Characterization of unemployed women with physical disabilities in a national rehabilitation centre in Bangladesh: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Women with disabilities’ presence are comparatively less than that of men with disabilities in employment sector. 20% women with disabilities are involved in employment whereas 53% men with disabilities are employed (WHO, 2011) worldwide. The objective of this study is to explore the characteristics of women with physical disabilities in Bangladesh.

Participants & Method: Eighty-eight women with physical disabilities who have capability to work and earn their income but not doing so were collected through purposive sampling. Cross sectional survey was conducted through using a structured survey questionnaire to carry out the study.

Results: A significant number of study participants have faced lack of accessibility in workplace and transport which did not allow them to work outside. Lack of trust and negative attitudes of family and community members, employers and role on the unemployment of women with physical disabilities. Shyness due to appearance, mental tiredness, lack of confidence, difficulty to ask help from others easily are also significant causes of not working outside for the participants. Women with disabilities experience low confidence that they think they have no qualification to do any job. They could not start a business as a self-employment option due to lack of capital. Fear of sexual harassment is a significant factor which creates barrier in the employment of women with physical disabilities.