Low representation of women with intellectual disabilities in leadership roles

On September 30, 2026, the Committee for the Protection of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (EPANA) in Cyprus highlighted the persistent lack of women with intellectual disabilities in institutional leadership and representative positions. Despite their active involvement in self-advocacy groups, their presence in decision-making roles remains critically limited.

The findings were discussed following a September 22 international online meeting organized by Inclusion Europe as part of the 'Hear Our Voices' initiative, specifically focused on the theme 'Women in Self-Advocacy.' Participants included self-advocates from across Europe and representatives from groups supported by EPANA in Cyprus. To prepare for this international dialogue, EPANA facilitated two preliminary meetings in Cyprus where local women recorded their views and challenges regarding the pursuit of leadership roles.

The European teleconference featured success stories and experiences from five self-advocates from France, the Netherlands, Scotland, Sweden, and Spain, who have successfully assumed leadership functions. EPANA emphasizes the urgent necessity to foster empowerment for these women to ensure they move from active participation in advocacy to meaningful representation within institutional structures.