On Thursday, January 16, 2025, the Ekiti State Government announced a landmark decision to integrate persons with disabilities (PWDs) into its Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Management Committee, signaling a significant step toward justice and inclusivity for women and girls in the state.
This announcement was made by the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Peju Babafemi, during a one-day stakeholders’ interactive meeting held at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti. The event, themed “Inclusive and Accessible Drive of Persons with Disabilities in the 21st Century,” was organized by the Ekiti State Government under the Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion (SESI).
In her keynote address, Hon. Babafemi underscored the importance of creating an inclusive and accessible environment for PWDs, particularly for women and girls who face heightened vulnerability to discrimination, stigma, and gender-based violence.
“The Ekiti State GBV Management Committee, under the leadership of the First Lady, has directed the inclusion of persons with disabilities as members of the committee. They will be unveiled at the next committee meeting to ensure proper representation and inclusion,” she announced.
The Executive Director of Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI Nigeria) commended the government for its progressive and disability-sensitive policies. He expressed gratitude to the First Lady, who also chairs the committee, for prioritizing the welfare and safety of PWDs in Ekiti State.
“This milestone underscores the impact of DINABI’s year-long advocacy efforts for inclusion in the GBVMC,” he said, highlighting the organization’s work in raising awareness, building capacity, and engaging stakeholders to advance the rights of women and girls with disabilities in the fight against gender-based violence.
The State Secretary of JONAPWD, Mr. Femi Oni, also lauded the collaborative efforts of key figures, including the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Funmilayo Adetoun Agboola. He emphasized their crucial roles in achieving this milestone for the disability community in Ekiti State.
This development marks a vital step in the ongoing commitment to inclusion, ensuring that PWDs have a voice in addressing critical social issues such as gender-based violence.
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