Women at the Womanifesto Conference have demanded full participation of women, with specific emphasis on Women with Disabilities in leadership positions in the country.
The call was made at the first African Equality Conference held on 29th – 30th November, 2021 at the University of Lagos. The theme was: “Connecting Voices for Transformative Leadership Agenda 2023”.
Speaking at the conference, the Secretary General, Network for Disabled Women, Mary Musa said “Women with disabilities face barriers ranging from attitudinal, institutional and environmental from both men and women”.
Musa who was represented by Network of Disabled Women program director, Susan Kelechi Ihuoma sees discrimination as one of the barriers to political inclusiveness of these women clamored for the removal of the barriers.
In her words “Disability is not in our brain, attitudinal barriers and others should be removed for our participation in politics”.
Kelechi noted that leadership programs should help women develop necessary skills. She also encouraged joint training for all women – with or without disabilities.
“Women’s organization and disabled people’s organization (OPD) should be strengthened and receive all support they need for their work”
Susan Kelechi at the Womanifesto conference
Kelechi says “It is critical to use the intersectional approach in mainstreaming all clusters of Women with Disabilities in respect for basic human rights.
She also submits that Women with Disabilities should be given the necessary encouragement and support, including financial.
Chair, Women Commitee, Adamawa State, Hon. Kate Mamuno, while addressing the conference, charged women to contribute their quotas to national development by participating in Politics.
Hon. Kate says: “If you are not participating in politics, there is no way you can contribute your quota, there is no way you can be heard or seen. Women must show their ability. We must learn to know how we can be heard and seen.”
Another speaker, Hon. Favour Tomomewo from Ondo State House of Assembly enjoined the gathering thus: “There is need to identify our purpose and develop passion in politics. We need to develop courage and capacity as we choose mentors and leaders that suit our objectives.
INN learnt that the Conference featured launching and presentation of the Womanifesto Charter titled: “What Nigeria Women Wants”. The charter which was distributed to all participants, features key demands of women in different areas such as violence against women and girls, women’s political participation, women’s economic welfare, etc.
The conference was well attended by women in leadership, politics, business and entertainment.