2. How are girls and women with disabilities throughout the world empowered to fight for their rights? Provide specific examples. 

3. How do Indigenous cultures understand physical and mental health and well-being differently than dominant, Western cultures? Provide at least three specific examples. How might we better support Indigenous peoples' well-being and mental health by centering their knowledge and perspectives? 

4. What unique challenges do younger women with disabilities OR older women with disabilities in different parts of the world face? (You only need to address one.) (Think about the intersectionality between adultism/ageism and ableism, as well as issues of globalization and imperialism.) What might be strategies to address these challenges? (For younger women with disabilities, refer to Cultiv8 Africa video; for older women with disabilities, refer to Gender, Age, and Disability UN Brief.) 

5. How does the oppression of women and the stigma against people with psychiatric disabilities intersect in India? Think about the rhetoric or narratives that patriarchal cultures use to oppress women and how those connect to or strengthen the rhetoric or narratives used to oppress people with psychiatric disabilities? (Refer to Locked Up and Forgotten video.)

2. The only reason she eventually escaped was because she was able to "contest her husband's claim of mental illness" although she was considered "a rare exception" (Locked Up and Forgotten: India’s Mental Health Crisis time stamp-12:06).

2. Another reason girls and women with disabilities should feel empowered to fight for their rights is because if they don't the intersectional oppression will continue to allow for things like this. "According to WHO, close to one in six older adults have experienced elder abuse in a community setting in the past year, and abuse in institutions is just as prevalent.13 Access to social protection for older women with disabilities is therefore critical." (GENDER, AGE AND DISABILITY: ADDRESSING THE INTERSECTION pg 2).

2.Another reason women and girls with disabilities should feel empowered is because most indigenous people are ranked very high in terms of good mental health and attribute this to things such as elders being given more respect.

2."In Canada, the Inuit place special value on their Elders. They’re seen as essential in passing down stories and traditional knowledge, guiding mental health practices, and offering wisdom on dealing with life changes. Indigenous Elders also facilitate talking—or healing—circles and share traditional practices that support emotional and spiritual well-being" (Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing: Mental Health Lessons from Indigenous Cultures pg 1). Thus, some cultures do put more value on older individuals than Americans tend to do with young people.

2.This isn't even the only culture to put value on older women. Bangladesh puts extra importance on older women as well. "Young and inexperienced in the ways of her shoshur bari (in laws’ household), she knows that she has to please everyone in the entire neighborhood, especially her mother–in-law. But she also knows that as she ages, she will climb the ladder to one day gain a position of authority, just like her mother-in-law." (FAUZIA ERFAN AHMED pg 2). This shows that Bangladesh women understand that as they age, they gain power rather than the other way around.

5. The oppression of women and stigma against people with psychiatric disabilities intersect in Inda because men who are dissatisfied with their wives will claim that their wife has mental illness to get out of any sort of divorce settlements. "The man stands to gain a lot using the insanity petitions" (Locked Up and Forgotten: India’s Mental Health Crisis time stamp-11:24) Men already had more power over the women in their lives, but their control increased when they could get divorced by claiming insanity and their wife would be put into a mental institution with almost no way out.

5. The narratives that patriarchal cultures use to oppress women look something like this.

5. "Women are fragile and soft, we are protecting them by making the hard decisions for them" When in reality this is a tactic for men to gain more control over the women in their lives. This is similar to how people with psychiatric conditions are treated. Some people even without psychiatric conditions are treated this way if others believe that they have a psychiatric disability. They follow the narrative of, "They have a mental illness, they are fragile and weak, they can't take care of themselves or make their own decisions, let me handle that for them," Men having been shaping stories that at first glance appear to be sympathy and concern but are actually disguises to get away with harboring more control for themselves.

5. If a man in India said anything about their wife having a mental illness whether the wife did or didn't, the wife would be taken away to a mental facility. "And many women are also very submissive" (Locked Up and Forgotten: India’s Mental Health Crisis time stamp-11:56). The reason the women in India believe this to be true is because they've grown up in a societal structure where they could be placed in a mental hospital at any moment with little to no chance for escape.

5. The combined story of they are a fragile woman with mental illness makes it very easy for the men to continue to oppress them. "Men can easily do things and get away with them because the system is such that a doctor is talking to the patient's relatives most of the time." (Locked Up and Forgotten: India’s Mental Health Crisis time stamp-11:47)

5. Even the health care system in India is geared toward the men making the decisions over the women.

Women who have disabilities in Zembobwai were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. These women were forced to deal with their disabilities by themselves without help from medicine or caregivers (Cultiv8 Africa, 2021). With the pandemic, deaf patients couldn’t have an interpreter so they didn’t understand what was happening in the world (Cultiva8 Africa, 2021). People with epilepsy couldn’t get their medications because police officers would force them to show proof that they had a disability, but didn’t have any proof (Cultiv8 Africa, 2021). Women were laid off and didn’t have jobs to pay for healthcare or medicines and didn’t have access to physical therapies and treatments that were needed (Cultiv8 Africa, 2021). The lockdown disabled women to sell their work and complete their jobs to be able to make money to provide for their families (Cultiv8 Africa, 2021). I think this is somewhat similar to the U.S. because during the pandemic, everyone was laid off, people couldn’t make money for their families, and health care was scarce for people who didn’t have COVID-19. However, I think in certain countries, women are seen as less than and influence their ability to be treated equally by society. Like in Saudi Arabia, women are seen as the submissive with their husbands and have to be silent in society, and their voices don’t hold significance. This impacts their ability to get access to healthcare and have their disabilities seen as important.

