Addressing the Challenges of Sexual Health for Women with Disabilities in Africa

Despite three decades of global efforts to promote inclusive sexual and reproductive health policies, women with disabilities in Africa continue to face significant obstacles. Their rights to comprehensive sexual health services are frequently overlooked, limiting access to contraception and essential information. This gap is largely influenced by broader societal issues such as poverty, gender inequality, limited education, and restrictive cultural or legal norms. Without proper access to sexual health knowledge or contraception, women are vulnerable to a range of health issues, including unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and higher risks of HIV infection. These problems often remain unaddressed in public discourse.

Research indicates a substantial disparity in access to sexual health information. Many formats crucial for women with disabilities—like braille, sign language, and audio resources—are scarce or unavailable, further marginalizing this group. Socioeconomic and cultural barriers intensify their exclusion, widening health inequalities. To better understand this crisis, researchers analyzed recent Demographic and Health Survey data from ten African countries, involving over 16,000 women with disabilities aged 15 to 49. The study assessed their contraceptive use and level of sexual health knowledge, revealing stark regional contrasts. For instance, in Nigeria, only 3% of women with disabilities had basic sexual health knowledge, while in Uganda, 27% did. Modern contraceptive use was equally low across many countries.

The analysis identified key factors affecting access—including education level, marital status, residence, community literacy, and income. Regions with low levels of knowledge and contraceptive use highlight a pressing need for targeted interventions. Improving education, addressing structural barriers, and expanding access through community outreach, free or subsidized contraception, and inclusive health services are vital strategies. Policymakers must recognize the unique needs of women with disabilities, engaging community leaders to challenge stigma and foster inclusion.

Enhancing information accessibility through formats like braille and sign language, along with integrating disability-friendly services into primary healthcare, are essential steps forward. Addressing these disparities is crucial not only for individual health but also for promoting equity and empowering women with disabilities to make informed reproductive choices.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-sexual-health-extra-struggle-women.html