The Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) on Wednesday, July 15, 2024 hosted pivotal advocacy meeting in Abuja to discuss the impact of climate change on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The event supported by Disability Rights Fund, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the implementation of policies at the intersection of climate change and disabilities, with a focused emphasis on the experiences and challenges faced by women with disabilities.
A facilitator, Miss John Juliet emphasized the disproportionate effects of climate change on women and girls with disabilities.
She stressed the need for inclusive disaster preparedness and the role of right holders in climate action.
AWWDI’s National Coordinator, Miss Yakubu Bilikisu noted the severe impacts of climate change on PWDs, especially women and girls, and presented a case study of a woman with a disability affected by flooding.
She highlighted the increased risk of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) due to climate change and AWWDI’s model for promoting disability-inclusive policies.
AWWDI calls on relevant MDAs to ensure that climate policies explicitly address the needs of PWDs and advocate for amendments to align with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The group also tasks CSOs, OPDs, and MDAs to develop training programs on disaster preparedness and grant job opportunities for PWDs.
The group seeks support for local initiatives to address the needs of women and girls with disabilities in the context of climate change.
Government agencies were also urged to ensure that disaster risk reduction strategies consider the needs of women and girls with disabilities and provide accessible emergency preparedness resources.
The event was graced by representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and the National Orientation Agency.