The Chief Executive Officer, Cedar Seed Foundation, Lois Auta-Udonkanta, has called for inclusion of Women with Disabilities in the activities of all political parties in Nigeria.
Lois made the call while addressing issues on Women with Disabilities at the United Nations (UN) House when the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres visited Nigeria on May 4 for a two day working tour.
Lois, who was among four women chosen to speak on behalf of Nigerian women, said Women with Disabilities face multiple barriers in their daily lives. From Infrastructural and institutional to attitudinal barriers, the Disability rights advocate notes that Women with Disabilities are triple jeopardized: first as a woman, next, as a Woman with Disability, and lastly, as victim of an unfriendly society.”
She went on to reiterate that gender-based violence, exclusion, discrimination, stigmatization, marginalization and other unwelcome representations are part of the barriers facing Women with Disabilities in everyday life.
“We are not going to capitalize on the problems, says Lois, “however we need to look out for solutions, and this involves adding the issue of Women with Disabilities in every political agenda, making sure that Women and Girls with Disabilities participate actively in politics”. This is in accordance with article 29 of United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
She also urged inclusion of Women with Disabilities in political formations, committee agenda, projects and Initiatives. Funds should be set aside for Women with Disabilities inclusion in politics.
Auta, who is also the President, Network For Disabled Women (NDW) urged the United Nations Secretary General to set aside a day to celebrate Women with Disabilities across the globe. She tasked the various agencies – both Governmental and non-Governmental, to work with Women with Disabilities in their distinct agendas.
The UN Secretary-General, in his response promised to take up the issues raised at the UN general assembly. Guterres also promised to use the opportunity of his scheduled meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari during the visit, to table the demands.
Also among the women chosen to speak on behalf of Nigerian women were the Honourable minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, activist and scholar, Professor Joy Ezeilo, and Executive Director, Dinidari Africa Foundation, Ndi Kato.