IDPD: SAVWIN Calls For Full Implementation And Domestication Of Disability Act

Sound Abilities for Vulnerable Women Initiative Nigeria (SAVWIN) has called for full implementation and domestication of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 at both national and State level.

The Executive Director of SAVWIN, Ms. Miyausa Wayuta Mshelia made the call during an event organized to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) helps to raise awareness and promote the rights and perspectives of Persons with Disabilities. This year’s theme is “Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable Post-Covid 19 World.”

In her remarks, Mshelia said: “The International Day of Persons with Disability is an opportunity to continuously raise awareness about disabilities as well as bring to fore the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities. The government at all levels, and corporate organizations are expected to come up with clear, workable sustainable strategies that actively allow PWDs take lead of issues around disabilities while participating in socio-economic agenda of the State.

“With the emergence of COVID-19 Pandemic, Persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable group negatively affected by the pandemic. Majority have lost their sources of livelihoods. This has further marginalized from nearly all-social and economic life of society. It is therefore key that every stakeholder rises to the challenge to provide mechanisms and systems to increase participation of persons with disabilities in the social, economic and political aspects of society.

Mshelia noted that Nigeria passed the Anti-Discriminatiin Law in 2018 and established the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities a year after. These steps are laudable. She says, It is however sad to observe the poor rate of implementation at the State level.

For instance in Yobe State, there is no Commission/ Agency for Person with Disabilities as applicable in some other States. Also, disability rights are being violated on a daily basis without reporting and redress mechanisms.

Wayuta emphasized that Persons with disabilities are endowed with unique potentials to contribute to the socio-economic development of the State and become great leaders within public and private organizations.

She however highlighted the fact that the Nigerian system which has failed to promote the welfare model has long-term implications. Treating Persons with Disabilities as second class citizens has continually eroded these potentials. The few that manage to surmount these social challenges most times fail to progress upwards due to low self-esteem.

“As we work towards the realization of the 2030 sustainable development, goals’ agenda no segment of the society should be left behind”, she said.

The Executive Director of Hope Interactive, Mr. Birma Mshelia, welcomed and thanked all participants and stakeholders for taking out time to attend the event. He emphasized on a peaceful and an economically buoyant society, adding that such cannot be achieved until we have Zero tolerance for marginalization/discrimination and ensure maximum inclusion.

According to him, “An inclusive society provides the diversity that puts us on the path to excellence.”

He urged persons with Disabilities to rise and put their skills to work and to never settle for anything less because they have all it takes to impact their society and the world at large.

Hajiya Kudirat Kashim of Women for Peace and Social Development (WPSD) lauded the organizer of the program. She says she knows Mrs Miyausa, through SAVWIN, would do better and make the Disabilities community in Yobe proud. It is remarkable that she just established SAVWIN’s office in Damaturu and within 3 weeks put up such program.

Kashim reiterated she doesn’t see Persons with Disabilities as disabled but rather people with their abilities intact although they have special needs. She says her door is open for women with disabilities to visit at anytime.

Representative from Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Adamu Bello expressed excitement at being invited to the program. He says he had always liked working with women.

According to Bello, the ministry’s office is wide open for women with disabilities to visit at anytime should the need arise. This, he says is because they recognize women with disabilities as equal to others.
Bello went on to urge the Executive Director of SAVWIN to do more, adding that he was very proud of what Mshelia did in Yobe State and that the ministry is looking forward to working with SAVWIN.

Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Yobe State Chapter, Chairman, Alhaji Usman Bura Gabai, hailed SAVWIN for being the first Organization of Persons with Disabilities to organize such program. He assured Persons with Disabilities that the Disablities Act will soon be fully implemented in Yobe State. All hands are on deck to ensure its implementation.

INN reports that the event, a first of its kind in Yobe, was organized by SAVWIN. It had some 35 Persons with Disabilities in attendance. A representative from SUBEB, Bukar Moh’d Kachallah, Commissioner Women Affairs, Hauwa Bah Abubakar among others graced the occasion.