The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening efforts to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) affecting persons with disabilities through a strategic partnership with the European Union Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Programme in Nigeria (EU-ESGBV).
The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, made this known while receiving a delegation from the EU-ESGBV Programme at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. He commended the initiative and expressed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to address the growing concerns of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly among persons with disabilities who often face heightened vulnerability and barriers to accessing support services.
The EU delegation, led by GBV Policy and Strategy Development Specialist, Melissa Omene, and GBV Cross-Sector Service Provision and Protection Specialist, Juliet Olumuyiwa Rufia, said the visit was aimed at formally introducing the programme, fostering a sustainable partnership, and identifying areas of collaboration in policy development, strategic interventions, and support services for survivors. They emphasized the programme’s focus on strengthening institutions, enhancing survivor-centered services, and promoting coordinated multi-sectoral responses to SGBV.
Both parties underscored the importance of developing inclusive policies and strengthening mechanisms that address the unique challenges persons with disabilities face in accessing justice, protection, rehabilitation, and other essential services. They also highlighted the need to empower survivors through comprehensive support systems and socioeconomic opportunities.
The partnership is expected to boost advocacy efforts, improve access to quality support services, and advance the creation of a safer and more inclusive society where persons with disabilities are protected from all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.
The EU Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Programme is designed to support Nigeria’s efforts to prevent and respond to SGBV through policy reforms, institutional capacity building, survivor support services, and enhanced collaboration among relevant stakeholders.
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