Women with disabilities under the aegis of the Women’s Wing of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Ogun State have called for inclusion and priorities of women with disabilities.
The call was made in a press statement commemsorating 2024 international women’s day. The theme for this year is “inspire inclusion”.
Oluwatomisin Adeyefa, in the statement signed on Friday, congratulated every woman with a disability for their resilience, commitment, and unwavering determination to stand tall despite numerous challenges and discrimination.
With the growing recognition of the importance of inclusive policies and practices that ensure the rights and dignity of women with disabilities, Adeyefa notes that much work remains to be done to address the systemic inequalities and barriers that limit their participation in society, more importantly in the gateway state.
“It is imperative that we prioritize the inclusion of women with disabilities in all aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and political participation. This requires concerted efforts from government, civil society, the private sector, and the broader community to remove physical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers to inclusion.”
The group urged policymakers to enact and enforce laws and policies that protect the rights of women with disabilities and promote their full participation and inclusion in society. This includes providing accessible infrastructure, healthcare services, and educational opportunities, as well as implementing measures to combat discrimination and stigma.
“We urge all stakeholders to actively involve women with disabilities in decision-making processes and to ensure that their voices are heard and respected. Empowering women with disabilities to advocate for their rights and participate fully in their communities is essential for achieving gender equality and social justice for all.
“An era where women with disabilities are an afterthought must give way to one where they are actively involved in all stages of programming and intervention—from planning to evaluation.
“Normalizing discussions and interventions around disability not only promotes inclusion but also optimizes resource utilization. Rather than building separate hospitals for women with disabilities, accommodating and providing access for them in existing healthcare facilities is a more efficient approach.”
Adeyefa also advocated investing in women with disabilities, whether internally or externally to yield productive and generational dividends. Adding that women with disabilities can contribute meaningfully to society when given the opportunity.
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