800 Section - Gender and Health Inequities in Access to Rehabilitation Services for Persons with Disabilities in Morocco: Stakeholder Perspectives from Focus Group Discussions

Objectives : To explore gender-related inequities in access to health and rehabilitation services among PwD in Morocco, based on stakeholder perspectives collected through focus group discussions and complementary data sources.

Design: A mixed qualitative methodology was used, combining:
1. Document review of national policies, programs, and scientific literature addressing disability and gender;
2. Mapping of rehabilitation services across Moroccan regions to identify geographic and structural disparities;
3. Analysis of Ministry of Health data (2022–2023) on service availability and utilization by PwD;
4. Focus group discussion conducted on 11 March 2025 with 12 representatives of associations of PwD (diverse ages, sexes, and disability types). Discussions explored lived experiences, gendered barriers, and priority needs related to rehabilitation access.

Results: Key barriers identified include:
• Inaccessible infrastructure (limited ramps, adapted equipment, sign-language services).
• Economic constraints and insufficient social protection hindering access to rehabilitation.
• Lack of gender-sensitive care, particularly for sexual and reproductive health, maternity, and gender-based violence.
• Insufficient professional training, resulting in discriminatory attitudes and inadequate clinical responses.
• Cultural stigma and social norms limiting help-seeking, especially among women.
Women with disabilities experience double discrimination, leading to reduced autonomy, delayed care, and poorer health outcomes.

Conclusion: Significant gender-related inequities persist in access to rehabilitation services for PwD in Morocco. Strengthening accessibility, expanding universal health coverage, implementing gender-responsive training for health professionals, and integrating disability and gender dimensions into national health strategies are critical steps toward equitable, inclusive rehabilitation. Urgent multisectoral action is required to ensure that health becomes a real and equal right for all.