In a remarkable effort to enhance climate resilience and promote the rights of women and girls with disabilities, Sauri Growth Initiative for Women and Youth with Disabilities, a leading non-profit organization, successfully held a two-day training program in Otukpo, Benue State. The event, titled “Building Climate Resilience: Empowering Women and Girls with Disabilities in Benue State,” took place at the Golden Pan Hotel on the 13th and 14th of September 2024.
The training, spearheaded by Executive Director Comfort Ekwo, focused on equipping women and girls with disabilities with essential knowledge and skills to better understand climate change, its impact on their lives, and how they can advocate for inclusive climate policies. Ekwo, a passionate advocate for disability rights, emphasized the need for women with disabilities to take control of their narrative and become active participants in shaping their future.
Empowering Voices in Climate Action
“Women with disabilities must learn to use their voices and advocate for themselves. They have the power to create change and build a more inclusive, climate-resilient future,” said Ekwo in her opening address. Her inspiring words set the tone for the two-day event, which brought together 30 women and girls with disabilities from across Benue State.
The training was expertly coordinated by Project Officer Ogbodo Precious Nneka, who worked tirelessly to ensure that participants not only gained valuable knowledge but also developed practical skills they could apply in their communities. The interactive sessions were designed to foster a deep understanding of climate-related challenges while promoting the empowerment of women with disabilities as leaders in climate resilience and policy advocacy.
A Holistic Approach to Climate Resilience
The two-day event featured a series of comprehensive and engaging sessions led by renowned facilitator Samuel Kenneth Yashim. Yashim’s ability to break down complex topics into relatable and accessible content was highly praised by participants, who left the training with a renewed sense of purpose and empowerment.
On Day 1, the focus was on breaking down barriers and raising awareness about disability and climate change. Participants were introduced to two key topics:
- Understanding Disability: Breaking Down Barriers and Stereotypes – Yashim began by addressing the challenges faced by women with disabilities, particularly the misconceptions and stereotypes that often limit their opportunities. He emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and community engagement in overcoming these barriers.
- Understanding Climate Change: Impacts and Consequences – In this session, Yashim guided participants through the basics of climate change, helping them understand how global warming and environmental degradation disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly women and girls with disabilities. He explained that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a social and economic challenge that requires inclusive solutions.
On Day 2, the sessions delved deeper into practical strategies for climate adaptation and advocacy:
- Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Strategies for Resilience – Participants learned about climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, focusing on how they could apply these approaches in their daily lives and communities. Yashim provided case studies and examples of successful climate resilience initiatives led by women in other parts of Nigeria and Africa, inspiring the participants to see themselves as change-makers.
- Advocacy for Inclusive Climate Policies: Amplifying Voices – The final session was dedicated to teaching advocacy techniques. Participants were encouraged to engage with policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to push for more inclusive climate policies. Yashim emphasized the importance of collective action and how a unified voice can drive policy changes that benefit not only persons with disabilities but society as a whole.
Participants Praise the Training
The interactive and hands-on nature of the training resonated deeply with the participants, who expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of both climate change and their rights as individuals with disabilities. Many of the women and girls noted that they now felt more equipped to tackle the challenges posed by climate change in their communities.
“I’ve always heard about climate change, but I didn’t understand how much it affected me as a person with a disability,” said one participant. “This training opened my eyes to how I can take action, and I’m excited to go back to my community and share what I’ve learned.”
Another participant highlighted the importance of being part of decision-making processes that affect their lives. “For too long, women with disabilities have been left out of the conversation when it comes to climate policies. But now I know that we have the power to advocate for ourselves and make sure our voices are heard.”
The training also provided a platform for participants to share their personal experiences and connect with one another, building a sense of community and solidarity among women with disabilities who are often marginalized and overlooked.
A Vision for an Inclusive, Climate-Resilient Future
At the conclusion of the training, Executive Director Comfort Ekwo expressed her gratitude to the participants, facilitators, and sponsors for making the event a success. She emphasized the critical role that women with disabilities can play in building a more inclusive and climate-resilient future, both in Benue State and beyond.
“This training marks a significant step towards promoting climate resilience and inclusive policies in Benue State,” said Ekwo. “We remain committed to supporting women and girls with disabilities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected. Our goal is to empower them with the knowledge and tools they need to not only survive but thrive in the face of climate change.”
Ekwo also extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Urgent Action Fund-Africa, which funded the project. Their support, she noted, was instrumental in making the training possible and ensuring that women with disabilities in Benue State are equipped to advocate for their rights and contribute to climate resilience efforts.
Moving Forward: Continuing the Fight for Inclusion
As Sauri Growth Initiative continues its work, the organization remains dedicated to advancing disability inclusion, climate action, and gender equality in Benue State and beyond. The training in Otukpo is just one of many initiatives the organization is leading to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the fight against climate change.
Sauri Growth Initiative will continue to champion programs that empower women and girls with disabilities, promote inclusive policies, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
This event signifies a turning point in the fight for climate resilience in Nigeria, placing women and girls with disabilities at the forefront of the movement. With continued support from stakeholders and the community, Sauri Growth Initiative is poised to make a lasting impact in the lives of these women, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to shape their own futures.
