ABSTRACT. So far, the law recognizes more than twenty-five criteria of discrimination. Disadvantaging a person because of their origin, sex, age, disability, or opinions is prohibited by law and the international conventions to which France adheres. In France, the “Defender of Rights,” an independent administrative authority, supports victims or witnesses of discrimination, regardless of the reason (origin, disability, gender, etc.) or area (employment, housing, access to a service, etc.). Lawyers provide free support and guidance to all people who have suffered violence and discrimination in order to restore their rights. Furthermore, disability is an aggravating factor in the exposure to violence against women. In addition to the “Defender of Rights,” the association “Act Against Exclusion” combats all forms of violence suffered by women with disabilities. The workplace is a living space that is not immune to gender inequalities, gender-based violence, and sexual violence. Additionally, women with disabilities are often victims within the family setting, by their husbands or family members. “Women for Saying, Women for Acting” defends all disabled women, regardless of their disability, and helps them fight against double discrimination: being a woman and being disabled. Beyond simple listening, the association supports women with disabilities towards independence and autonomy. In addition to associations, the French government is launching a national awareness campaign to change the way people view disability by supporting short and long films, as well as ten portraits featuring everyday situations of disabled women. These films and portraits are created in close collaboration with people with disabilities who have volunteered to be models. The awareness campaign is broadcast on TV, in cinemas, in the press, with posters, and through online platforms to involve all citizens in the mobilization.

Keywords: gender; disability; violence; sexual violence; sexual harassment; disabled women; suffering

How to cite: Oktapoda, E. (2025). “Discrimination, Gender, and Disability: Violence Suffered by Disabled Women in France,” Journal of Research in Gender Studies 15(2): 9–24. doi: 10.22381/JRGS15220251.

Received 7 April 2025 • Received in revised form 22 December 2025
Accepted 24 December 2025 • Available online 30 December 2025