Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), in collaboration with the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), recently initiated a groundbreaking dialogue with Hon (Dr) Bashiru Dawodu, Chairman of the House Committee on Disabilities Matters in Nigeria. This dynamic partnership aims to bring about inclusivity in climate change policies, with a particular focus on the rights of women and girls with disabilities, shedding light on the intersectionality of gender-based violence and climate change in Nigeria.
Ms. Bilkisu Yakubu, the National Coordinator of AWWDI, led the impassioned team during the engagement, providing a comprehensive overview of the project’s objectives and activities. Emphasizing the critical role of inclusive policies, she highlighted how climate change exacerbates gender-based violence and disproportionately affects women with disabilities in Nigeria.
The project manager delved into the specifics of the AWWDI/DRF project implementation plan, unveiling the ambitious initiative titled “Advocacy for Gender Disability Inclusive Climate Change Policies.” In a compelling address, he underscored the profound impact of climate change on persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, emphasizing the current lack of inclusivity in existing policies.
AWWDI’s mission is clear — advocating for climate change policies that prioritize persons with disabilities, with a special emphasis on women and girls. Seeking collaboration with the House Committee on Disabilities, the project manager passionately conveyed AWWDI’s commitment to bridging the existing gaps and fostering a more inclusive approach to climate change policies.
Hon (Dr) Bashiru Dawodu, Chairman of the House Committee on Disabilities Matters, expressed genuine appreciation for AWWDI’s unwavering dedication to gender-disability issues. In a promising gesture, he assured AWWDI of his full support and pledged to actively assist in reviewing the policies of relevant agencies. His commitment extends to identifying gaps and advocating for necessary adaptations to address the specific needs of persons with disabilities, especially women and girls.
This groundbreaking collaboration marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and equitable future, where climate change policies consider the diverse needs of all individuals, irrespective of abilities or gender. AWWDI and DRF’s strategic partnership, coupled with the support of Hon (Dr) Bashiru Dawodu, sets the stage for transformative change in Nigeria’s approach to climate change and disability inclusivity.
