By Festus Zenda, Abuja
Deaf Women Aloud Initiative, DWAI, a Non profit organization based in the Federal Capital Territory, has in her capacity, with support from Disability Rights Fund, (DRF) been making impact on the lives of Deaf women in the FCT and around the country on the subject of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.
Recently, in a 2-day workshop organized, the group trained Deaf women on sexual and reproductive health rights in four area councils of the FCT. These include Kuje, Bwari, AMAC, and Gwagwalada.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of DWAI, Mrs Hellen Udoye Beyioku-Alase told participants, “it’s time to break barriers, time to know your rights so that you won’t be exploited.”
She also spoke on the National Disability Act, stressing that ignorance of one’s rights and the law limit one’s chances to speak up.
According to her “the National Disability Act has a 5-year grace period which started in 2019 and will last until 2023, after which full implementation of the Act will begin.
“Our governments are trying their best but they need our support to complement their efforts, she remarked.
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Going further Udoye said, DWAI is organizing this workshop because of the importance of health. The aim is to help ladies understand and know their rights hence the invitation of nurses to facilitate information on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.
Meanwhile, there were representatives from the Office of CRDP. Also on hand was Barrister Catherine Onyinye Edeh who made a presentation on the National Disability Act.
While thanking everyone for taking out time to be part of the event, she wished them a fruitful workshop.
Mr Suleiman Abudulmumuni Ujah, facilitating information on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD emphasized on the laws that give access to rights, health care and education of women and girls with Disabilities.
Also facilitating at the event was Barrister Catherine Onyinye Edeh, the learned lawyer enlightened participants on their rights as enshrined in the Disability Act. She went on to charge them to know those rights as it’s the only way they will be able to defend themselves against exploitation.
Other speakers at the event were program officer of Disability Trust Fund, DRF, Theophilus Odaudu, Comrade Olubunmi Lawan, Mrs. Victoria David, etc.