ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL2.GPID/2026/Factsheet.1
Country: Arab region, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Republic of Djibouti, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, State of Kuwait, Lebanese Republic, Kingdom of Morocco, Sultanate of Oman, State of Palestine, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Republic of Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Yemen
Publication Type: Information material
Cluster: Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development
Focus Area: Gender equality, Inclusive development
Initiatives: Job creation, Reducing inequalities, Women’s economic empowerment, Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls, Women’s rights and gender mainstreaming, Arab Digital Inclusion Platform, Including persons with disabilities in the labour market
SDGs: Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Keywords: Algeria, Arab countries, Djibouti, Economic, social and cultural rights, Egypt, Gender equality, Gender-based violence, Government policy, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Legal status, Morocco, Oman, Persons with disabilities, Qatar, Saudi arabia, Somalia, State of palestine, Sudan, Syrian arab republic, Tunisia, United arab emirates, Women's education, Women's employment, Women's health, Women's rights, Women's status, Yemen
Status of women and girls with disabilities in the Arab region: an analytical reading in view of the national reviews of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action +30
March 2026
This analytical paper examines the situation of women and girls with disabilities in the Arab region thirty years after the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, drawing on the national reports prepared by Arab States in the context of the Beijing+30 review. The paper covers approximately 19 countries and relies on the official data contained in those reports regarding legislative developments, public policies and relevant national programmes. The paper focuses on three main pillars that reflect international commitments: equality and non-discrimination; ensuring access to social and economic rights; and protection from violence. It presents the key initiatives and measures undertaken by countries to promote the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities, including the enactment of laws, the adoption of national strategies, and the implementation of programs in the areas of education, employment, health, and social protection.
The findings indicate that the Arab region has witnessed notable progress in recognizing the rights of persons with disabilities and integrating them into public policies, with varying levels of implementation across countries, particularly regarding the integration of the needs of women with disabilities in different sectors, depending on national contexts and available resources. The paper also highlights efforts to enhance access to essential services, strengthen institutional frameworks, and improve data production. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of building on the progress achieved and reinforcing a comprehensive rights-based approach that supports the equal participation of women and girls with disabilities in all areas of life, and contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the principle of leaving no one behind.
Related content
Gender equality, Inclusive development
This analytical paper examines the situation of women and girls with disabilities in the Arab region thirty years after the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, drawing on the national reports prepared by Arab States in the context of the Beijing+30 review. The paper covers approximately 19 countries and relies on the official data contained in those reports regarding legislative developments, public policies and relevant national programmes. The paper focuses on three main pillars that reflect international commitments: equality and non-discrimination; ensuring access to social and economic rights; and protection from violence. It presents the key initiatives and measures undertaken by countries to promote the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities, including the enactment of laws, the adoption of national strategies, and the implementation of programs in the areas of education, employment, health, and social protection.
The findings indicate that the Arab region has witnessed notable progress in recognizing the rights of persons with disabilities and integrating them into public policies, with varying levels of implementation across countries, particularly regarding the integration of the needs of women with disabilities in different sectors, depending on national contexts and available resources. The paper also highlights efforts to enhance access to essential services, strengthen institutional frameworks, and improve data production. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of building on the progress achieved and reinforcing a comprehensive rights-based approach that supports the equal participation of women and girls with disabilities in all areas of life, and contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the principle of leaving no one behind.
