Disability advocate and an amplifying voices fellow for Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Folarin Iyanuoluwa Veronica, has took an awareness and sensitization campaign on Gender and Disability Based Violence (GDBV) to the media house and called on the Oyo State government and various stakeholders to address the challenges of health, education, economics and legal services accessibility for women and girls with disabilities.
The Amplifying voices fellow said the awareness and sensitization actions will enhance survivors or victims of gender based violence to break their silence.
Veronica said this in a statement shared with Inclusive News Network on Wednesday.
She noted that Women and girls with disabilities in Oyo State live in constant fear of their right to safety, access to health and security being trampled upon, often by their family, friends, institutional facilities, intimate partner and their caregivers.
“Sometime, when it comes to health matter such as menstrual hygiene and reproductive health. They are hardly discussed openly.
“Women with disabilities in Oyo State have little or no access to antenatal care, they are sometimes physically and verbally abused and not giving proper attention by some of the health workers who would query their decision to have a child and those with children are always silence due to the fear of losing possession of their children because people may see their non-disabled spouse as a more qualified parent.
“Although the story of women and girls with disabilities may looks too personal at first. It is important for us to note that women and girls with disabilities are more vulnerable to gender and disability based violence.
“Creating awareness and engaging in sensitization is a crucial step in breaking the silence and promoting change.
Veronica further emphasized, “by educating the public about the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities, we can dispel stereotypes, reduce prejudices, and foster a more inclusive and supportive society. Public campaigns, workshops, and media initiatives can play pivotal roles in this process, encouraging people to stand up against gender and disability based violence.
“Therefore, in order to ensure that no one is left behind, the society should confront the attitudes that bring the existence of gender based violence against women and girls with disabilities in Oyo State and nurture a culture of respect and equality.” She said.