SMRC organises ‘Woman with Disabilities’ Workshop in Bhubaneswar

Shanta Memorial Rehabilitation Centre (SMRC) is a nonprofit organization working in the field of disability since 1985. SMRC’s mission has been to work with solidarity on issue of disability and gender, with an aim to create a world that is non-violent, just, and equal.

The intersection between gender and disability presents itself as a social, economical, health and human rights issue. Women with disabilities face double discrimination in present society. Due to exclusion and stigma women with disabilities continue to be neglected both in disability specific and gender specific programs and policies.

They get very rare opportunity to share their views and concerns. Even if they face violence from within and outside their home environment their voice remain unheard and issues remain unaddressed. In this context SMRC has taken to organize a National Workshop on August 26, 2015 at Hotel Excellency, Bhubaneswar.

Women activists from Disabilities from Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Odisha have participated in this one day brain storming workshop to discuss the issue of violence against Woman with Disabilities and how to use social media for doing advocacy over this.

Dr, Minati Behera, State commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Odisha inaugurated the workshop. Ms. Amba Salekar , Disability Rights Activist from Chennai was the lead speaker on methods of advocacy and networking by using Social Media.