Ministry Supports Initiatives Contributing to Greater Inclusion of Women and Girls with Disabilities

The representative of the Directorate for the Protection and Equality of Persons with Disabilities in the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, Mr. Anđelka Kljajević, participated in the closing conference of the project "Barrier-Free: Equal, Visible, Unstoppable" and a panel discussion "Together for a Society Without Barriers" organized by the non-governmental organization "Network for European Policies MASTER," which was financially supported by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights in the field of disability protection for 2025. Addressing the conference participants, Kljajević emphasized that the closing conference is not only an opportunity to present the project's achieved results but also for open dialogue on further steps toward creating a society of equal opportunities, where women and girls with disabilities will have equal conditions to educate themselves, work, be economically independent, and actively participate in all segments of social life. Women, girls, and young women with disabilities often face multiple barriers, not only those arising from disability but also those resulting from gender stereotypes, prejudices, and lack of visibility in society. Therefore, it is necessary to continue removing not only physical but also administrative, communication, and social barriers, as well as prejudices that often represent the greatest obstacle to their full social inclusion. During the panel discussion, challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities, progress made in improving their status, recognized barriers to removal, project results, and opportunities for further intersectoral cooperation and policy development to ensure their full and equal participation in society were discussed. It was concluded that building a society of equal opportunities requires joint action by institutions, civil society organizations, and all relevant stakeholders, and that the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights will continue to be a reliable partner for initiatives that contribute to social inclusion, empowerment of vulnerable groups, and creating a more accessible and fair society for all citizens.