2. How are girls and women with disabilities throughout the world empowered to fight for their rights? Provide specific examples. 

Women in Mexico are setting up organizations to help fight for rights for women with disabilities. They noticed that the society was set up for people without disabilities, so finding ways to adhere to people with disabilities became hard (Ramos, 2019). Some people put together changes they would like to see to improve people with disabilities lives. As she presented her thoughts in front of the legislature and after she graduated, she started working in the state congress to speak up for people with disabilities (Ramos, 2019). In 2005 the first National institution was created to help with getting more rights for people with disabilities (Ramos, 2019). In 2015, Mexico’s first organization for disabilities were created so more women can get involved in activism to speak up about their stories (Ramos, 2019). Since they are not getting equal rights as people without disabilities, they are taking a stand to fight for equal rights.

Older women with disabilities face unique challenges globally, especially regarding economic barriers. The UN Brief on Gender, Age, and Disability indicates that these women usually have limited savings and struggle to maintain a stable standard of living, contributing to significant stress and negatively affecting their mental health (Gender, Age, and Disability UN Brief). This financial instability arises from multiple interconnected factors, such as systemic workplace discrimination that limits their job opportunities, reliance on partners for financial support, and restricted job prospects due to ageism and ableism (Cultivate Africa). For instance, older workers are often passed over for managerial roles in favor of younger candidates, and individuals with disabilities encounter numerous hiring barriers despite being just as qualified. Consequently, they face significant financial insecurity, which severely restricts their ability to live independently and may compel them to depend on social welfare systems. A potential solution to address this financial insecurity involves establishing a comprehensive community-based support network tailored specifically for older women with disabilities. This network could offer much-needed resources and guidance on budgeting, saving, and investment strategies to effectively meet their specific needs. Initiatives could include financial literacy workshops, connections to certified financial advisors who are thoroughly familiar with their unique circumstances, and peer support groups for sharing personal experiences and encouragement. Another major challenge that older women with disabilities face is the societal perception of their vulnerability, which can obstruct their self-advocacy and access to crucial essential services and opportunities (Gender, Age, and Disability UN Brief). Society frequently views them with pity rather than empowerment, thus constraining their avenues for personal and professional development. 

5. How does the oppression of women and the stigma against people with psychiatric disabilities intersect in India?

Think about the rhetoric or narratives that patriarchal cultures use to oppress women and how those connect to or strengthen the rhetoric or narratives used to oppress people with psychiatric disabilities? (Refer to Locked Up and Forgotten video.)

Patriarchal cultures are societies where men hold the majority of power and authority, leading to male privilege and dominance across various social roles. In India, this is evident in several significant ways, such as men typically managing essential resources like land and property, which creates economic barriers for women seeking independence. Traditional practices like dowries reinforce societal norms regarding gender roles, often relegating women to subordinate positions within families and society. This patriarchal structure influences relationship dynamics, limits women's opportunities, and fosters societal expectations that prioritize men's needs and aspirations, frequently overlooking women's desires. Additionally, women face considerable challenges in accessing mental health support due to the stigma surrounding mental illness in India. Often, women are admitted to mental health facilities without legal rights, undergo treatment without consent, and sometimes lack a proper diagnosis; for instance, a woman unhappy in her marriage might be labeled as 'hysterical' and sent to an institution against her will (Locked Up and Forgotten). Once labeled mentally ill, such individuals are deemed legally incapable of making decisions, with minimal input in their treatment, further exacerbating their problems. Tragically, some are admitted even when not mentally ill, illustrating the overlap of gender bias and mental health stigma within Indian society. In "Locked Up and Forgotten," it is highlighted that individuals with psychiatric disabilities are frequently encouraged to seek solace in temples for prayer. While some choose to stay in the temple, others face various challenging procedures. The video notes that women often encounter more severe treatment than men (Locked Up and Forgotten). Once they are institutionalized, women typically have limited say in the duration of their stays and may lose not only their financial stability and homes but also their children. This loss significantly complicates their efforts to reintegrate into society after their release.

