A Nigerian Catholic Sister, Sr. Francisca Ngozi Uti, has urged Nigeria to remove social, cultural and physical barriers limiting the participation of women and persons with disabilities in decision-making, economic activities and community life.
Sr. Uti, Executive Director of the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI), made the call on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, during an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of a one-day shared learning event on disability-inclusive and gender-responsive responses to violence against women and girls.
She said CWSI’s advocacy for inclusion is rooted in the Christian belief that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore deserves dignity, respect and equal opportunities to participate fully in society.
CWSI, an initiative of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ), has focused its advocacy on challenging social structures and cultural practices that restrict women’s participation in leadership, decision-making and community development.
According to Sr. Uti, the organisation has worked to ensure that women are heard and given opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their communities.
“We have been advocating for the inclusion of women, just like we are talking about the inclusion of people living with disabilities. We’ve been advocating for the inclusion of women in decision-making. To include women, hear their voices,” she said.
She noted that some traditional practices continue to reinforce the perception that women should remain subordinate and excluded from important community decisions.
“Traditionally, in the average Nigerian setup, the woman is supposed to be seen, not heard. And so we have been advocating,” she added.
The Catholic Sister drew parallels between the exclusion of women and the marginalisation experienced by persons with disabilities, noting that both groups have historically faced misconceptions about their abilities and contributions.
“It is a story of exclusion, just like these people living with disabilities. You exclude women because they are no use, because you feel that traditionally they are supposed to be subservient,” she said.
Speaking specifically about persons with disabilities, Sr. Uti described their continued marginalisation as a major concern, recalling that some families previously isolated children with disabilities rather than giving them opportunities to learn, develop their abilities and participate in society.
“We are trying to say, no, these people can do a lot. They have intelligence, and they can see,” she said.
She stressed that disability inclusion must go beyond awareness campaigns to the removal of practical barriers preventing persons with disabilities from accessing public spaces, services and opportunities.
“The programme you saw them do today is to educate law enforcement agents, so that they will also know how to help these people,” she said, referring to the shared-learning programme organised by CWSI.
Sr. Uti also called for greater awareness about the discrimination and misconceptions faced by persons with albinism, urging society to recognise their rights and treat them with dignity.
“It’s the creation of this awareness for people to know that these people too deserve respect, and they deserve a place in the society,” she said.
She identified accessibility as a critical component of disability inclusion, stressing that public institutions and facilities must make adequate provisions to enable persons with disabilities to participate fully.
“It means that you have to make provision for access. Accessibility is very key and important,” she said.
Beyond advocacy and awareness, CWSI has supported women and persons with disabilities through vocational training and livelihood programmes aimed at promoting economic independence.
With funding support from the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), the organisation has provided equipment and start-up support to beneficiaries who completed vocational training, enabling them to apply their skills and generate income.
Sr. Uti further called for greater accountability in government-funded empowerment programmes, stressing that resources allocated to vulnerable groups must reach the intended beneficiaries.
“We know the realities of our day. So we cannot be belabouring the fact that government should provide this; government should take care of them. Because money is allocated for this project. But where is the money?” she asked.
She criticised the diversion or partial utilisation of funds earmarked for empowerment initiatives, arguing that even modest investments can make a significant difference when properly directed towards improving the livelihoods of vulnerable people.
Using the example of a woman involved in akara production, she explained that additional resources could enable the beneficiary to purchase more beans, cooking oil and firewood, thereby increasing production and income.
Sr. Uti, who was named a winner of the 2024 Opus Prize, also encouraged persons with disabilities to reject negative societal perceptions, develop their abilities and take advantage of opportunities that can help them achieve greater independence and contribute meaningfully to society.
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