The Deaf Women Aloud Initiative (DWAI) has taken a bold step towards fostering inclusivity by organizing a one-day workshop to train stakeholders on disability inclusion and stigma reduction.
The event, held on November 28, 2024, brought together 35 participants, comprising 25 women and 10 men, from various government ministries and organizations.
The training aimed to challenge misconceptions about disabilities, eliminate stigma, and promote advocacy for persons with disabilities. Through interactive sessions that included group activities, plenary discussions, and lectures, participants examined their own values and biases and explored their impact on interactions with people with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, DWAI’s Executive Director, Mrs. Hellen Beyioku-Alase, highlighted the urgent need for societal inclusion, particularly for Deaf women and girls, who often face challenges in accessing essential services such as sexual and reproductive health, legal aid, and financial support. She urged stakeholders to prioritize inclusivity within their respective spheres of influence.
The workshop’s first session, themed “Values and Beliefs,” explored how personal values shape perceptions of others. Participants were encouraged to embrace empathy and rethink discriminatory attitudes. The second session addressed the principles of disability inclusion, underscoring the importance of respectful and empowering language when referring to people with disabilities.
An engaging discussion on the types of disabilities—cognitive, physical, sensory, and psychosocial—allowed participants to collaborate in identifying appropriate terminologies, fostering a more informed and sensitive approach.
One of the workshop’s highlights was a session featuring “Fatima’s story,” a poignant account of a young girl with a disability who faced neglect and discrimination. The narrative underscored the impact of societal biases and the responsibility of individuals and institutions to advocate for inclusivity.
By the conclusion of the workshop, attendees expressed a renewed commitment to fostering inclusion and pledged to implement the lessons learned in their organizations.
DWAI hopes the training will drive lasting change, paving the way for a more inclusive society.
INN reports that the initiative has previously engaged key institutions, including doctors and nurses, the FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat, the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, the police, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Hospital Management Board, the Ministry of Justice, FIDA (FCT Chapter), and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Click Here