Abuja, Nigeria – It was a day of celebration, hope, and renewed commitment to disability inclusion as the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) graduated 100 young women with disabilities from its Inclusive Leadership and Decision-Making Mentorship Programme in Abuja.
The colourful graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of a transformative mentorship initiative designed to equip women with disabilities with leadership skills, confidence, decision-making abilities, and the capacity to actively participate in governance and community development.
The project, supported by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), initially admitted 150 women with disabilities drawn from the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). After months of intensive mentorship, personal development, leadership training, and practical assignments, 100 participants successfully completed the programme and graduated.
As part of efforts to encourage excellence and reward outstanding commitment, exceptional graduates received financial support to help them advance their personal and professional aspirations.
In her keynote address, the Founder and Executive Director of AWWDI, Patience Ogolo Dickson, congratulated the graduates and described the ceremony as far more than a graduation exercise.
“Today is more than a graduation—it is a celebration of resilience, learning, growth, and the limitless potential of young women with disabilities,” she said.
https://qualitativemagazine.com/call-for-volunteer-state-correspondents/
According to her, the graduates have demonstrated that disability is never a limitation to leadership, innovation, or excellence.
“Throughout this mentorship programme, you have gained knowledge, built confidence, and strengthened your ability to lead. These achievements prove that disability does not define your potential. Your talents, determination, ideas, and character are what truly make you leaders.”
She reminded the graduates that inclusive leadership begins with recognizing that every voice deserves to be heard.
“Inclusive leadership begins with believing that every voice matters. Leadership is not about occupying the highest office; it is about making a positive difference, listening to others, solving problems, and creating opportunities for everyone to participate.”
Mrs. Dickson encouraged the graduates to remain courageous and actively participate in decisions affecting their families, workplaces, schools, communities, and society at large.
She urged them never to underestimate the value of their lived experiences, noting that their unique perspectives are essential in building stronger and more inclusive communities.
“As you move forward, do not be afraid to speak up, take initiative, and participate in decisions that affect your lives, your communities, and your future. Your voice matters, your perspective is valuable, and your experiences can help shape a more inclusive society.”
She further challenged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, build strong professional networks, support one another, and become mentors to other young women with disabilities.
“Do not stop learning. Encourage and support one another. Seek mentors and become mentors yourselves. Build networks, embrace opportunities, and never allow barriers to silence your ambitions. Every challenge you overcome becomes a source of strength and inspiration for others.”
The AWWDI founder also expressed profound appreciation to the mentors whose dedication and guidance contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
She equally thanked the families, partners, supporters, and organizers for believing in the abilities of women with disabilities and investing their time, patience, expertise, and resources in nurturing the participants.
“Your support is helping to create a future where leadership is more inclusive and where everyone has the opportunity to contribute,” she stated.
Addressing the graduates once again, she reminded them that graduation should be seen as the beginning of a new journey rather than its conclusion.
“Your journey does not end here—it begins here. Walk with confidence, lead with integrity, make informed decisions, and use your voice to inspire positive change. The future needs your leadership, your courage, and your vision.”
She also conveyed special appreciation to the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) for supporting the initiative and making the empowerment programme possible.
One of the unique features of the mentorship programme was its structured mentoring approach. Participants were carefully matched with experienced mentors who guided them throughout the programme, ensuring they completed every stage of the training while helping them rediscover their strengths, build self-confidence, and unlock their full potential.
The mentorship relationships also provided emotional support, practical guidance, and leadership coaching, enabling many participants to overcome personal challenges and prepare for greater roles in their communities.
Several graduates who spoke with The Qualitative Magazine (TQM) described the programme as life-changing.
They said the mentorship had transformed their confidence, expanded their leadership skills, and inspired them to become advocates for disability inclusion and gender equality.
Many pledged to step down the knowledge and skills they acquired by mentoring and empowering other women and girls with disabilities in their various communities.
The event attracted high-profile stakeholders and development partners committed to advancing disability inclusion and women’s empowerment. Among those in attendance were representatives of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), YES Foundation, and representatives of the Wives of Traditional Leaders in the Federal Capital Territory.
Their presence underscored the growing recognition of the importance of investing in women with disabilities as agents of positive social change.
The graduation ceremony concluded with renewed calls for sustained investment in mentorship, inclusive leadership, and decision-making opportunities for women with disabilities across Nigeria.
For the graduates, the event represented not only the successful completion of a mentorship programme but also the beginning of a lifelong commitment to leading change, breaking barriers, influencing policies, and ensuring that the voices of women with disabilities are heard wherever important decisions are made.
As applause filled the hall and certificates were presented, one message resonated throughout the event: when women with disabilities are given the right opportunities, mentorship, and support, they do not merely participate—they lead, inspire, and transform communities.
Visit This Link Below To Support Our Brand Of Journalism
