Despite the zeal to study, the going was tough for Tabassum Ara (21). Living in a slum at Park Circus with a family consisting of four brothers and three sisters, Tabassum used to work as a domestic help to pay for her studies. While taking her Class VIII examinations, however, she showed signs of visual disability and failed in her studies. Since then, her headmaster and teachers barred her from attending school.

Similar is the story of Rupali (name changed), whose stunted arm and finger growth resulted in her in-laws not accepting her. She was regularly subjected to verbal abuse in her household.

In a country where 9.3 million women are differently-abled, (2.3 million from urban area and 6.9 million from rural areas), West Bengal is no exception as far as discrimination against differently-abled women are concerned.

A recent study conducted by an NGO, Association of Women with Disabilities, across five states in Eastern India reveals low levels of education, employment and decision-making status in households among women with disabilities.

The study is part of a three-year project funded by UK-based Healthlink, wherein three NGOs took part- one each in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka — which will end this year.

In India, illiteracy rates among respondents in Orissa and Assam were 41.7 per cent and 32.5 per cent respectively. Bengal recorded 46.1 per cent, Jharkhand 70.9 per cent and Bihar 63.8 per cent. Fewer than 20 per cent of women with disabilities reported to have completed secondary education.

With regard to taking part household affairs, 44.5 per cent of women with disabilities in Bengal had no say in decision-making, compared to 72 per cent in Bihar, 68.3 per cent in Orissa and 49.6 per cent in Jharkhand.

Ninety per cent respondents were unaware of laws concerning women’s rights. Only 10 per cent in Bengal said they were aware of government schemes and policies, compared to 57.3 per cent in Orissa and 14.9 per cent in Assam.

Following the report, the state women’s commission in Bengal has now sent out a proposal to the state disability commission for holding a meeting with government officials, NGOs and activists and subsequently recommending a plan of action to the state government.