Abuja, Nigeria – The Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) has called on the Nigerian government to take concrete steps toward ensuring full inclusion and equal opportunities for women and girls with disabilities (WWDs) ahead of the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025. The organization made this appeal during a press briefing held in Abuja, where it emphasized the need for urgent action to remove systemic barriers hindering the rights and development of WWDs.
Speaking at the event, AWWDI’s National Coordinator, Bilikisu Yakubu, highlighted Nigeria’s previous commitments to disability inclusion at past summits but lamented the slow pace of implementation. She urged the government to move beyond promises and take decisive steps that will improve access to education, employment, healthcare, digital platforms, climate action, and legal protections for women and girls with disabilities.
Yakubu stressed the importance of inclusive employment policies, calling for the enforcement of workplace anti-discrimination measures and the creation of accessible work environments. She also advocated for accessible schools and learning materials to ensure equitable education opportunities for Women with Disabilities. Additionally, she underscored the need for affordable and disability-friendly healthcare services, particularly in sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities.
The organization further called for improved digital accessibility, urging the government to mandate disability-friendly features across all online platforms. It also emphasized the necessity of integrating Women With Disabilities into community development programs, ensuring they have a voice in governance and decision-making processes. Climate policies, AWWDI noted, must consider the unique vulnerabilities of WWDs to ensure they are not left behind in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Strengthening legal protections for persons with disabilities was another key demand, with AWWDI calling for stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and accountability mechanisms. The group also urged the government to prioritize accessible infrastructure in public spaces, transport systems, and government facilities to promote independent living for persons with disabilities.
Additionally, AWWDI emphasized the need for inclusive social protection programs and economic empowerment initiatives that specifically benefit Women With Disabilities. The organization also called for private sector accountability in providing accessible services and employment opportunities while advocating for a dedicated budget to support the economic well-being of Women With Disabilities.
“Commitments alone are not enough. Women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria need real action! The time for implementation is NOW! Nigeria must use GDS 2025 as a turning point to drive real inclusion,” Yakubu stated.
AWWDI reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights of women and girls with disabilities and urged stakeholders to support the movement for greater inclusion. The organization encouraged the government to seize the opportunity presented by GDS 2025 to implement meaningful reforms that will improve the lives of Women With Disabilities across Nigeria.
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