Submissions

To: United Nations
Date: September 2024

Purpose

This first alternative report’s primary purpose is to present the unique perspectives and experiences of disabled women in Aotearoa New Zealand, highlighting the multiple layers of discrimination, stigmas, and prejudice they face.

The report aims to advocate for systemic change, improved funding and resourcing, and the repeal of harmful legislation to ensure equity, safety, and human rights for disabled women across various intersecting identities.

Summary of DPA submission

DPA welcomes the opportunity to present its first alternative report to the United Nations Committee against the Elimination and Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), highlighting issues faced by disabled women in Aotearoa New Zealand.
 
Despite commitments from successive governments to CEDAW and the UNCRPD, disabled women continue to face discrimination, stigmas, and prejudice on multiple levels. These include barriers to healthcare, education, information technology, inaccessible and unhealthy homes, reductions in income security, challenges in accessing justice and violence prevention/support, rising living costs, increased rents, digital inequities, and reduced disability funding.
 
The report emphasizes an intersectional approach, recognizing that disabled women, particularly those who are Māori, Pacifica, LGBTQIA+/takatāpui, migrants, or rural residents, face compounded marginalization.
 
DPA supports protecting the rights of disabled women, transgender women, non-binary people, and intersex people, noting they experience heightened discrimination.
 
DPA highlights that disabled women experience higher rates of violence, including non-partner physical and sexual violence, and face additional difficulties accessing protection and support measures. Statistics show girls and women with intellectual/learning disabilities are more likely to be victims of crime.
 
DPA expresses concerns about the current Government's focus on charter schools, which divert funds from public learning support and pose threats to inclusive education. DPA also notes that government funding cuts to public service workers (e.g., speech language therapists, teacher aides) impact education for disabled students.
 
In terms of economic and social benefits, disabled women are more likely to have lower incomes than non-disabled people and disabled men. DPA is concerned about the disestablishment of the Pay Equity Taskforce and the abolition of Fair Pay Agreements, which had aimed to reduce pay gaps for vulnerable workers.
 
Disabled women are significantly impacted by New Zealand's housing crisis, often living in inaccessible, cold, damp, unaffordable rentals in unsafe neighbourhoods, exacerbated by the reintroduction of no-cause evictions.
 
Benefit restrictions and sanctions disproportionately affect disabled women, especially sole parents.
 
Rural disabled women face barriers to accessing services due to travel, long waits, and funding restrictions.
 
DPA highlights concerns for Pacifica disabled people, including increased racism in education, job loss, food insecurity, and issues with housing and income.
 
The Immigration (Mass Arrivals) Amendment Act and the discriminatory Acceptable Standard of Health (ASH) criteria disproportionately affect migrant disabled women and their families.
 
DPA raises concerns about familial abuse, including homicides of disabled girls and women by family members, and benefit rates penalizing disabled mothers in relationships.
 
Recent restrictions on respite funding and disability support funds for carer travel have severe impacts, as carers are disproportionately women.
 
Key Recommendation:

DPA recommends that Manatū Wāhine Ministry of Women (MoW) ensure that disabled women from a range of demographics and intersectional identities are included in consultation and decision-making processes.
 
Supporting Statement 1:

“In May 2024, the European Union (EU) adopted the first EU law to combat violence against women and domestic violence: the EU Directive on combating violence against women.”
 
Supporting Statement 2:

“The rights and interests of tāngata whaikaha Māori (disabled), wāhine Māori (women), kaumātua (the elderly), rangatahi (youth), tamariki Māori (children), and takatāpui (LGBTIQ+) communities must also be front and centre of both a Declaration plan and engagement.”