Talking About Experiences, Prejudices & Challenges
Some Interesting Data:
In Europe, approximately 80 million people live with a disability, meaning one in four Europeans has a person with a disability in their family. Out of the 80 million people with disabilities, the population of women is estimated to be around 46 million. This number of women with disabilities translates to 16% of the total female population in Europe and 60% of the total population of European citizens with disabilities. Regarding access to the labor market, only 18.8% of women with disabilities living in Europe are employed, while 45% of them are inactive, meaning they do not participate in the labor market, whereas the corresponding percentage for men is 35%. In 1996, Jane Morris, a renowned feminist and disability studies academic, asserted that: “disability is a women’s issue – as the majority of people with disabilities are women.” In this context, the Attica Rehabilitation Center, promoting the discussion around the rights and challenges faced by women with disabilities, and highlighting the importance of inclusion and access to all aspects of social life, organized an Interactive Meeting on the topic of the Woman with Mobility Disability. The meeting featured speeches by women who experience disability as mothers, partners, and workers, who shared their personal experiences, sparking a significant dialogue that was emotionally charged but also raised serious questions about the need for further public awareness on issues concerning women with disabilities. The discussion took place on two levels:
The Woman as Wife, Partner, Mother, with the discussion coordinated by Ms. Konstantina Petropoulou, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Doctor, Scientific Director of Neurorehabilitation of Attica Rehabilitation Center, and Mr. Konstantinos Kampouris, Neuropsychologist of Attica Rehabilitation Center. Moving and impactful speeches were given by Ms. Panagiota Gofa, mother of four minor children, Ioanna Tsilika, Early Childhood Educator, mother of two minor children, and Moira Tzitzika, Psychologist – Psychotherapist, Clinical Sexologist, and President of the Panhellenic Federation of People with Multiple Sclerosis.
The Woman in the Professional & Social Sphere, with the discussion coordinated by Ms. Kalliopi Kalaitzi, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Doctor, specializing in Lifestyle Medicine, who has founded and directs the first clinic in the country specializing in longevity and well-being, The Longevity & Wellbeing Clinic, and Ms. Aphrodite Papadopoulou, Social Worker of Attica Rehabilitation Center. Moving and impactful speeches were given by Ms. Chrysi Morfi, Boccia Champion and Paralympian, Ms. Stamatina Voidonikola, Educator, and Ms. Vasiliki Maraka, President of the Association of Attica People with Multiple Sclerosis.
This Interactive Meeting brought together a multitude of healthcare professionals, women with disabilities, and citizens, who listened, empathized, decoded, and discussed the challenges these women face in their daily lives. It concluded with a promise to continue efforts and organize future actions that will enhance the visibility and support for women with disabilities in our society.