3. Indigenous cultures view mental and physical health as interconnected with emotions and spirituality, and all can be influenced by nature. The Western world has dramatically over-medicalized healthcare, and has caused a large disconnect between our health and our surroundings. Indigenous cultures have historically been able to live off the earth, and not pollute and destroy natural habitats. Colonization and the industrial revolution resigned everyone to disease, climate change, and destruction. It's hard to be in sync with and understand the earth when we're actively killing it (and ourselves by extension). Western cultures also tend to be dismissive of older generations, not take them seriously, and don't learn from the past. We also tend to live separately, lack community, and our interactions are often primarily online (Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing). Indigenous cultures promoted group living, providing a sense of community and a built-in support system. Children learn from older adults and are encouraged to embrace community, culture, spirituality, and nature. We could better support Indigenous peoples' well-being by being more accepting and less discriminatory, and also by teaching their health knowledge in academic and healthcare systems. By centering their perspectives in healthcare, we could develop better community relationships, reduce health stigmas, and start making a meaningful difference in the amount of pollution we dump in our natural environments.

2.) Girls and women around the world are empowered through charities and groups that are organized by them. These groups or charities can be used to help fight for equality in places of education or rights in a workplace. An example of this would be using the media to gain the attention they need to support their cause.

• It seems all the various cultures and countries face similar injustices within these communities. Not to mention, the intersectionality with ageism, ableism, and sexism that comes into play as well. Nonetheless, within the articles and videos all shared commonalities. Within the videos and articles of Cultiv8 Africa, the UN Women In Brief: Gender, Age, and Disability: Addressing the Intersection, and Gender, Aging, Witness History: Campaigning for Mexico’s Women with Disabilities, and Power in Rual Bangladesh: Getting older as the Priming of Women by Ahmed, I found the most intersection and comparison across the three countries (Ahmed, 2014; Cultiv8 Africa, 2021; Garcia-Ramos, 2021; UN Women, 2022). All shared how women already ace discrimination no matter what age, let alone that of women with disabilities (Ahmed, 2014; Cultiv8 Africa, 2021; Garcia-Ramos, 2021; UN Women, 2022). However, women of India, as the author Ahmed revealed that there are improvements, just as in all of them with campaigning for women with disabilities, but as being an older woman in India it is giving them the chance (with their respect in the community and adda) to change the oppression for women and women with disabilities of all ages(Ahmed, 2014). What they all face is that woman again face discrimination, older women who have disabilities face more intersections with/of discrimination as there is gender, age, and disabilities (Ahmed, 2014; Cultiv8 Africa, 2021; Garcia-Ramos, 2021; UN Women, 2022). All of them, including the U.S. face lack of representation and respect, as activist Garcia-Ramos stated in her video (Ahmed, 2014; Cultiv8 Africa, 2021; 2021; UN Women, 2022). Again, women across these cultures and counties are not seen as human and, specifically in the UN Women article countries like the U.S. women are seen less human and less worthy of respect (Ahmed, 2014; Cultiv8 Africa, 2021; Garcia-Ramos, 2021; UN Women, 2022). Another similarity is that within research they found that after the age of 49, women report on violence acts committed against them aren’t investigated, which again showcases the lack of care or consideration for older women let along young or older women with disabilities (UN Women, 2022). Sadly, there are more similarities with these various cultures and countries due to their lack of care for women with disabilities of the reasons of why they are similar for more positive reasons. Luckily, all have shown growth through campaigns, communal empowerment, and activism overall of fighting the oppression women with disabilities face, and that globally we are all moving towards a representative and free future (Ahmed, 2014; Cultiv8 Africa, 2021; Garcia-Ramos, 2021; UN Women, 2022).

  
  

  5.How does the oppression of women and the stigma against people with psychiatric disabilities intersect in India? Think about the rhetoric or narratives that patriarchal cultures use to oppress women and how those connect to or strengthen the rhetoric or narratives used to oppress people with psychiatric disabilities? (Refer to Locked Up and Forgotten video.) 

  • [On a sidenote, I was shocked when I watched this.] The stigma of those with mental illnesses is already at a terrible level. Not only do they not have the right medicinal technology to assist those with mental illnesses, but they commit physical harm to patients rather than assisting them; not only that, but they also believe it is due to demonic possession or because the person is ‘weak’ (VICE News, 2015). Which, that is a whole issue within itself, but with women it is ten times worse. Women already are treated and seen as property, they cannot make a living for themselves and have to rely on their husband to bring in money and provide for them and the family (VICE News, 2015). These two issues, combined with the intersection, are terrible, sad, and very harmful to women and those with mental illnesses (VICE News, 2015). Sadly, with the stigma and lack of respect for women being seen as human beings, it is common for husbands or families to ‘dump’ their wives or daughters by claiming they are mentally ill (VICE News, 2015). By doing this it causes the woman to be put into an underprovided mental facility where they are treated terribly, and even if they aren’t mental ill, they are drugged and put under unwarranted procedures like ECT, which should not be used unless under extreme cases, but is commonly used in these facilities (VICE News, 2015). It essentially is a prison for ‘unwanted’ women, and unlike men who may be subjected to them and then deemed sane afterwards, they are commonly taken back from their families; unfortunately, women are not and are often shunned from their communities (VICE News, 2015). This allows women to be oppressed by giving men the power to, at any time, lock women up simply because they want to have an affair, or they are upset by their wife (VICE News, 2015). It endangers and encages women to follow the rules of men and the patriarchy while also stigmatizing mental illness to be ‘terrible’ and caused by the individual (VICE News, 2015). All of which, causes setbacks for the proper care and approaches needed to assist in mental illness and overall health care because people will not take it seriously as women aren’t seen with respect and with mental illness as a whole it is seen as the individuals fault, making their society believe it is preventable and would be a waste of resources to try and place money into facilities, care, research, and give women freedom/rights (VICE News, 2015).  

