Work-related experience of women with disabilities : a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Employment is an important issue worldwide for both women with or without disabilities. In a lower-income country like Bangladesh, women with physical disabilities face challenges in education, work force, public facilities, marriage and community activities, social groups and face an increased risk of violence. But there is a lack of data to describe the whole scenario of employment participation. Therefore, this study reflects the experiences of women with disabilities at their workplace. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the work-related experience of women with disabilities. Methods: Phenomenological approach of qualitative research method has been employed in this study. Through purposive sampling technique, eight women with physical disabilities and visual impairment have been selected for the study. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted following a self-developed interview guide. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated before being analysed thematically according to Braun and Clark’s six steps. Results: Nine themes were arisen from the findings: i) Productive roles and responsibilities, ii) Job searching with a disability, iii) The motivation behind work, iv) Organisational facility, v) Relationship with colleagues, vi) Work-related physical and psychosocial health, vii) Workplace accommodations, viii) Barriers and ix) Recommendations. Findings of the study show that women with disabilities faced negative experiences like inaccessible physical environments surrounding workplace and washroom, discrimination, lack of promotion, and their physical and emotional xiv health is deteriorated in workplaces. They also faced positive experiences like family support, financial independence, and good relationship with colleagues. Conclusion: The work-related experiences of women with disabilities show that work related advocacy in employer organisations is needed to promote inclusion at workplace. Women with disabilities need suitable working environment, accessible job searching medium, treatment for physical and psychosocial health, supportive colleagues, and work supervisors. Organisations that employ women with disabilities should also introduce facilities of transportation and accommodation. Further studies can be done to identify the employment rate, job performance, and life satisfaction of working women with disabilities. Besides physical health issues of women with disabilities in workplace can be explored. Key words: Women with disabilities, Employment, Work-related experiences