Abuja, Nigeria – In a bold step to confront the systemic exclusion of women and girls with disabilities from Nigeria’s political space, the Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF) on August 4, 2025, officially launched the “Vote for Her” campaign in Abuja. The 15-day nationwide advocacy initiative, supported by global philanthropic organization Luminate, aims to amplify political visibility and leadership opportunities for women with disabilities, who often face dual discrimination based on gender and disability.
Speaking during the launch event, CSF underscored the urgent need to dismantle institutional and structural barriers that continue to marginalize women with disabilities from full political participation. The campaign is not only pushing for their recognition as voters and candidates but also as appointees and decision-makers at all levels of governance.
Executive Director of CSF, Lois Auta, declared that the campaign is a powerful call to action. “We say: Enough is enough. Women and girls with disabilities must not remain invisible in political spaces. ‘Vote for Her’ is not just a campaign — it’s a declaration that She Matters,” she stated.
Over the next two weeks, CSF will drive the campaign using both digital and grassroots strategies to create awareness and foster inclusion. These efforts include storytelling on social media to share the leadership journeys of women with disabilities, high-level engagements with political stakeholders, and mobilization across communities nationwide to push for inclusive electoral processes. The organization is also advocating for changes in political party constitutions and manifestos to better reflect the rights and needs of women with disabilities, while demanding accessibility in all aspects of the voting process.
CSF is also emphasizing the need for legal and institutional reforms. The organization is calling for the full implementation of the 5% affirmative action quota for persons with disabilities, as stipulated in the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018. Furthermore, CSF is urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and other political institutions to ensure that all political party documents are inclusive and accessible, and that election procedures — from registration to voting — cater to the needs of persons with disabilities. The group also advocates for the institutionalization of women with disabilities in leadership and public appointment processes.
“Inclusive governance is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Let no woman be left behind,” CSF stated, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the rights of women with disabilities.
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