The Power of Intersectional Inclusion: Amplifying Diverse Women Leaders in Business

This International Women’s Day (IWD), let’s talk about some facts we don’t often take time to consider.

While we use IWD as an opportunity to celebrate global progress, the reality for the 1 in 5 women living with a disability is that the “glass ceiling” often feels like a reinforced barrier of both sexism and ableism.

The theme for IWD 2026 is “Give To Gain.” For me, this means moving beyond performative diversity toward true intersectional inclusion.

Why Intersectionality Matters in the Workplace: A woman with a disability doesn’t face “gender issues” one day and “access issues” the next. These identities overlap to create unique hurdles:

• The Pay Gap: Women with disabilities face some of the widest pay gaps in the global economy.
• The Employment Gap: Employment rates for disabled women remain significantly lower than for both non-disabled women and disabled men.
• The Perception Gap: Professional expertise is often overshadowed by misconceptions about productivity and “accommodation costs.”

Give To Gain: Shifting the Paradigm When we give space, resources, and accessibility, the entire organization gains a massive competitive advantage.

1. Give Flexibility: Remote work and flexible hours aren’t just perks—they are essential tools for a diverse workforce.
2. Give Representation: We need women with disabilities in the C-suite, not just on the “Inclusion” committee.
3. Give Mentorship: Actively sponsor women whose careers are slowed by intersectional barriers rather than a lack of talent.

Authentic leadership is recognizing that accessibility is a human right, not an act of charity.

Authentic leaders build systems that work for women with disabilities, ensuring systems that work better for everyone.

This IWD2026, I’m committing to appreciating and being supportive of women who face not just one barrier but intersectional hurdles every single day. My heroes are many, especially women whose names you may not know, but who I know are working hard every day to help others overcome barriers while often living with chronic pain and facing a range of their own obstacles to participation and success.

Who are the disabled women leaders or creators in your network who inspire you? Tag them in the comments so we can amplify their expertise and celebrate their impact today.

Hashtags to use this IWD:

#IWD2026 #GiveToGain #Intersectionality #DisabilityInclusion #WomenInLeadership #InclusiveWorkplace #reachability #belonging