A global platform advancing leadership, policy influence, partnerships, and disability-inclusive development through the meaningful participation of women with disabilities.
The Global Forum on the Leadership of Women with Disabilities (GFLWD) was born from a shared vision: a world where women and girls with disabilities lead, shape, and influence the decisions that affect their lives. For decades, women with disabilities have been at the forefront of advocacy—working tirelessly to claim space in movements where their voices were often overlooked or underrepresented.
GFLWD emerged as a response to this gap. It is the culmination of years of activism, collaboration, and determination by women leaders with disabilities from across regions, cultures, and communities. Their lived experience, resilience, and leadership form the heart of this global movement.
A world where women with disabilities lead, influence policy, and participate equally in shaping inclusive societies.
To strengthen leadership, influence policy, build partnerships, and advance disability-inclusive and gender-responsive development through meaningful participation.
Driving global change through the leadership, rights, and meaningful participation of women with disabilities.
Strengthening the leadership of women with disabilities and increasing their meaningful participation in decision-making at local, national, regional, and global levels.
Promoting disability- and gender-inclusive policies and influencing global, regional, and national agendas through evidence-based advocacy.
Advancing inclusive economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, and equal access to employment and livelihoods.
Generating evidence, sharing knowledge, and promoting innovative solutions that strengthen disability-inclusive and gender-responsive policies.
Advocating for disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction, humanitarian action, and climate resilience.
Building strategic partnerships with governments, UN agencies, organizations of persons with disabilities, academia, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate inclusive change.
We are the Global Forum on the Leadership of Women with Disabilities (GFLWD). We don’t just advocate for a seat at the table—we are building a new table where leadership is defined by inclusion, agency, and intersectional rights.
Moving beyond basic aid to facilitate true financial independence through entrepreneurship and inclusive global trade participation.
Integrating disability rights into international foreign policy and ensuring our leaders are represented in every global summit and UN delegation.
Cultivating the next generation of advocates through specialized leadership academies and inclusive educational reform.
Amplifying the Leadership and Voices of Women with Disabilities for an Inclusive and
Equitable World.
COSP19
CSW70
IDPD Global Webinar
COSP18
CSW67
COSP15
ESCAP
Steering Committee
COSP14
Expert Group Meeting
IDPD
COSP13