society, the strategy lays down the groundwork across public services, education, and culture, supported by the transformative vision of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan. It’s a testament to a nation’s dedication to the rights of more than four million Spaniards living with disabilities. And the city’s Professional Women’s Network can connect disabled women with ‘experts in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging’ both locally and globally.
It’s clear that disabled women in New York City are still facing a battle on two fronts, against a society that often overlooks them and a world that’s built without them in mind. Up against a behemoth of structural inequalities and societal barriers still making heads spin in 2024, the fight’s far from over. But with continued advocacy, policy innovation, and a community that stands together – with heavy hitters like WHO and UN Women highlighting these problems – change is slowly but surely possible. These international bodies play a pivotal role in shaping global disability policies, influencing nations worldwide to adopt more inclusive practices. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized that the progress on disability rights is at risk of regressing and has called for nations to “do much, much better” in ensuring greater inclusion and accessibility.
Reflecting on these global efforts, it’s clear that progress requires a multifaceted approach that addresses not just the physical barriers to accessibility but also the social and economic challenges that disabled women face.
For New York City, the collective ethos of Stockholm, Berlin, and Barcelona offer insightful takeaways for further enhancing its disability services for women. Embracing a holistic approach that integrates disability rights into all aspects of urban planning (and community services for women) can significantly improve quality of life. So too can fostering international collaboration and learning from the successes and challenges of other cities.
The empowerment of women and girls with disabilities remains an urgent global issue, as highlighted by UN Women. By drawing on the strengths and addressing the gaps in current practices, cities like NYC can lead by example, creating environments where disabled women can thrive, contribute, and participate fully in every aspect of life. The journey towards inclusivity is ongoing, but with continued commitment and collaboration, a more accessible and equitable world is within reach.
About the Author: Alejandra Ospina is a fellow with The Loreen Arbus Accessibility is Fundamental Program, a fellowship created with Women’s eNews to train women with disabilities as professional journalists so that they may write, research and report on the most crucial issues impacting the disabilities community.
