Project Description
Although many organisations and governments internationally acknowledge that a diverse workforce is essential for improved decision-making, employee well-being and organisational performance and competitiveness, women with disabilities and their (potential) participation and contributions within organisations continue to be overlooked and under-researched. Examining the careers of women with disabilities through the lens of human resource management (HRM) allows for the development of policies and practices that support their inclusion and progression in the workforce and helps lay the foundation for legislative, institutional and organisational changes that address the unique challenges faced by this cohort. We conducted a comprehensive, systematic scoping review that analyses various career-related aspects for women with disabilities across different cultural and geographical contexts internationally. A two-stage review (Stage 1 – Title and abstract screening and Stage 2 – Full-text review) of the extant literature on the careers of women with disabilities yielded 80 relevant empirical articles. Our review identified four key career-related themes pertaining to women with disabilities: (1) Educational interventions and support for positive career outcomes of women with disabilities; (2) Workplace discrimination and workplace accessibility of women with disabilities; (3) Factors influencing the career development and advancement of women with disabilities and (4) The role of gender in the career exploration and decision-making processes of women with disabilities. This systematic scoping review contributes to the nascent scholarly discourse on enhancing career-related outcomes of women with disabilities and offers evidence-based insights to guide future HRM research on the intersection of gender and disability/ies in careers.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
This research primarily benefits:
(1) Women with Disabilities – through improved workplace opportunities, career advancement, and reduced discrimination;
(2) Organizations/Employers – by providing evidence-based guidance for inclusive practices and access to an underutilized talent pool;
(3) HR Professionals – with practical strategies for supporting women with disabilities in the workplace; and
(4) Society – through greater workplace inclusion and better utilization of all workforce participants.
Outcomes to Date
This systematic review has achieved significant outcomes aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly around Gender Equality, Decent Work and Reduced Inequalities. The research produced the first comprehensive analysis of 80 studies on women with disabilities’ career experiences, identifying key themes and developing evidence-based recommendations for HR practices. It created practical frameworks for workplace support and inclusion, provided guidance for HR professionals, and outlined strategies for universal workplace design. The research has also advanced advocacy by highlighting intersectional challenges, demonstrating the business case for inclusion, and identifying systemic barriers requiring policy attention. By promoting inclusive economic growth and providing practical pathways for organizations to implement SDG-aligned practices, the research makes a meaningful contribution to workplace equity.
Project Significance
This research is important because it addresses a critical gap in workplace inclusion for women with disabilities, who face unique challenges due to intersecting gender and disability discrimination. With 16% of the global population experiencing significant disability, and women with disabilities experiencing worse employment outcomes than both men with disabilities and women without disabilities, understanding how to better support their career development is crucial. The systematic review of 80 studies provides evidence-based insights for Human Resource Management practices, offering practical guidance for organizations to create more inclusive workplaces. The research is particularly timely as aging populations globally mean more people are developing disabilities, creating an urgent need to tap into this underutilized talent pool. By identifying key themes around educational interventions, workplace discrimination, career advancement factors, and gender-specific challenges, the research contributes to both social justice and organizational effectiveness, helping organizations attract, retain, and develop women with disabilities as valuable contributors to the workforce.