This paper serves as a think piece to initiate and drive strategic discussions and action with key partners on ageing, emphasizing a life-course approach that integrates perspectives on the status and rights of older women. As global demographics continue to shift, it suggests actions to promote the rights of older women, and the incorporation of their perspectives into all policies and programmes at the global, national and regional level.

This brief underlines the need to mainstream disability and address the rights and demands of women with disabilities as a matter of priority to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for all women and girls. Based on available data, the brief highlights key issues related to gender equality and women’s empowerment (SDG 5), ending poverty (SDG 1) and ensuring healthy lives (SDG 3) for women and girls with disabilities; and calls for closing data gaps on gender and disability.