vulnerable groups

The term ‘vulnerable groups’ is often used interchangeably with the term ‘disadvantaged groups’. The stereotyped preconception that ‘vulnerability’ is an inherent characteristic of women masks the fact that stereotypical gender roles and attitudes and their discriminatory impact on women, sustained by the lack/omission of acts on the part of states to effectively address them, impose disadvantages on women, which may result in increased risks of becoming vulnerable to discrimination, including violence. Therefore, the term ‘vulnerable groups’ is not recommended, and ‘disadvantaged groups’ should be used instead.