Although less women and girls (40%) are diagnosed with leprosy, leprosy disproportionately affects them. They are more likely to be diagnosed late, develop permanent disabilities, and be pushed deeper into poverty.

Few communities have specialist leprosy services nearby, and most people with leprosy are living in poverty. The cost of private treatment or travelling to free hospitals is often too expensive.

In many of the cultures where we work, women and girls often need permission from men to travel or even to access health care. Family expectations and their traditional role as care givers mean they are often not allowed to leave their community. Many with disabilities or young children are unable to travel long distances. Some are unwilling to travel out of fear for personal safety.

Even where leprosy services are locally available, gender norms can mean women face greater stigma. For example, they are more likely than men to be deserted by their spouses when diagnosed with leprosy.

The Leprosy Mission is committed to enhancing gender equity. In all our programmes we consider what interventions are needed to break down the barriers women and girls face, so they can access health services and their rights and entitlements.

Alongside our partners, funders, and supporters, we are:

Lifting women and girls out of poverty

We are supporting women to join self-help groups, where they can develop their self-confidence and advocacy skills, build up savings and access resources.

Through vocational training, we also enable women and girls to learn new skills and start small businesses.

Challenging discrimination

Our partners are tackling stigma through local outreach and media. For example, across Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique, thousands of people have heard that leprosy is curable and not a disease to be feared.

We also work with and champion organisations of people with leprosy and disabilities. Through these groups, women are advocating for their rights and challenging discrimination.

Improving access to healthcare

Where health services are hard to access, our partners run pop-up outreach clinics to diagnose and cure leprosy. Bringing healthcare into communities reduces the barriers to treatment for women, and helps prevent leprosy-related disability.

We are also equipping local health workers and community members to identify leprosy cases. In Nepal we have trained hundreds of Female Community Health Volunteers to spot the signs of leprosy. Where women are reluctant to seek treatment from male health workers, these volunteers ensure they can get the care they need.