Women with Disabilities and Development

About Our Women's Programs

One of MIUSA’s unique attributes is that we naturally work with a gender lens. Empowerment of women is integral to who we are and what we do. MIUSA's projects focus on infusing the perspectives of women with disabilities into international women's movements and development agendas. MIUSA's women's programs support the implementation of Article 6 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which promotes the full development, advancement and empowerment of women with disabilities.

Women's Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)

Our signature women’s program is the Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD). WILD brings together new and emerging grassroots women leaders with disabilities from around the world to build skills, exchange experiences and strategies, create new visions and strengthen international networks of support.

The contributions of the extraordinary women of the WILD program not only improve the lives of women and girls with disabilities in their home countries, they also play a critical role in combating discrimination, promoting inclusion, and defending human rights the world over.

- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

One key component of the WILD program is the Gender, Disability and Development Institute (GDDI). At GDDI, MIUSA brings together WILD delegates and representatives from major international development agencies for a four-day retreat.

For more information about WILD and GDDI, please visit the WILD web page.

WILD Seed Grants Program

Through the generous support of the Channel Foundation, MIUSA was pleased to offer additional support to 2012 WILD alumni after the WILD program, by administering the first WILD Seed Grants Program. Building on the momentum of the WILD program, WILD seed grants are supporting initiatives that offer promise for effective inclusion and participation of women and girls with disabilities in international development. In January 2013, MIUSA awarded eleven grants to 2012 WILD alumni. Read more about the WILD Seed Grants Program.

Brilliant and Resilient: Celebrating the Power of Disabled Women Activists

This photo exhibit project recognizes the leadership and outstanding accomplishments of disabled women activists from around the world through professional photographs of 30 WILD women representing 28 countries. Visit the "Brilliant and Resilient" web page to learn more about this international exhibition and hosting opportunities.

Videos

Creating a World As It Should Be®: The Power of Disabled Women Activists

This video documents the power of disabled women activists in their quest to be included in international development programs. Sharing strategies across borders, this powerful, uplifting and invigorating documentary portrays activists who are paving the way for women and girls in their own countries to achieve their human rights. Available in English, Spanish and Arabic. Will be available on Youtube on December 3rd, 2012 for International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Loud, Proud and Passionate!® Music Video

Signing and singing in Arabic, Spanish and English, 54 disabled women activists from 43 countries celebrate the pride, achievements and solidarity of women with disabilities around the world, in this video filmed during MIUSA’s 5th Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD). Watch the video on Youtube!

Loud, Proud and Passionate!®

Loud, Proud and Passionate® captures the essence of MIUSA’s unique programs led by and for women with disabilities. Loud, Proud and Passionate® documents the 2003 WILD program. MIUSA has developed a strong network of women with disabilities and their allies around the world working for the rights of disabled women at grassroots, national, and regional levels. Open-captioned and available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, French. Watch the video on YouTube (2 parts) or order a high quality DVD copy.

Loud, Proud and Prosperous!®

The majority of the world's 300 million women with disabilities have little chance to achieve economic security. Through the Loud, Proud and Prosperous® program, MIUSA worked with women with disabilities in Southern Africa to create and document new opportunities to participate successfully in community micro credit and micro enterprise projects. Open-captioned and available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic. Watch the video (2 parts - English only) on YouTube or order a high quality DVD copy available in all languages listed above.