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Description
In Estonia there is a lack of public policies that would specifically focus on vulnerability of women with disabilities. The sexual exploitation of women with disabilities and human trafficking cannot be ignored. Women with disabilities are more likely to be victims of violence (physical, sexual, psychological, and stalking) than women without disabilities. Women with special needs are not guaranteed physical access to gynecologists and shelters for women mainly are also not accessible. Compared to women without disabilities, women with special needs are seen as "less valuable" and it is true even when compared to men with disabilities. Within Estonian legal space the term “multiple discrimination” is not implemented, which means that defending of and rights of women with special needs are extremely restricted.
In the framework of the project several surveys, workshops, art exhibitions, and variety of round tables will be carried out. There will be meetings with policy makers and participation in policy development.
As a result of the project women with disabilities will have increased knowledge about human rights, equal treatment, gender equality, multiple discrimination, human trafficking, and violence aimed at women with special needs. By the end of the project, we have fought against prejudice and negative stereotypes that have developed about women with disabilities. Women with special needs have been introduced to other women in a similar situation to create a supporting community and urge them to be more courageous in taking part in creating a better society as a fully functional member of that society.
Summary of project results
In Estonia, there is a notable absence of policies and practices specifically addressing the vulnerabilities of women with disabilities. The sexual exploitation and human trafficking of women with disabilities must not be overlooked. Women with disabilities are more likely to be victims of various forms of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological abuse, and stalking, compared to their non-disabled counterparts. Furthermore, women with special needs often lack guaranteed physical access to gynecologists, and shelters for women are generally inaccessible.
Compared to women without disabilities, women with special needs are often regarded as "less valuable," and this perception extends even to comparisons with men with disabilities. In Estonia’s legal framework, the concept of "multiple discrimination" is not implemented, which severely limits the protection and defense of the rights of women with special needs.
While there are individuals and organizations in Estonia that are aware of the challenges faced by women with disabilities, this awareness remains confined to specific groups or individual perspectives. The issue of women with special needs has not been prioritized at the political or legislative levels. Alarmingly, individuals advocating for women''s rights are often met with hostility.
The project seeks to increase the knowledge of women with disabilities about human rights, equal treatment, gender equality, multiple discrimination, human trafficking, and violence aimed at women with special needs. Project activities are also tailored to fight against prejudice and negative stereotypes that have developed about women with disabilities and bring together women with special needs to form a supporting community and empower them to be active and equal members of society.
During the project, 10 training sessions/support groups were conducted, a photography exhibition was held, and surveys targeted at women with disabilities were carried out.
The training sessions and support groups helped raise awareness of the situation and rights of women with disabilities, one of the most vulnerable groups, and challenged their apathy. The sessions provided a platform for women to discuss important issues delicately, share experiences, and acquire new knowledge. Through these activities, women with disabilities gained awareness of human rights (including women’s rights) and found the courage to “come out of the closet.”
The photography exhibition featured 15 women with disabilities, whose stories were captured by photographer Alana Proosa. The exhibition aimed to reduce stigma and raise public awareness about women with disabilities. The exhibition sent a powerful message to women with disabilities, affirming their rightful place in society and that they are as valuable as non-disabled women. It also raised awareness of issues such as self-determination and identity, societal roles, stigma, equal treatment, sexuality, parenthood, family and relationship building, abuse, human trafficking, multiple discrimination (including LGBT-lesbian women with disabilities, ethnic minorities, etc.), and the self-actualization of women with disabilities.
As a result of the project, an analysis of the surveys was completed, providing valuable insights into the situation of women with disabilities in Estonia. The survey received responses from 87 women with disabilities, 158 from general public, and 17 public sector respondents. The survey aimed to highlight topics that resonated with the target group and capture recurring themes. The survey organizers were interested in understanding how women with disabilities feel in Estonian society, how they assess their access to rights, and if they had anything they wanted to share with the organizers.
At the start of the project, a Facebook page called NAINE was created to support the training and support groups. The page published 204 posts and garnered 768 followers, with a total reach of 111,535.
The most popular content on the NAINE page was personal stories, which generated the most comments and reactions. Followers also appreciated being directly involved and asked for their input. Personal stories and experiences that readers could relate to, as well as some calls to action, received the most engagement.
The NAINE page’s follower base was diverse, including individuals from the disability community, their helpers, human rights activists, and other interested parties. The average follower was a woman aged 35-44. Men represented 10.2% of the followers, and they were typically in their thirties. The page''s visits increased during project events, particularly in February 2022 and March 2023.
As a result of the project, women with disabilities have gained greater awareness of human rights, equal treatment, gender equality, multiple discrimination, human trafficking, and violence directed at women with disabilities. The project addressed the prejudices and negative stereotypes surrounding women with disabilities, bringing them together to encourage and support their active participation in societal life as equal citizens.
The photography exhibition brought the issue of women with disabilities into the public sphere, highlighting their stories and rights. Special attention was given to the specific needs, situations, vulnerabilities, and multiple discrimination faced by women and girls with disabilities.
The exhibition will continue as a traveling exhibit. Negotiations have taken place with representatives from the Estonian Parliament, Paide Music and Theatre House, and Tartu Aparaaditehas regarding the use of exhibition spaces, with activities continuing initially on a voluntary basis.
The analysis of the surveys will enable all project partners to more effectively shape policies impacting the lives of women with disabilities. The analysis provides input on how to advance the rights of women with disabilities more effectively and sustainably, and offers directions for addressing issues related to women with disabilities in the future.
Thanks to the project, the organization''s influence has grown. The cooperation and sharing of information with other organizations has increased.
The most significant impact of the project was the exhibition, which served as a logical continuation of the social media activities where interviews were published. Going forward, the exhibition can be featured in pop-up formats at various public discussions and displayed in cultural centers or shopping malls across Estonia. The exhibition serves as a central focal point and tangible product around which activities aimed at raising awareness will continue.