The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, concurrently observed within the 16 Days of Activism to fight violence against women and girls, invite us all to reflect on the profound truth articulated in the global statement by the UNFPA Executive Director: the full inclusion and safety of people with disabilities are not optional add-ons, but indispensable to building an equitable world—especially in the rapidly evolving digital realm.
Countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council are at the forefront of digital transformation, recognizing technology's immense power as a force for empowerment and progress. For people with disabilities, digital tools offer unprecedented access to education, employment opportunities, social networks, and essential services, aligning with ambitious national visions that prioritize an inclusive society.
The digital world, for all its promise, is also fraught with risks, particularly for women and girls with disabilities. They face an increased likelihood of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, which often is a continuation of violence experienced in the physical world.
Studies show that when women face technology-facilitated gender-based violence - such as online harassment, non-consensual sharing of private information, or cyberstalking - they often withdraw from digital spaces. This self-censorship is amplified for women and girls with disabilities, who rely on technology for essential connections and advocacy. Their withdrawal equates to a severe loss of their perspectives in public life, the economy, and decision-making processes, undermining the very principles of equality and inclusion that are very dear to GCC countries.
Too often, the misguided attempt to 'protect' women and girls with disabilities involves restricting their access to technology altogether. As the UNFPA ED statement emphasizes, shutting down access leads to a loss of independence, vital family and social connections, and the very opportunities for empowerment that technology provides.
GCC countries are actively responding to this call, and some of them like the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman have launched national policies and guidelines on Digital Accessibility to ensure that websites, mobile applications, and digital services are usable by all. This momentum is vital, and should be broadened to address the full spectrum of digital life, not just access to government services.
While global estimates suggest that one in six people live with a disability, data from the GCC show a different picture, possibly originating from disparities in the definitions of disability and in ways people with disability are registered. Available data however reveals a significant gender disparity, with women often constituting a higher percentage of the disabled population in certain categories, highlighting their compounded vulnerability due to intersecting forms of discrimination.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us act with intention. By ensuring digital spaces are safe, inclusive, and accessible, GCC countries can solidify their role as leaders in global development, transforming technology from a potential site of harm into the greatest enabler of dignity, participation, and prosperity for all its citizens.
