Invisible Yet Invincible: Experiences of Disabled Women at the Workplace in Kashmir

Abstract

This research aims to explore the lived experiences of disabled women in workplaces across Kashmir, a region distinguished by its diverse cultural norms and socio-economic dynamics. The objective is to understand the unique challenges and barriers that these women face, which significantly impact their career opportunities and professional development. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study delves into the specific hurdles encountered by disabled women in their quest for meaningful employment. It further investigates their coping mechanisms and identifies potential strategies for creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. The findings reveal that disabled women in Kashmir experience a range of obstacles, including physical accessibility issues, social stigmatization, and lack of appropriate workplace accommodations. Despite these challenges, many women demonstrate remarkable resilience and employ various coping strategies to navigate their professional lives. The study highlights the critical need for policy reforms and workplace adaptations to better support and empower disabled women. Recommendations include implementing inclusive policies, enhancing accessibility, providing disability awareness training for employers and colleagues, and offering targeted support services.