One of the winners at the recently concluded break the bias challenge (Organizational Category), Network for Disabled Women has dedicated the award to Women and Girls with Disabilities in Nigeria.
The challenge was initiated by the European Union to celebrate Women and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities who are breaking bias while recognizing their contributions to the development of Women with Disabilities in Nigeria. This year’s theme was “Breaking the bias”.
Speaking in an interview with Inclusive News Network, President of Network For Disabled Women (NDW), Lois Auta-Udonkanta says that the award will spur more collaborations, partnerships, sharing of ideals, etc. Auta believes the award will also engender removing bias, tearing down barriers, and changing the status-quo in favor of Women and Girls with Disabilities
According to Auta, “one of the vision of NDW is to create a just world without exclusion. Our mission is to empower Women and Girls with Disabilities to become who they want to become.
She sees celebrating the International Day for Women as a very big deal for Women and Girls with Disability. She went on to recommend that the U.N women set aside a day to celebrate these ladies.”
Other winners
The network for Disabled Women boss praised other awardees for their laudable efforts. She urged them to keep empowering Women and Girls with Disabilities through their ideals, initiatives and activities. “We should work together towards the common goal of “Disability Inclusion” she said.
While acknowledging voters whose votes ensured NDW’s victory, Auta noted that the organization emerged victorious because of the roles played by voters.
Speaking further she stressed “I will like to mentor younger women who will go on to enjoy the similar training opportunities I had, and impact our community as I do.
Lois says she believes in mentorship that will help the younger generation become greater than the older generation.”
“If I am permitted to share my winning opportunity with a younger lady, I will be glad to do that. It will also be a pleasure and honor for me to nominate a person for the task.
While appreciating those that voted for her, Lois says: “The award is for all Women and Girls with Disability. I am so proud of you taking your time, using your data to push us to victory. We have won the prize. We are waiting for other opportunities to emerge. As they do, updates will be sent to our official social media pages.”
Lois urged organizers of the program to see everybody as having a role to play. She asserts that there should be shared responsibilities among the parties and these should be clearly spelt out. Proficiency in task execution should be praised and negligence of duty reprimanded. This will ensure prompt compliance to assigned duties in the future.
Other winners at the awards include Hellen Beyioku of Deaf Women Aloud Inititive (DWAI), and Blessing Oladunjoye, publisher of Bonews and Voice of Disability Initiative.