A matter of deep concern: The silent struggles of India's visually impaired women

By N.S. Venkataraman 

Visual impairment is one of the most severe forms of physical disability that afflicts humanity, and its impact is even more acute when it affects women. The burden becomes overwhelming when visually impaired women also belong to economically weaker sections of society, with little or no financial or institutional support. Their struggle for dignity, survival, and identity is often invisible—hidden in plain sight across cities and rural corners alike. And yet, these women form a large, neglected segment of society not just in India, but around the world.

In India, governmental assistance to visually impaired persons exists but remains minimal. While policies are framed with good intent, they often fall short in implementation. More importantly, no real distinction is made between the unique challenges faced by visually impaired men and women. This gender-blind approach to disability support overlooks the compounded social vulnerabilities that women face due to their gender.

One of the most devastating consequences of visual impairment for women is the sense of isolation. Whether rich or poor, many visually impaired women experience loneliness, rejection, and neglect—especially in the absence of a strong support system. Even when efforts are made to pursue education and skill development, the options are limited. Most visually impaired women end up in arts courses due to a lack of resources, institutional infrastructure, and inclusive pedagogy in science and technical streams. Only a small percentage of visually impaired girls manage to pursue formal education beyond school, particularly those living in small towns and rural areas where accessible institutions are rare.

Employment opportunities are equally scarce. While reservation policies in government jobs exist, many positions remain unfilled due to administrative inertia or lack of targeted recruitment. Women with visual disabilities must compete with their male counterparts without any gender-based provisions, reducing their chances further. The private sector, unfortunately, remains indifferent, often reluctant to hire visually impaired individuals—women least of all.

Family support for visually impaired women is often limited to their early years. Once parents pass away, these women are frequently left to fend for themselves, particularly when siblings or relatives face their own financial constraints. It is heartbreaking to see them selling small items on the streets, or forming musical groups to sing in markets and train stations—activities born out of sheer necessity and desperation, not choice.

Marriage, too, offers no refuge. Most visually impaired women marry men with similar disabilities, as few sighted men accept them as life partners. But even among these couples, separation is not uncommon, primarily due to economic hardship and psychological stress. Their children, though usually born with normal vision, are raised with great difficulty and sacrifice. In some tragic cases, even these children, once grown, neglect their mothers—perpetuating the cycle of hardship and abandonment.

Yet, amid all this, a flicker of resilience shines through. Many visually impaired women find solace in the company of others who share their fate. Their laughter, conversations, and mutual support in group settings show a kind of stoic acceptance of what they often call the "injustice of fate." It is a form of silent resistance—living each day with dignity despite the crushing indifference of society.

The responsibility of alleviating this suffering lies with all of us. Kind words, financial help, access to assistive devices, inclusive education, and strong community support can bring meaningful change. Unfortunately, the plight of visually impaired women does not receive the attention it deserves, and public discourse around disability remains shallow and sporadic. While there are NGOs and individuals doing commendable work, they are far too few to meet the scale of the problem.

In Tamil Nadu alone, there are reportedly over five lakh visually impaired women, with 90% of them living in poverty. At the same time, the state is home to over a crore individuals with stable incomes. If even ten people from the middle class or affluent segments came together to support one visually impaired woman, the collective impact could be transformative. It would reflect a society that does not merely function but also feels.

The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated—especially when news reports are filled with increasing incidents of violence against women. For visually impaired women, who cannot even distinguish between red and white, personal safety becomes an even more precarious matter. It is terrifying to imagine what it means to be both vulnerable and invisible in a world that often refuses to see.

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The writer is Trustee, Nandini Voice for the Deprived, Chennai