In commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Ogun State Women’s Wing, hosted the Empowering Women with Disabilities Conference in Abeokuta. This groundbreaking event aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by women with disabilities, particularly in healthcare and economic empowerment, while also providing solutions to foster their inclusion in society.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Lasisi Basirat, the NAB Ogun State Women Leader, encouraged women with disabilities to seize every opportunity for self-empowerment by acquiring skills that would enable them to be self-reliant and financially independent. She emphasized that personal development and skill acquisition are critical steps toward overcoming societal barriers.
Barrister Joseph Bulugbe, Chairman of NAB Ogun State, expressed his gratitude to attendees who traveled from various local government areas of Ogun State to participate in the event. He urged both the government and the private sector to actively support initiatives aimed at empowering women with disabilities.
The conference featured insightful keynote addresses delivered by esteemed speakers, each focusing on different aspects of empowerment. Speaking on the theme of accessible healthcare for women with disabilities, Mrs. Atinuke Odukoya provided an in-depth analysis of the daily healthcare barriers they face. She advocated for improved policies, accessible healthcare facilities, and specialized medical services tailored to their needs. Her session highlighted practical solutions that policymakers and healthcare providers must adopt to ensure inclusivity, such as the provision of sign language interpreters, voice communication aids, and ramps for wheelchair users.
Addressing the topic of economic empowerment, Olori Aminat Matemilola emphasized the significance of financial independence for women with disabilities. She encouraged them to actively participate in entrepreneurship, skill acquisition programs, and vocational training as viable means of achieving financial sustainability. She also called for the provision of grants and zero-interest loans while urging corporate bodies and the government to implement policies that promote economic inclusion.
In another interactive session, Ibukun Owolabi, Gender, Disability Inclusion, and Safeguarding Lead at Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), represented by Femi Okuwasuyi, Program Manager for Ogun State, discussed opportunities available for women with disabilities in the creative and arts industries. He highlighted various sectors such as fashion, music, and theater as viable career paths and elaborated on how organizations like TAFTA foster inclusion by offering specialized training and mentorship free of charge to youths aged 18 to 35.
Mrs. Adenike Olorundare, Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the NAB Women’s Wing, and Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, represented by Mrs. Olufunminiyi Olikama, Director of Rehabilitation, commended NAB for organizing the impactful event. Mrs. Adewole reaffirmed the Ogun State Government’s commitment to advancing the empowerment and inclusion of women with disabilities. She stated that through her ministry, the government would continue to prioritize equity and support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women with disabilities.
The conference concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Oluwatomisin Olatayo, Chairperson of the Planning Committee, who expressed gratitude to all the distinguished guests, speakers, and participants. She encouraged women with disabilities to take advantage of available skill acquisition programs and empowerment initiatives to enhance their independence and self-sufficiency. She also emphasized the need for continued advocacy to ensure inclusivity in all aspects of society.
The Empowering Women with Disabilities Conference marked a pivotal moment in the advocacy for women with disabilities in Ogun State, setting a strong foundation for future engagements aimed at improving their health and economic rights.
INN reports that other activities of the two-day conference included skill acquisition training on producing petroleum jelly, managing menopause, dealing with social isolation and depression as women with disabilities, and discussions on addressing sexual abuse and sex education. Participants left the event motivated and equipped with valuable knowledge and resources to enhance their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society.
The success of the event underscores the growing recognition of the need for inclusivity and empowerment, paving the way for a more equitable future for women with disabilities in Nigeria.
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