First National Conference on Women with Disabilities in Ecuador

Grantee: The National Commission of Women with Physical Disabilities (CNMDF)
Location: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Grant Amount: $7,400
Project Dates: November 2007 – April 2008
Project Title: Health and Social Issues for Women with Disabilities
Project Details: CNMDF is a project within the National Federation of Ecuadorians with Physical Disabilities (FENEDIF) that works to support women with disabilities to achieve independence and enables them to participate more fully in society. Their project offered a training on defending the rights of women with disabilities in order to promote their social inclusion in Ecuador. The training was organized by women with disabilities with the goal of increasing the capacity of disabled peoples organizations (DPOs) to promote participation of women with disabilities in healthcare programs.
Results:

• Trained 80 professionals in the fields of health, psychology, sociology and human rights on the theme of disability
• The director of University of Guayaquil’s medical departments committed to making their programs accessible to people with disabilities.
• The Eugenio Espejo Foundation, an organization that focuses on women’s issues, committed to incorporating women with disabilities into their programs.
• The Maria Guare Foundation, an organization that works on violence against women, is now acquiring information and materials related to women with disabilities.
• Raised awareness among gynecologists that there is a need for training on care for women with disabilities in the birthing process.
• Doctors became aware that they did not have the necessary accessible equipment for women with disabilities during pregnancy and childbirth.
• A commitment was made to work with the medical department of the Municipality of Guayaquil.