Silent Tears – Strong Women!

Turning points for women with disabilities from around the world

Listen to the audio stories of these women who experienced violence because of their disabilities. Silent Tears: Portraits of Strong Women

Violence against women is a global issue, but women with disabilities face unique risks due to their perceived helplessness and dependence on others. This vulnerability is worsened by intersecting discrimination based on gender and disability, leaving them often excluded from education, employment, and community life.

To address this, CBM launched Silent Tears, an exhibition raising awareness of the violence faced by women with disabilities and advocating for their empowerment. The Silent Tears exhibition tells the stories of 24 women who have survived violence, showcasing their resilience and strength.

Warning: The videos or images may be disturbing. They depict acts of violence against women.

Still dancing–Jackie–Guatemala: I would like to see some kind of academy where people in wheelchairs do the things they want to do. Acid – Kavita Shetty – India: Kavita was attacked with acid by her husband. For years, she went out in public wearing only a scarf. Rain – Roslyn – South Africa: Roslyn has experienced a lot of abuse in her life, but she is a fighter and does not let it get her down. Barrier Free-three women-West Africa: These women escaped abuse and stigma in their homeland with little money. Today, they reside in a safe shelter for women with disabilities in the USA. Tears of the soul – Irlanda Ayovi – Ecuador: Irlanda’s arm and leg were amputated due to a gunshot wound. CBM supported her studies, and she now works as a motivational speaker, raising awareness of the concerns faced by persons with disabilities. Only Skin_Claudia_South Africa: Claudia is the only woman with albinism in her village. She faced great difficulties in the job market but now runs her own business.

Andrea is paralyzed from the neck down due to a gunshot wound. Through iron therapy, she is back at the university in Guatemala and works at the radio.

Globally, 1.3 billion people live with a disability, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and women are disproportionately affected. Many of these women face violence, often from those closest to them—family members, caregivers, or others on whom they depend for daily support. This reliance creates a power imbalance that increases their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation, underscoring the urgent need for visibility, advocacy, and protection of their rights.

Silent Tears addresses this issue by raising awareness and fostering dialogue. Through partnerships with institutions and by amplifying survivors’ voices, the exhibition challenges stereotypes of disability and helplessness. It highlights that these women are not only survivors but also agents of change whose empowerment is key to building a more equitable society.

By showcasing the intersection of gender, disability, and violence, Silent Tears inspires action at all levels—from policymakers to community leaders and individuals. With powerful stories and visuals, the exhibition calls for collective efforts to ensure that women with disabilities are safe, respected, and fully included in society.

About the exhibition

For Ummul, education is the key to a fulfilled life. Because of her physical disability, her parents did not want to finance Ummul's education. She made everything possible on her own.

Silent Tears is a multimedia exhibition about violence against women with disabilities. Women from across the globe share their stories with the public. These women either experienced violence due to their disabilities or acquired a disability as a result of the violence inflicted upon them.

They have suffered from lack of access to education and employment, domestic violence, forced sterilisation, armed violence, genital mutilation, sexual abuse, and rape. In addition, their experiences with authorities, the police, and the courts are often marked by neglect or disregard for their needs and concerns.

Their journey to survival was often difficult and lonely. However, Silent Tears represents a turning point, from despair to hope, unity, and strength. By sharing their stories, these women give powerful testimony and reclaim their narratives.

The exhibition is a collaborative work by artists Belinda Mason, Denise Beckwith, Margherita Coppolino, and Dieter Knierim. Further information about the Silent Tears project can be found on the website for the exhibition.

CBM’s demands

Gathering facts: Systematic collection and analysis of data broken down by age, disability, gender and migration status.
Justice for all: Thorough analyses of intersecting forms of discrimination are essential for breaking down barriers and addressing inequalities.
A voice for all: The rights of girls and women with disabilities must be strengthened and promoted through genuine participation.

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Silent Tears: A portrait of strong women