Deaf Women Association of Nigeria, (DWAN) in collaboration with the Gombe State Deaf Women Association have intensified campaigns for empowerment of Deaf Women and accelerated passage of the Disability Rights Bill (DRB) in Gombe State.
The associations’ liaison turned on tempo for their rights to be acceded to on Thursday during opening ceremony of the 12th Annual General Meeting/ National Deaf Women Conference held in Gombe State.
The National President of the Association, Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase led the charge in her welcome remarks when she observed that part of the program was dedicated to celebrating the recently concluded IWD movement globally.
Speaking further, she insisted that “Deaf women have indeed come of age, are still evolving despite the Covid-19 pandemic ravaging the world and have ushered in a new pattern of interactions, behaviors and operations.
The Deaf Women President reiterated thus: “there’s no gainsaying that deaf women, like their hearing and other disabled counterparts, have come of age. Coming of age means we are ripe for leadership, we are ripe to take key responsibilities in all strata of society, no matter how daunting these responsibilities might be, we Deaf can, and will prove ourselves worthy.
“Our hearing limitations does not limit our mental and intellectual faculties, hence we are ever ready to lead. All we require is support of society.
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“We need your encouragement, inspiration and moral supports to stand on our own and wade off naysayers”, Alase said.
The Association however presented the immediate needs of DWAN, Gombe State Chapter to include an expedited passage of DRB in the State, general empowerment of deaf women and other women with disabilities in the State, specific employment of Deaf women graduates under the MDAs, provision of office space for operation and full support in the fight against GBV (Gender Based Violence) experienced by deaf women.
The group also implored the State Government and various stakeholders to support them in actualizing their dreams.
Meanwhile the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, NCPWD, Mr James Lalu was represented by Acting Director, Social Integration, Mr Lawrence Idemudia. Idemudia commended the Deaf Womens’ Associations and their executives for their efforts towards hosting a successful event in Gombe State. He also conveyed the Executive Secretary’s good will to all present at the event.
Mr Lawrence, himself deaf, wanted the government, not only to organize programs for PWDs but also to include them in the various policies, programs and appointments made by the government to ensure their inclusion and full participation in larger society while giving them a sense of belonging.
He further promised that his boss, the Executive Secretary, NCPWD will shortly be in Gombe State for a meeting with the Government on the need to sign and domesticate the Disability Rights Bill.
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Guest speaker at the event, a special educator, Dr. Terfa Adaka during a paper presentation centred on the rationale of special education, discrimination against PWD prohibition Act, impact of Covid-19 on women with hearing impaired etc, also commended the organizers of the program, particularly the National and State executives and various stakeholders concerned who ensured the hosting of the program in Gombe State.
On her part, the Hon Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Naomi J.J Awak commented of her decision to give the women’s program priority despite having other programs to attend amidst a packed schedule. Her decision, she noted was owing to being herself a woman, and Deaf women being special.
She remarked that the Gombe State Government is really happy to receive them and will support them to ensure they achieve their goals.
While appreciating the leaders of DWAN, Gombe State Chapter, for their efforts to see that their State hosts the event this year despite the on going Covid-19 pandemic, Mrs Awak noted that the Government was able to support the program because His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alh. Mohammadu Inuwa Yahaya is a “Governor of the people, for the people and by the people.”
She further listed achievements of his Excellency in relation to PWDs. These include receiving all PWDS in Government house during the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2019, and the donation of the sum of N5 million to the Disabled People Associations to support them.
Awak reaffirmed that the Governor is willing and ready to sign the Disability Rights Bill once passed by the State Assembly and brought to his desk.
National President of NNAD, Hon Chidi Olujie, represented by his Vice, Haruna Mohammed Tsafe was called to present an award to the Gombe State Ministry of Women Affairs on behalf of DWAN.
The award was received by the Commissioner, Naomi J.J Awak.
While presenting the award, Haruna observed it was being presented to the active Commissioner on behalf of the Deaf women for her love, care and support to deaf women and other PWDS in the State.
Photos from the event:
