Call on International Aid Agencies: It's Time to Make Protecting Disabled Women a Global Priority!

In the part of Uganda where Grace lives, some people believe that unprotected sex with a disabled woman will cure HIV.

Grace is 20 years old and blind. Every day Grace walks home alone.

The horrifying truth is that disabled women are too often considered weak, worthless and in some cases subhuman by their societies - and because of that face a heightened risk of domestic and sexual violence.

Unfortunately, too many existing aid programs meant to prevent sexual violence against women do not take into account the unique dangers and challenges faced by women with disabilities.

Without specific attention and solutions, these women are being left behind and at risk.

Luckily Grace found help with a local network of disability activists working to educate their community and train local law enforcement tackling gender based violence in how it uniquely impacts disabled women like Grace.

Grace's life is still incredibly difficult, but she now has advocates and local police who understand her particular needs and are willing to respond when she reports violence and abuse.

But there are millions of disabled women and girls suffering abuse each day.

We urgently need all aid agencies to build into their programmes the right protection for disabled women.

It's time to make protecting disabled women a global priority. By adding your voice and speaking up, we can help make protecting disabled women a priority for all aid agencies.