Women's Day:Ogun Women With Disabilities Call For Laws,Policies To Be Part Of Governance

Women with disabilities in Ogun State have asked the State Government to initiate policies and bills for laws that  encourage equal participation in governance and remove all forms of barriers against them in all activities in the state 

Oluwatomisin Adeyefa who made the call in a press statement on behalf of the women wing, Joint National Association for Persons with Disabilities [Ogun state chapter) to mark this year's International Women's Day on Friday, stressed the need to prioritize the inclusion of women with disabilities in all aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and political participation 

This according to her, requires concerted efforts from government, civil society, the private sector, and the broader community to remove physical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers to inclusion.

"We call on policymakers to enact and enforce laws and policies that protect the rights of women with disabilities and promote their full participation and inclusion in society. This includes providing accessible infrastructure, healthcare services, and educational opportunities, as well as implementing measures to combat discrimination and stigma"

"Furthermore, we urge all stakeholders to actively involve women with disabilities in decision-making processes and to ensure that their voices are heard and respected. Empowering women with disabilities to advocate for their rights and participate fully in their communities is essential for achieving gender equality and social justice for all", Adeyefa stated  

According to her, "An era where women with disabilities are an afterthought must give way to one where they are actively involved in all stages of programming and intervention—from planning to evaluation" 

She emphasized the need to embrace the theme of the 2024 celebration  "Inspire Inclusion" with a special focus on women with disabilities, saying promoting inclusion includes 

optimizing resource utilization

Adeyefa added that rather than building separate hospitals for women with disabilities, there should be accommodation and provision to create access for them in existing healthcare facilities which according to her, "is a more efficient approach"

"In essence, inspiring inclusion is not just a slogan but a commitment to sustainable development and equity for all women, regardless of their abilities

On this International Women's Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman, regardless of her abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and fulfill her potential. Together, we can inspire inclusion and create a brighter future for all women in Ogun State, Nigeria, and beyond", she submitted