Indigenous cultures understand physical, mental health, and well-being through having a true connection with nature Indigenous people of Alaska thought that being out of sync with nature would cause spiritual and emotional distress but in western cultures believe that spending time in nature is good for us but we are not in sync and maybe if we were as in sync as the Indigenous Alaskan we would not be actively destroying it. In almost all Indigenous cultures elders are seen as knowledgeable keepers and storytellers while in western cultures elders are not seen as knowledgeable. In community living environments most of our communication now are digital which can lead to loneliness and depression but Indigenous cultures understand togetherness and see healing as a community process not individually like western cultures. We can better support Indigenous people by training health care professionals there cultures to make them feel safe, acknowledge the trauma indigenous cultures have faced, and use youth to lead and educate others on there culture.

How does the oppression of women and the stigma against people with psychiatric disabilities intersect in India? Think about the rhetoric or narratives that patriarchal cultures use to oppress women and how those connect to or strengthen the rhetoric or narratives used to oppress people with psychiatric disabilities? (Refer to Locked Up and Forgotten video.)

People with psychiatric disabilities in India are thought to be possessed by demons and are likely disowned or shamed by their own families for having psychiatric disabilities. People from all over India go to a remote village called Chalisgaon for there mental illnesses they go to a temple looking for a cure for there mental disabilities. Women with a slight hint of mental illness weather that be true or false can be sent to a government ran institution for mental illness in no hopes of getting out. With the mental hospitals men get to go home every night while women have to stay overnight. They use mental health to have an excuse to control, and isolate women and use there disabilities to punish them.

       3. A lot of Indigenous cultures see health in a different way than how we usually talk about it in Western medicine. Instead of just looking at symptoms or giving out medicine, they tend to  focus more on the balance of the mind, body, spirit, or even their connection to the land that they are on. In Western cultures, mental health is often treated by health professionals one on one, and it’s more often about fixing the “problem”. In Indigenous cultures, healing is often about reconnecting with your culture, family, and traditions (IE University, 2025).
One example is the Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel. It shows people how to keep their emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health in balance. This is very different from Western beliefs where doctors just focus on your body or brain separately (IE University, 2025). Another example is the Navajo Blessingway Ceremony, this is done to bring more peace and harmony back into a person's life. It’s not about actually curing something with medicine but helping the person get back to themselves with the help of their community (IE University, 2025). A third example is the use of rituals and gratitude practices, like giving thanks to the earth or doing daily rituals. These kinds of things are never really seen in most Western health care systems, but they’re powerful ways to deal with stress, trauma, and life changes (IE University, 2025).

When it comes to gender, disability, and aging in some countries, they can very easily intersect when it comes to marginalization. This is shown in Bangladesh with the fact that older women often gain authority with age, but this does not come until years of servitude through some of their practices like purdah which is a relationship that is between men and women through segregated boundaries (Ahmed, 2025. p. 22). Although when it comes to aging process older women can have opportunities for local government or community government (Ahmed, 2025. pp. 22-24), of course this is also dependent on their cultural limitations and/or by income (Ahmed, 2025. p. 24). But, in America older women with disabilities can often continue to face this marginalization due to the lack of equity with some of the opportunities (UN Women, 2020. p. 1). However, there are plans to promote the rights and dignity of older women with disabilities and is in pursuit of the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development and its principles for Leave No One Behind (UN Women, 2020. p. 1). If we look at the big picture here, women with disabilities tend to experience more discrimination based on their age, gender, and disability. This is shown in the United States with older women with disabilities by the fact that they are at and increased risk for neglect in institutions as well as domestic violence, and economic abuse (UN Women, 2020. p. 2). Similar patterns can be seen on a global scale as well such as with older women with disabilities are often not looked at properly in data collection and are quite prone to violence and economic problems (UN Women, 2020. pp. 2-3). But, outside the west like in Bangladesh, aging can enhance their status and can spark contrast with us in the United States where older women are often not given the same opportunities. 

2. How are girls and women with disabilities throughout the world empowered to fight for their rights? Provide specific examples. 

