Take Five: “My vision for the future is a society where every aspect of life – from education to employment and political participation – is fully accessible and inclusive for all women and girls”
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Hiljmijeta Apuk is a vocal activist from Kosovo1 for the rights of people with disabilities. In 2013 she received the prestigious United Nations Award for Human Rights Achievement, placing her among the greatest human rights defenders. This was the first time a woman with a disability received this award, and the first time it was granted to someone from Eastern Europe. Today, Hiljmijeta has become the voice for women and girls with disabilities in Kosovo and beyond. On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Hilmijeta shares her journey, challenges, and aspirations for a more inclusive and equitable world.
1. You have been a strong voice for women with disabilities; could you share more about yourself?
I was born with a disability and have faced numerous challenges, but my life journey has taught me that perseverance, willpower, and family support can open doors and allow dreams to come true. Thanks to my father’s encouragement, at the age of 18, I passed my driving test, which gave me independence and enabled me to complete two degrees – Law and Economics – in Pristina.
Living with a disability in the Balkans, in a society full of prejudice and discrimination, inspired me to dedicate my life to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. I believed that if I could help others, my work would have a meaning. I dedicated countless days and nights to volunteering, , driven by the thought of women and girls living in isolation.
I founded the NGO Little People of Kosovo, inspired by a U.S. organization, and introduced projects that changed many lives. Campaigns like Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) and October – Month of Professional Opportunities for People with Disabilities led to new job opportunities and contributed to the creation of equal chances for all people with disabilities in Kosovo, with a special focus on women and girls.
I also managed to amplify the voice of women and girls from Kosovo on a global level. The UN General Assembly appointed me as one of the members of the Ad Hoc Committee responsible for drafting the new Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
2. As we mark the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’, what are the most urgent challenges faced by different women and girls with disabilities today, and how can we effectively address them?
I believe that the most urgent challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities include the double discrimination that women and girls face due to their gender and disability. Access to education and employment also remain serious challenges.
Women and girls with disabilities are always at a heightened risk of gender-based violence— often due to their isolation and dependence on others. They are also often denied adequate healthcare, especially when it comes to sexual and reproductive health.
To address these challenges, we must work together to empower women and girls with disabilities so that they can have access to inclusive education, legal protection, and access to the labour market.
An effective response to these challenges requires coordination between the government, NGOs, communities, and international institutions to ensure equality, access to resources, and full participation of women with disabilities in society.
In my personal experience, to promote the rights of people with disabilities, among others I turned to art to show the world what it is like to live with a disability. Through computer graphics and design, I organized exhibitions in the U.S., Germany, and Kosovo. A particularly significant project was the creation of a series of postage stamps dedicated to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – the first of its kind in the world.
3. Women with disabilities are underrepresented in leadership roles and decision-making. What strategies do you think can promote greater inclusion and representation?
To address this issue, we need to focus on empowering women and girls with disabilities through education, leadership training, and mentorship programs that prepare them to take on these roles. At the same time, we must advocate for policies like representation quotas and stronger legislation to ensure their inclusion.
Changing public perceptions is also critical, which means promoting their achievements and challenging stereotypes. Encouraging women and girls’ participation in political and social spaces, along with fostering networks and global initiatives, can further support their leadership journey.
4. As we mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, can you tell us about the ongoing barriers women with disabilities face when seeking justice for sexual harassment and violence?
Women with disabilities face significant barriers when seeking justice for sexual harassment and gender-based violence. Many are unable to seek available services due to physical inaccessibility, and there is often a lack of services for those with sensory impairments.
Social prejudices further complicate their cases, with victims often being discredited or dismissed because of stereotypes about their sexuality or ability to recognize violence. Furthermore, the limited access to psychological support makes it harder to process trauma.
Financial barriers, like high legal costs, and fear of retaliation from abusers, especially if they rely on the abuser for care, also deter women from seeking justice. To break down these barriers, we need to ensure accessible services, provide targeted training, promote women’s rights through media campaigns, and improve legal frameworks to protect them.
5. What is your vision for the future of gender equality and inclusion of women and girls with disabilities?
My vision for the future is a society where every aspect of life – from education to employment and political participation – is fully accessible and inclusive for all women and girls. This means a society that recognizes and values the unique talents, experiences, and needs of women with disabilities.
In the future, women with disabilities should not be marginalized in any area but should have the same opportunities to contribute to society at all levels. This includes gender balance in leadership and decision-making, safe and accessible resources for violence prevention, and secure and accessible legal mechanisms to seek justice. It is also important for society to create a safe and supportive environment that allows women with disabilities to express their needs, voice, and identity without fear of discrimination or violence.
1 References to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).