Using the Bioethical Principles of Solidarity and Subsidiarity to AdvanceIntersectional Feminism and Disability Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa by Elizabeth Ochola
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Abstract
Gender is a social-cultural characteristic that links roles, identities and opportunities to
the aspect of being male or female, while gender equity refers to the process of being
fair to men and women in the treatment and access to opportunities. In sub-Saharan
Africa, gender inequity among women persists and is worse for women with disabilities
as they face additional barriers to accessing basic services such as education, housing,
healthcare, mobility, employment and empowerment opportunities. Despite
progressive reforms that mandate the participation of women, particularly women with
disabilities at international and country levels, this group of women continue to face
barriers to basic rights and participation. This opinion piece discusses the bioethical
principles of solidarity and subsidiarity in advancing intersectional feminism and
disability rights in sub-Saharan Africa. By definition, solidarity is the global coordination
of a cause to protect human dignity based on the reality of our interconnectedness and
quest for mutual flourishing. On the other hand, subsidiarity is the decentralization of
decision-making processes among multiple stakeholders to empower populations with
the greatest need. Hence, the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity are progressive
rights-based approaches that may be used to tackle structural inequalities and promote
social protection systems for gender and disability. As such, sub-Saharan Africa stands
to benefit from such frameworks to address forms of systemic oppression and facilitate
respect for the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations such as women with
disabilities. The rights of women with disabilities cannot be achieved in isolation as they
are linked to other ethical principles of respect for difference, accessibility, and equality
of opportunity. Therefore, if well implemented, acts of solidarity and subsidiarity
transcend individual goals to advance collective action for intersectional and inclusive
frameworks that meet the needs of women with disabilities in their complexities and
diversity.
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