Disabled women on a global scale are increasingly being advocated for. An example is with jane Nyawira Miano form Kenya who is an older woman with a disability that campaigns for universal health care, improved social protection, and accessibility for infrastructure (UN Women, 2020. p. 3). She is demonstrating how older women with disabilities can lead in social changes despite the barriers in society she might face. In Bangladesh older women like Alveerah use their authority gained through there system of age-based authority can take control over their community status to challenge norms and increase the number of women in public office (Ahmed, 2025. pp. 22-23). Women use something called adda which is a public discussion to talk about issues like gender equality or equity and disability rights and can change cultural narratives to support their movements and bluster change that lasts. Then it comes to the international level, the UN has a framework called the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development they can provide these platforms for women that have disabilities to demand rights to improve their quality of life and to have an equitable society (UN Women, 2020. p. 3). They can help push the government to prevent discrimination and look at the problem in various parts of age disability and gender and address those parts by advocating for change and holding the proper people accountable to make sure change is happening (UN Women, 2020. p. 3). 

3.  Indigenous cultures understand physical and mental health and well-being very differently than dominant Western cultures. According to the reading, they view well-being as a “holistic balance between the mind, body, spirit, community, and nature,” Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing, 2025). This is different compared to Western cultures that tend to focus on diagnosis, treatment, and productivity (Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing, 2025).

   
   

   One example is the Anishinaabe Medicile Wheel, which is a teaching from the Ojibwe people. According to the reading, “It represents the balance between the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life” (Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing, 2025). In contrast, Western medicine often separates mental and physical health and rarely includes spirituality in treatment.

   
   

   Another example is the central roles shown by elders in Indigenous communities, such as the Inuit in Canada. “Elders are seen as essential for passing down stories, guiding mental health practices, and offering wisdom on life transitions” (Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing, 2025). In Western cultures, older adults are often placed in care homes and disconnected from family life, and their knowledge is ignored.

   
   

   A third difference is the importance of ceremony and spiritual practices. According to the reading, “The Cree use sweat lodges, smudging, and vision quests to heal emotional and mental distress” (Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing, 2025). While some Western systems may recognize spirituality, most mental health treatments do not include rituals or cultural healing practices.

   
   

   To better support Indigenous well-being, we need to focus on their knowledge, stories, as well as their tradtions. This includes respecting their deep connection to land and nature, creating space for elders to lead and share their experiences, and integrating spiritual and ceremonial healing into medical practices. Rather than forcing Indigenous people to fit into Western systems, we should adapt our mental health approaches to respece and integrate Indigenous ways of understanding and practicing well-being.

    

• In many countries, gender, disability, and aging often lead to double discrimination. In some African cultures, older women are seen as less valuable and can even face abuse. The U.S has laws like the ADA that help people with issues that still exist to this day, with women who have disabilities also facing higher abuse rates, and older women often struggle financially due to past wage gaps. For example, in India, disabled women may be denied education or healthcare.

2. How do Indigenous cultures understand physical and mental health and well-being differently than dominant, Western cultures? Provide at least three specific examples. How might we better support Indigenous peoples' well-being and mental health by centering their knowledge and perspectives?

• Indigenous Cultures often see health in a more complete way than Western cultures. Instead of just focusing on the body or mind, they believe health includes the spirit, emotions, family, and connection to the land. Many native American tribes use sweat lodges and talking circles for healing, which help the spirit and bring people together. For example, people in Canada believe in being on their land and close to family, and having a connection to the land. To better support indigenous people, we should include their traditional ways in health care, protect their land, and listen to what they say is needed for their well-being.

Girls and women with disabilities throughout the world empower each other through support and community to fight for their rights. By educating more people and raising awareness of violence, abuse, and ways to contribute, girls and women are empowered to challenge discrimination and demand equality. 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, for example, “provides a critical platform for Member States and other stakeholders to address the intersections of gender inequality, age, and disability” (GENDER, AGE AND DISABILITY: ADDRESSING THE INTERSECTION, paragraph 6). This is a motion to raise awareness of older women’s contributions to fighting marginalization. 

Similarly, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has an approach which works “to ensure equal opportunities for women with disabilities regarding social protection” (CRPD Comm., Gen. Comment 3, supra note 45, para. 64(b)). This is important to protect older women with disabilities from discrimination by ageism and ableism, implying they are less deserving of rights. 

5. How does the oppression of women and the stigma against people with psychiatric disabilities intersect in India? Think about the rhetoric or narratives that patriarchal cultures use to oppress women and how those connect to or strengthen the rhetoric or narratives used to oppress people with psychiatric disabilities? (Refer to Locked Up and Forgotten video.) 

In India, a strong stigma is the belief that people with psychiatric disabilities cannot be helped. In fact, it’s said that people “have evil in them” if they have this type of disability. Mistreatment and neglect because such is normalized in psychiatric facilities through abuse, living conditions, lack of access to appropriate care and support. 

Double standards are the main cause of the systemic mistreatment within India. Both men and women with psychiatric disabilities are treated poorly, yet women have it much worse. As reported in VICE News (2016), “Women with mental illnesses are treated like they are less than a person.” This dehumanization shows directly how patriarchal narratives hold women to have less control. Women receive fewer resources, less compassionate care, and are completely stripped of autonomy. 

