On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities the European Union partnered with Sightsavers to introduce the Beyond Barriers project, backed by €1 million over three years to advance women’s rights, promote economic empowerment and work to prevent gender-based violence and harassment affecting women with disabilities. The announcement highlighted Sightsavers Ireland as the coordinating body for the programme.
Beyond Barriers is designed to strengthen protections and opportunities for women with disabilities by supporting initiatives that remove barriers to participation and improve access to livelihoods. The project seeks to combine funding, collaborative action and targeted measures so that women with disabilities can participate more fully in social and economic life.
The three-year financing commitment underscores a growing emphasis on inclusive gender equality and disability rights. Beyond Barriers aims to encourage cooperation among donors, service providers and advocates to reduce harassment and violence while expanding economic options for women with disabilities.
Sightsavers Ireland and the EU said the initiative reflects a shared goal of creating environments where women with disabilities can thrive, and the project will serve as a focal point for partners looking to advance rights, protection and empowerment over the coming years.
