The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called for greater representation of women with disabilities in leadership, governance, and justice institutions as the world commemorated the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day.
The organisation said women with disabilities remain significantly under-represented in decision-making spaces where policies and programmes that affect their lives are designed.
In a statement marking the global event, CCD Acting Director Godwin Unumeri said women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria continue to face multiple forms of discrimination rooted in gender inequality, disability stigma, and structural barriers within institutions.
He noted that these challenges often limit their access to justice, restrict their participation in public life, and expose them to exploitation and abuse.
International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8 under the auspices of the United Nations, promotes gender equality worldwide. The 2026 theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” emphasises the need for concrete steps toward achieving equality.
However, disability rights advocates argue that gender equality efforts must deliberately include women and girls with disabilities, who often face double discrimination.
CCD highlighted persistent barriers including limited access to education, employment, healthcare, and legal protection, which continue to undermine the rights and opportunities of women with disabilities.
The organisation also raised concerns about the high risk of gender-based violence faced by women with disabilities, noting that inaccessible police stations, courts, and legal services often discourage survivors from reporting abuse.
According to the group, the absence of disability-friendly infrastructure, lack of sign language interpreters, and limited awareness among justice officials further complicate efforts by victims to seek legal redress.
To tackle these issues, CCD called for reforms that would eliminate discriminatory laws and policies while strengthening inclusive justice systems capable of accommodating persons with disabilities.
It also advocated improved protection mechanisms against gender-based violence and the expansion of accessible and affordable legal aid services.
The organisation emphasised that increasing the participation of women with disabilities in leadership, governance, and justice institutions would ensure their perspectives shape policies and programmes affecting their lives.
CCD further stressed the need for sustained public awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes about disability and promote social inclusion.
The organisation urged governments, civil society organisations, development partners, the private sector, and the media to work together to protect and advance the rights of women and girls with disabilities.
According to CCD, achieving true equality requires deliberate actions that ensure women with disabilities are visible, represented, and protected within all sectors of society.
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