What's most shocking is the use of psychiatric disabilities in marriages and households to get rid of wives. Men have used claims of “insanity” as a legal tool to divorce their wives, take custody of kids, waive their obligation to pay alimony, and deny the right to shared property without any accountability. These actions are often taken without accountability because of the stereotype of women being weak-minded, submissive, and less than human. 

One of the biggest things is that older women with disabilities in inside and outside of the US are systematically overlooked in policy making and so many different areas. Every culture has a different way of viewing these topics. Often older women with disabilities experience discrimination and human rights violations due to the combined effects of ageism and ableism ( UNwomen). I’m sure bias towards age and gender play a big role in other places as well. In the documentary they talk about her being excluded which is something commonly seen in the US as well (Cultive8). People are sometimes even afraid of being around an aging individual or someone with a disability thinking that they might catch it or for other reasons. In the essay about Bangladesh they explain that their society is based on a gerontocratic which their social hierarchy is based on age. With the younger being on the lower part of the ladder and the older family members being at the highest (Ahmed). He explains that aging is priming the women for power and to take over the mantle of power. In some cultures aging is viewed as a decline in places like Bangladesh aging for women is an opportunity for power. We’ve seen practices like this with indigenous tribes and other cultures. This is not a common practice in the US. The only time I’ve experienced this sort of practice was with my step-moms family who are Italian and her father was the head of the family and had great influence on the family and when he passed her great grandmother took over the mantle.The treatment towards women greatly varies depending on the culture. In some women have the same rights as men and in other women are treated as less than man.

Prompt 5:

Thinking back to another article ive read is that in India decisions about health are often made by the elders of family even if the person does not agree with the treatment. There is also a lack of knowledge about mental health in India and many believe mental illnesses are caused by demons. Going to the place of worship is tradition that has been done for so long so why change? There is also this lack of understanding that leads this culture to believe that those with mental illnesses are weak and degenerates. The biggest issue is the lack of knowledge around mental illness which leads to dangerous misconceptions. Many especially women are cast out from their families with no way of receiving treatment. They use holy remedies rather than medication. Those suffering were also blamed for misfortunes leading to further social isolation. I think the biggest issue is the lack of knowledge around mental illness and the spread of misconceptions about it. In the US we used to throw everyone into an asylum.

One of the biggest things is that older women with disabilities in inside and outside of the US are systematically overlooked in policy making and so many different areas. Every culture has a different way of viewing these topics. Often older women with disabilities experience discrimination and human rights violations due to the combined effects of ageism and ableism ( UNwomen). I’m sure bias towards age and gender play a big role in other places as well. In the documentary they talk about her being excluded which is something commonly seen in the US as well (Cultive8). People are sometimes even afraid of being around an aging individual or someone with a disability thinking that they might catch it or for other reasons. In the essay about Bangladesh they explain that their society is based on a gerontocratic which their social hierarchy is based on age. With the younger being on the lower part of the ladder and the older family members being at the highest (Ahmed). He explains that aging is priming the women for power and to take over the mantle of power. In some cultures aging is viewed as a decline in places like Bangladesh aging for women is an opportunity for power. We’ve seen practices like this with indigenous tribes and other cultures. This is not a common practice in the US. The only time I’ve experienced this sort of practice was with my step-moms family who are Italian and her father was the head of the family and had great influence on the family and when he passed her great grandmother took over the mantle.The treatment towards women greatly varies depending on the culture. In some women have the same rights as men and in other women are treated as less than man.

Prompt 5:

Thinking back to another article ive read is that in India decisions about health are often made by the elders of family even if the person does not agree with the treatment. There is also a lack of knowledge about mental health in India and many believe mental illnesses are caused by demons. Going to the place of worship is tradition that has been done for so long so why change? There is also this lack of understanding that leads this culture to believe that those with mental illnesses are weak and degenerates. The biggest issue is the lack of knowledge around mental illness which leads to dangerous misconceptions. Many especially women are cast out from their families with no way of receiving treatment. They use holy remedies rather than medication. Those suffering were also blamed for misfortunes leading to further social isolation. I think the biggest issue is the lack of knowledge around mental illness and the spread of misconceptions about it. In the US we used to throw everyone into an asylum.

• For women in India, patriarchal society gives a general lack of autonomy. There is a narrative that they don’t know what is best for themselves and are better off with someone else deciding what their best course of action is. These beliefs intersect into how people with psychiatric disabilities are handled in India and the general belief system that people use to ‘deal with’ those with psychiatric disabilities. 

• The general narrative of women having decisions made for them and not by them can be seen in the beginning testimony of Locked Up and Forgotten, “A doctor can do anything to a woman without question”. The video describes how the patriarchal society allows women to be committed to these institutions by their families with no input or decision-making  from the woman herself. Additionally, the patriarchal society makes it easier for men to have control over their wives and also commit them to these institutions for any “signs” of mental illness that they report. Soon after the initial testament, there is discussion on how families with lack of information have a belief that psychiatric disabilities such as schizophrenia are “possessed”. This connects to and feeds into the narrative of those with psychiatric disabilities having to be locked up for their own good/their families own good. 

