Network of Disabled Women, (NDW) in partnership with The African Union Economic Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC), Special Needs Initiative for National Growth and SDGs TV have launched a report on the 2020 COVID-19 Disability response and commemorations of the international events that were marked in December, 2020.
The program was organized on December 10, 2020 via zoom technologies with attendances drawn from local and international audiences.
Speaking on the launch of the report, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDW, Lois Auta-Udonkanta said “We scaled our work in line with the 16 Days of Activism scheduled to commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disability and Human Rights Day 2020, which took place on 10 December globally. The launch of the Report of COVID-19 Activities by Network of Disabled Women was wonderfully implemented by partners.”
“The report of the COVID-19 Disability responses publication highlighted local, national and international strategies and solutions oriented developments for key stakeholders in the private, public and governmental sectors to help them cushion the negative effects of the global pandemic in their respective countries.
Stating the objectives achieved through the COVID-19 response activities, Mrs. Auta noted that the organization engaged critical stakeholders in amplifying the voices of women with disabilities in Africa.
Also Read: Expect Inclusive Initiatives And Programmes From The African Union – Lois Auta To PWDs
Other objectives according to her include “sharing experiences and articulating the challenges of women with disabilities, proffering solutions and creating synergy amongst women with disabilities groups”.
“Creating awareness on the need to include women in every agenda of public and private institutions during and after the COVID-19 response and recovery plans.
Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen did a formal launching of the COVID-19 Disability Report.
While Auta-Udonkanta (Mrs.), welcomed all the attendees to the virtual event, the opening address was presented by H.E. Dr. Tunji Asaolu, Country Representative, African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council, Nigeria. He was represented by his Technical Adviser, Mr. Lugard Okonobo
The keynote speaker at the event was S. Vijay Iyer, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, World Bank Group, Washington DC, USA. He was
represented by Charlotte Vuyiswa McClain-Nhlapo, Global Disability Advisor to World Bank Group in a wonderful video conference.
NDW representative at the event tasked everyone on and off the call to support Organizations of women with Disabilities by funding these organizations and investing in them.
Appreciating the participants at the event, Auta-Udonkanta remarked: “this event would not have held successfully without you all, everyone did well and without your support and participation, there won’t have been a report to write. Many thanks to all the donors, especially Global Affairs, Canada and ActionAid, Nigeria. Special acknowledgement too to our dignitaries, speakers, anchors and supporters.”
The event highlighted the presentation of NDW palliatives distribution videos shown by Jerry Brown with a vote of thanks.
Following are some prominent Individuals who graced the occasion and presented goodwill messages:
H.E Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, represented by Esme Stuart, H.E. Comfort Lamptey represented by Tosin Akibu, Kevin Tokar, Dr. Sintiki from ECOWAS represented Mrs Abimbola Oyelohunnu and Ms. Mufuliat Fijabi of Nigerian Women Trust Fund.
Photos from the event:
