From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a compelling and impassioned press conference held at Nurses House, the Nasarawa coordinator for Advocacy of Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWDI), Asaba Averson, marked the International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2023.
Averson underscored the importance of recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities, particularly regarding climate change impacts and systemic discrimination.
The conference, held on December 3rd in commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, highlighted the necessity of creating inclusive strategies to ensure the dignity, rights, and holistic well-being of persons with disabilities. Averson emphasised the theme for this year: “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities.”
Averson elucidated on the significant barriers faced by women and girls with disabilities, including lower economic and social status, increased vulnerability to violence and abuse, limited access to education and healthcare, and challenges in participation in civic and political spheres.
Daily Sun reports that the pressing issue of climate change exacerbates these hardships, impacting natural resources and livelihoods, with Nasarawa State experiencing adverse effects such as flooding, rainfall, and pest infestation, leading to loss of lives and property among women and girls with disabilities.
Addressing these critical issues, the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACS) consortium emerged as a united force, aiming to amplify the voices of those most affected by the climate crisis, emphasising the need for equitable protection and inclusion for all individuals, especially women and girls with disabilities.
During the conference, a series of recommendations were put forward, emphasising the importance of operationalising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for women and girls with disabilities, enhancing representation in disability rights commissions, equitable distribution of government palliatives, investing in disaster preparedness initiatives, and actively involving women and girls with disabilities in climate change policies and programs.
The Executive Director of Beacon Youth Initiative, Envoh Okolo, stressed the urgency of addressing climate injustice affecting women with disabilities in Nasarawa State, highlighting the event’s role in fostering awareness and action toward building an inclusive society for persons with disabilities.
This event, a collaborative effort between Beacon Youth Initiative, Education as a Vaccine (EVA), and support from the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), stood as a beacon of hope, striving for a world that champions inclusivity and equity for all, especially for those often marginalised within society.
Comfort Y. Agidi and Agidi Joyce Obli shed light on the harrowing experiences of neglect and marginalisation faced by people with disabilities across various sectors, including healthcare, employment, and access to government support.
They highlighted the challenges graduates with disabilities encounter in securing jobs due to societal misconceptions and prejudices, emphasising the need for the government to honour its promise of providing employment opportunities without prejudice or bias.
Furthermore, Agidi Joyce Obli emphasised the pressing issue of poverty among disabled individuals, particularly affecting women, and urged the government to intervene by offering financial assistance and skill acquisition programs to empower this marginalised group.
She advocated for prioritised healthcare access, requesting that individuals with disabilities should receive immediate attention and care, irrespective of their disability status, as they are often overlooked despite their abilities and needs.
Lydia Samuel Odonye also shared distressing incidents where persons with disabilities were excluded during the distribution of palliatives in her local government area. She highlighted instances where items meant for people with disabilities were diverted to others, leaving those in need neglected and underserved.
“This exclusion perpetuates the ongoing neglect of this vulnerable group and violates their rights, am calling for fair treatment and inclusion in government support programs,” she said.