The Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission, Mr. David Anyaele, has expressed concern over the consistent exclusion of women with disabilities in conversations about Gender-Based Violence (GBV). He highlighted the issue during a “Dialogue on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Women with Disabilities,” organized in collaboration with the Abia State First Lady, Lady Priscilla Otti, in Umuahia.
The event was part of the global 16 Days of Activism against GBV, a campaign that runs annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, International Human Rights Day. The dialogue aimed to empower women and girls with disabilities to create a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous Abia State.
Speaking at the event, Anyaele lamented that women with disabilities are often excluded when critical discussions around GBV and its solutions take place. “In many states and even at the national level, you see our women struggling to be recognized and included in conversations. Their voices are missing when their unique challenges and needs should be addressed,” he said.
The Chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that women with disabilities in Abia State are not only part of these conversations but that their needs are adequately addressed. He emphasized that the dialogue sought to assess their level of awareness, involvement, and the interventions available to them regarding GBV.
Participants at the dialogue represented various clusters of the disability community, including individuals who are deaf, blind, physically challenged, intellectually disabled, living with albinism, or with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During interactive sessions, participants shared their painful experiences, frustrations, and the discrimination they often face, even from government agencies.
One alarming revelation from the discussions was the lack of awareness among participants about laws protecting them from GBV. Many reported that no organization in the state had educated them on the subject. The participants urged the Abia State Disability Commission to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice to provide training for women with disabilities on GBV laws and protections.
Anyaele assured the participants that their contributions would be documented and presented to the Abia State First Lady for further action. He reiterated the commission’s dedication to amplifying their voices and addressing their concerns. Additionally, he announced plans to organize a similar session for men with disabilities to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing GBV within the disability community.
The Chairman commended the participants for their active engagement and emphasized the importance of including the voices of women with disabilities in the broader fight against GBV. By empowering and educating this marginalized group, he stated, the state could take significant steps toward inclusivity and justice.
The event was a significant milestone in bringing to light the challenges faced by women with disabilities in the fight against GBV, marking a commitment to bridging the gap and ensuring no one is left behind.
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