Chuluundolgor, the Head of the Mongolian National Association of Wheelchair Users, is a tireless advocate for the rights of women with disabilities. For over a decade, she has navigated the complex intersection of gender and disability, a connection often overlooked in policy and societal discourse.

"Society tends to view disability as a singular issue," Chuluundolgor explains. "But within that, there are distinct needs, especially for women. These groups need specialized policies that reflect their unique realities."

Chuluundolgor's work focuses on dismantling this oversimplified view. She highlights the numerous barriers women with disabilities face, from limited employment opportunities due to inaccessible workplaces to diminished decision-making power within their families and communities.

"Policies often treat disability with a one-size-fits-all approach," she emphasizes. "They fail to acknowledge the added layer of discrimination faced by women with disabilities – a double exclusion. While international recognition of this double burden exists, concrete policies to address it are sorely lacking."

Driven by this urgent need for change, Chuluundolgor participated in an advanced level gender training to become an expert and a trainer. She emphasized that this training, focused on gender equality, provided her with invaluable insights into analyzing policies and identifying areas where the needs of women with disabilities are not adequately addressed.

"I was the only person from the disability sector in the training," she recalls. "It starkly highlighted the significant gaps in our understanding and the urgent need for targeted solutions."

Chuluundolgor also points to the most basic of challenges: "There is no standard for gynecological beds designed for women in wheelchairs. This simple oversight exemplifies the numerous barriers women with disabilities encounter in accessing essential healthcare."

Reflecting on the training, Chuluundolgor expresses her gratitude: "I want to sincerely thank the European Union, UNFPA Mongolia and the National Committee on Gender Equality for these invaluable sessions. They have equipped me with the knowledge and tools I need to continue advocating for the rights of women with disabilities in Mongolia."

UNFPA Mongolia and the National Committee on Gender Equality are jointly implementing the European Union funded project “Strengthening national gender equality expertise in Mongolia”. Within this project, an advanced level training package was developed and 30 individuals were selected to be the trainers. B.Chuluundolgor was one of the participants of this training.