Report Cases Of Violence Against Women And Girls With Disability – Group Charges

In its mission of championing the cause of abused Women and Grls, the Society for Life and Good Parenting (So Life) – a civil Rights and advocacy group on Saturday 16th April, during its weekly TV series titled “Kilon Sele”, called upon society to adopt the practice of promptly reporting cases of violence against Women and Girls – especially those with disabilities.

The charge came in an engaging 30 minute “on air” presentation sponsored by the Organization and anchored by Mrs Joy Bolarin of Jibore Foundation.

Guest speaker at the show, Mrs Ann Omoyeni Ehindero, Founder, Speak Out Foundation, decried the disheartening level of discrimination suffered by PWDs – especially women and girls with Disabilities. The “Speak Out Advocacy” brand ambassador believes violence happens whenever a human right is denied or a demoralizing inhuman treatment is suffered.

Ehindero captured in graphic details the different appearances violence against women and girls with Disabilities take. These include: maltreatment at home, lack of access to quality education, forceful marriages, sexual abuse, use of derogatory terms, etc.

While calling for a change in the status quo, she reiterated duties expected of various stakeholders in the war against abuse/violence done to women and girls with disabilities. Family, parents, leaders of Disability groups and the Government all have distinct roles to play, she said.

According to Ehindero, all hands must be on deck to achieve the desired objective of total emancipation of this marginalized group. She called on parents to discourage bullying, to stop the use of derogatory names, the hiding of the child with disability at home, etc.

She urged leaders in the disability community to be more proactive in representing the disability cause. She challenged the Government on providing better access to quality education as well as empowerment opportunities.

The focal point of the talk show however, was to emphasize the importance of early reporting of any incidence of abuse to the appropriate quarters.

“We should never keep quiet, says Ehindero. Speaking out will allow these people get help – thereby avoiding injuries and death”.

The “Speak Out” advocate called on neighborhoods to report cases of abuse and not be mute. There are many organizations out there fighting for the rights of Women and Girls With Disability. She encouraged viewers to send in calls, texts or chats to emergency numbers on screen – assuring of anonymous handling of each case.

In Ehindero’s words: “ reporting will allow perpetrators to be punished and serve as lesson to others. This will bring about a reduction in cases of abuse.

The presentation was rounded up with a call for societal collaboration to assist and encourage PWDs build self esteem towards becoming citizens who bring meaningful contributions to society’s growth.