Civil20, a group that participates in the G20 process, has created a new working group called Disability, Equity, Justice (DEJ) to address issues related to people with disabilities. This is the first time such a working group has been established in the G20 process and it is being led by India.
The DEJ working group’s goal is to improve the lives of the 1.3 billion people around the world who have disabilities. They want to make sure that these individuals are included in economic development and have access to education, jobs, healthcare, and a sustainable environment. The group will also focus on addressing systemic barriers and stigma that prevent people with disabilities from being included in society.
Research shows that countries can lose up to 7% of their GDP due to the exclusion of people with disabilities. Women with disabilities are particularly at risk of being excluded from political, social, and economic spheres.
The DEJ Working Group will hold policy discussions around India and gather suggestions from professionals and people with disabilities at local, regional, and international levels.