2. How does gender intersect with disability and/or aging in other nations or cultures? How is this similar to or different from the U.S.? Provide specific examples. 

• In rural Bangladesh, gender and aging are deeply connected to how a woman  grows to present herself in the world and gain power. This is seen in three ways that are different from the US: marriage, gerontocratic society, and midwife power. The first difference is how marriage traditionally moves and what rights the woman has in the marriage. In rural Bangladesh, marriage limits women’s abilities to education and job opportunities through “purdah” - making it so her conduct is decided through a male jury court system. This is different to the US view and freedoms for women in marriage, with American women having more autonomy in their relationships in and out of marriage. The second main way that gender intersects with aging differently in the US is through the gerontocratic society that rural Bangladesh has in place. Although marriage is limiting for women, they can gain power and influence through aging in this society. Restrictions get lifted with age, and women are allowed to travel more and develop relationships with more people in the village. They also get more entrepreneurial activity opportunities. Additionally, as women age they get more honor, influence, and service in their families: including younger men that enter the family. This is different from the US because there is a general lack of elder relations due to hyper independent individuals in society. Finally, the last main way that gender intersects with aging differently in the US is how midwives are viewed in rural Bangladesh. Being a midwife is viewed as sacred and honorific: with men switching traditional gender roles because of the scattered schedule. This is different from the US because midwives aren’t as common in popular culture, with many families utilizing doctors in hospitals instead.

Advocacy and Awareness: Organizations like Women Enabled International work globally to promote the rights of women with disabilities through legal and policy advocacy. They conduct training, provide resources, and support local activists in their efforts to challenge discriminatory practices and advocate for inclusive policies.

Education and Skill-Building: Access to education and skill-building programs is crucial for empowering women with disabilities. For example, in India, organizations like the National Association for the Blind provide education, vocational training, and employment support to visually impaired women, enabling them to become self-sufficient and advocate for their rights.

Legal Reforms and Policy Changes: The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is a key international treaty that promotes the rights of persons with disabilities, including women and girls. Many countries have adopted national laws and policies to align with the CRPD, ensuring that women with disabilities have equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and justice.

Indigenous cultures often have holistic views of health and well-being that differ significantly from dominant Western perspectives.

Holistic Health Models: Indigenous cultures often view health as interconnected with spiritual, emotional, social, and environmental factors. For example, many Indigenous communities in North America incorporate traditional healing practices that address the whole person, rather than focusing solely on physical symptoms.

Community and Kinship: Indigenous cultures often emphasize the importance of community and kinship in promoting well-being. Strong social support networks and cultural connections can buffer against mental health challenges and promote resilience.

Connection to Land: Indigenous cultures often have deep connections to the land, viewing it as a source of healing and well-being. Access to traditional lands and resources is essential for maintaining cultural identity and promoting mental and physical health.

To better support Indigenous peoples' well-being and mental health, it is essential to center their knowledge and perspectives. This can be achieved through:

Cultural Competence: Healthcare providers and policymakers should develop cultural competence by learning about Indigenous cultures, values, and healing practices. Community-Based Programs: Mental health programs should be developed in partnership with Indigenous communities, ensuring that they are culturally appropriate and responsive to local needs.

Land Rights and Environmental Protection: Protecting Indigenous land rights and promoting environmental conservation are essential for supporting Indigenous peoples' well-being and mental health.

Girls and women with disabilities face unique barriers but are increasingly empowered through:

• Education Programs: In countries like Kenya, the Inclusive Education Programme supports girls with disabilities in accessing mainstream education, boosting confidence and opportunity.

• Leadership Training: The Women Enabled International group trains women with disabilities in advocacy and legal rights, enabling them to push for systemic change, such as influencing the UN CRPD (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities).

• Grassroots Movements: In India, groups like APD (Association of People with Disability) help disabled women build skills for economic independence and participate in local governance.

3. Indigenous vs. Western Understandings of Health and Well-being

Indigenous understandings of health often differ from Western models in several key ways:

• Holistic View: Indigenous health includes physical, mental, spiritual, and community well-being. For example, the Māori of New Zealand use the Whare Tapa Whā model, which sees health as a balance of four pillars: mind, body, family, and spirit.

• Connection to Land: Many Indigenous groups, like the Diné (Navajo), link health to harmony with the land, believing environmental damage disrupts community health.

• Collective Healing: Unlike Western individual-centered care, Indigenous communities often use community healing circles, ceremonies, and storytelling as therapeutic tools.

Ways to Support Indigenous Well-being:

• Integrate Traditional Practices into healthcare systems.

• Fund Indigenous-led Programs focused on mental health.

• Acknowledge Cultural Sovereignty in health decisions and prioritize community input.

In general, according to UN 2022, “Older women with disabilities also often experience discrimination and human rights violations due to the combined effect on ageism and ableism and associated with the bias that sees older persons and persons with disabilities as naturally deserving less rights and agency”. This goes across the board globally for aging women and women with disabilities. However, how it affects women specifically can differ between cultures and country policies/wealth. For instance, women in Bangladesh are highly dependent on men for autonomy of everyday needs such us transportation. This is not as often seen in the U.S., but still relates back to this discrimination.

