Women with Disabilities in the Workplace: Breaking Barriers & Building Equity

In the ongoing pursuit of workplace equity, the voices and experiences of women with disabilities are too often left out of the conversation. These women face a unique intersection of challenges, including ableism, sexism, and systemic barriers, that can make securing and thriving in employment even more difficult. And yet, every day, they show up, speak out, and make their mark.

We believe true inclusion means recognizing these challenges and actively working to remove them.

The Overlapping Barriers

Women with disabilities are more likely to face:

• Employment discrimination, both overt and unconscious

• Lower wages compared to both men with disabilities and women without disabilities

• Limited access to leadership opportunities or professional development

• Stereotypes that diminish their capabilities or potential

This double bind, facing bias for both gender and disability, makes it all the more important to be intentional about inclusive hiring and advancement practices.

Strength in Representation

Representation matters. When women with disabilities see themselves reflected in the workplace, especially in leadership, it:

• Increases confidence and belonging

• Fosters a culture of empowerment

• Inspires others to pursue opportunities they may have previously believed were out of reach

Organizations that value and uplift diverse voices become stronger, more resilient, and more innovative.

What Inclusion Looks Like

Creating equity for women with disabilities in the workplace means more than hiring, it means cultivating an environment where they can grow and lead.

Here’s how employers can help:

• Audit pay equity to ensure fair compensation

• Create mentorship opportunities specifically for women with disabilities

• Build inclusive policies that recognize the intersection of gender and disability

• Prioritize accessibility in physical spaces, digital tools, and communication

• Celebrate stories of success and perseverance in your workforce

When women with disabilities are supported and respected, everyone benefits.

Centering Lived Experience

Equity work must be shaped by the voices of those most impacted. That’s why organizations need to:

• Listen to employees about their needs and experiences

• Include women with disabilities in decision-making processes

• Offer leadership development opportunities to pave the way for advancement

When you invite authentic perspectives to the table—and value them—you create the conditions for equity to grow.

Breaking Barriers, Together

Women with disabilities are not waiting for permission to lead—they’re already doing it. It’s time for workplaces to meet them with the opportunities, respect, and recognition they deserve.

We are proud to support women with disabilities as they break barriers, redefine expectations, and build a more equitable future—for themselves and for all of us.