2. How are girls and women with disabilities throughout the world empowered to fight for their rights? Provide specific examples. 

These women and girls find a strong sense of empowerment through their own identity. This includes banding together as a community to find pride in their voices. As women, as individuals with disabilities, as elders, in health, and in culture. They reclaim their narratives with determination and do not settle to be spoken for.

Within cultures, many individuals navigate disability, gender, and aging differently. There is a lot of oppression that goes on within cultures and many issues leading depression, and anxiety which silence many into breaking the norms of that specific culture. Much discrimination is put against women. Reading the UN Genderm age, and disability, it states that women with disabilities can receive much more discrimination that women without disabilities. India is known to discriminate against women alone. Many women face issues such as sexual assault, rape, and physical abuse regularly. Looked down upon, they are able to be put into an institution just based off of word of mouth from another individual who is discriminating from the documentary Locked up. This is just one example of the discrimination against women and the lack of knowledge/education about hormones and other physical attributes that can affect women daily such as menstrual cycles and pregnancy. Hormonal shifts cause "mood swings" and many women have regulation methods of their own. In such an oppressive environment that most likely lacks the proper feminine care products- this can be extremely difficult to navigate and stay "sane" if you will.

Prompt 2

How are girls and women with disabilities throughout the world empowered to fight for their rights? Provide specific examples. 

In the podcast, the speaker calls the disabled women" the forgotten sisters" because they are excluded even from the feminist movement that is sweeping through mexico. She says that women with disabilities are at a high risk for violence and women's shelters are not accessible for them to make their way through. She says that they lack ramps, and large bathrooms and don't provide sign language. She also talks about the issue with sterilization where they are pressured or forced into procedures to essentially castrate them in their assumption that they would be unfit mothers. Maryangel developed a space where diabled women can speak and share their stories building a supportive community within the mexican society.

 According to the UN 2022, “Older women with disabilities also often experience discrimination…” This shows how genders and aging intersect because it combines with one another. People don’t see both and forget about either one they take them both and combine them into a worse discrimination to this population. This discrimination goes beyond just the US but globally as well. With this there is a difference in the discrimination between cultures and societies. This can be different through needs of transportation or even what they are allowed to do or buy. An example of this would be in Bangladesh where women depend on men very much. Men are the only ones who are allowed to drive so women need men to provide transportation for them. Without this they cannot drive anywhere and may struggle more for daily needs. This is very different form the US as men and women alike can drive or get transportation when needed without being discriminated against. While it is not as big in the US, there is still some discrimination within this population and driving.

Question 5: How does oppression of women and the stigma against people with psychiatric disabilities intercept with India? Think about the rhetoric or narratives that patriarchal cultures use to oppress women and how those connect to or strengthen the rhetoric or narratives used to oppress people with psychiatric disabilities?

The stigma of people with a mental illness is already very low with little to no optimism towards them. In some cases, people with mental illnesses are not provided the proper treatment and are physically harmed rather than treated for anything. In 2015, Vice News stated that some believe that the mental illness is due to demonic possession or that the person themselves is just weak. While that belief makes things worse for patients, it is even worse for women patients with the mental illnesses. Women are discriminated more with the mental illness as they can sometimes be seen as a lesser individual and almost as property rather than a human being with rights. Vice News in 2015 stated that these women cannot get a job and rely on their significant other to bring in the money. For these husbands, its very common for them to “dump” their wife due to them having a mental illness. Sometimes by the husband “dumping” the woman, the woman ends up in a mental facility where they are not treated well and sometimes harmed instead of treated. It acts more like a prison for women who were not wanted and they are shunned in society.

1. How does gender intersect with disability and/or aging in other nations or cultures? How is this similar to or different from the U.S.?

In many countries, gender, disability, and aging combine to intensify discrimination. For example, in Nepal, women with disabilities often experience routine abuse and social exclusion, made worse as they age (World Bank, 2023). In parts of Eastern Europe, older women with disabilities face institutional neglect and limited access to healthcare or employment (UN Women, 2022). Cultural expectations also play a role—older women in South Asia are often expected to continue caregiving even when disabled, adding physical and emotional burdens (Behavioral Health News, 2023).

In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Age Discrimination in Employment Act offer more legal protection. Still, older women with disabilities often face marginalization, especially women of color. Like other countries, stereotypes of being weak, dependent, or non-sexual persist (UN Women, 2022). The key difference is the legal structure—many nations have little to no formal protection, while the U.S. has legislation, though enforcement remains uneven.

In the article about gender, aging, and power in rural Bangladesh, I found it interesting that the author described women like Alveerah, a middle-aged woman running for public office, as examples of how older women can be leaders.

I also found it interesting that in Bangladesh, aging is associated with power and authority for women. I feel like in the United States, when people get older, they are often seen as weak.