In a bold and dynamic push towards disability-inclusive climate action, the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) hosted a landmark event that highlighted the often-overlooked intersection of climate change, health, and disabilities. The event brought together a cadre of influential advocates, policymakers, and experts, including Mrs. Patience Ogolo, Executive Director of AWWDI, and Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change. Their discussions and commitments underscored the urgency of inclusive climate policies that recognize and address the unique challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The initiative by AWWDI aimed to spotlight the disproportionate effects of climate change on PWDs and emphasized the pressing need for accessible healthcare and infrastructure in disaster preparedness. The event served as a significant call to action for Nigeria’s policymakers, advocates, and the international community to bridge gaps between health, climate resilience, and disability inclusion.
Opening Remarks: Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe Calls for Disability-Inclusive Climate Action
Dr. Maduekwe, a prominent voice in Nigeria’s climate policy landscape, opened the event with a passionate address, commending AWWDI for prioritizing the rights of PWDs in climate discussions. Her remarks resonated with the event’s inclusive atmosphere, as the Nigerian national anthem was presented with sign-language interpretation, setting the tone for an inclusive dialogue.
She outlined the stark reality: climate change remains one of Nigeria’s most urgent threats, with health and climate issues disproportionately impacting PWDs. Dr. Maduekwe called for active efforts to make climate change discourse more inclusive, ensuring that policies consider the challenges faced by PWDs. Her address highlighted three major commitments from the National Council on Climate Change:
- Public Engagement and Inclusivity: The Council pledged to work closely with advocacy groups like AWWDI to foster public engagement and ensure that the voices of PWDs are heard and represented.
- Infrastructure Development: Dr. Maduekwe emphasized the need for inclusive infrastructure and the accessibility of essential climate adaptation technologies.
- Inclusive Policies: The Council aims to revise and implement policies that cater to the needs of PWDs, especially in communication, health, and emergency response systems.
Mrs. Patience Ogolo’s Remarks: Empowering Women and Girls with Disabilities
Mrs. Ogolo, a leading advocate for women and girls with disabilities, expressed gratitude for Dr. Maduekwe’s commitments and stressed AWWDI’s dedication to equipping women with disabilities with the knowledge and tools to face climate-related challenges. She outlined AWWDI’s partnerships with organizations like the Disability Rights Fund, which work tirelessly to ensure PWDs are prioritized during climate-induced crises.
Ogolo’s remarks resonated with the urgency of preparing vulnerable communities, particularly women and girls with disabilities, for the realities of climate change. Her address highlighted that PWDs often lack access to critical climate-related information, and inclusive policies can make a lifesaving difference during emergencies.
Keynote Address by Dr. Adebukola Adebayo: The Nexus Between Climate Change, Health, and Disabilities
Dr. Adebayo, an expert on disability and climate resilience, provided a keynote on “Climate Change, Health, and Persons with Disabilities: Understanding the Nexus.” His presentation drew attention to how PWDs face compounded vulnerabilities when accessing basic services, a reality exacerbated by climate-related challenges.
Dr. Adebayo cited alarming statistics, such as the increased frequency of heatwaves and flooding events in Nigeria, which disproportionately endanger PWDs. His address underscored the urgent need for inclusive, resilient policies and emphasized five primary areas for improvement:
- Representation: PWDs must have active representation in climate decision-making bodies.
- Capacity Building: Government agencies need targeted training to support PWDs during climate crises.
- Awareness and Education: Clear and accessible information for PWDs is crucial for preparing for climate impacts.
- Inclusive Policy Development: Existing climate policies need revisions to integrate the specific needs of PWDs.
- PWD-Led Climate Advocacy: Dr. Adebayo called for empowering PWDs to lead climate advocacy efforts, ensuring that their perspectives shape policy responses.
Panel Discussion: Insights from Disability and Climate Change Advocates
A panel discussion followed, featuring inspiring insights from Maryam Ann, Founder of The Reach Out Africa Development Initiative, Constance Onyemachi, a leading advocate for women with albinism, and Mrs. Ogolo. Moderated by Kolawole Jayeoba, AWWDI’s Project Manager, the discussion covered the harsh realities faced by PWDs under climate pressures.
Constance Onyemachi spoke passionately about the specific challenges individuals with albinism encounter, particularly in coping with intense heat and skin cancer risks. Climate change, she noted, heightens these health issues, as rising temperatures can trigger conditions like eczema and dehydration. Onyemachi called for a human rights approach to climate adaptation, moving beyond charity to sustainable, rights-based solutions for PWDs.
Maryam Ann focused on the importance of mental health support for PWDs. She noted that climate-induced emergencies often worsen mental health concerns for PWDs due to lack of access to toilets and other essential resources during evacuations. Ann highlighted the role of community support and education in building resilience for PWDs, emphasizing the need for respectful, inclusive community approaches.
Mrs. Ogolo reiterated the necessity of inclusive policy frameworks, stressing that PWDs must be considered in every aspect of climate planning. She pointed to gaps in emergency communications, which often exclude deaf individuals, placing them at heightened risk during disasters. Mrs. Ogolo advocated for robust community awareness and resilience-building programs as vital components of inclusive climate policy.
Key Takeaways: An Urgent Call for Inclusive Climate Action
The event concluded with an energetic call for immediate, inclusive climate action that acknowledges the distinct needs of PWDs. Panelists and keynote speakers alike underscored the need for a rights-based approach to climate resilience. Mrs. Ogolo stressed that climate justice requires disability justice and called on the Nigerian government and international allies to stand with PWDs in facing climate challenges.
Key Action Points:
- Inclusive Policies: The development of policies that prioritize disability inclusion and address the unique needs of PWDs in climate-related health infrastructure and emergency responses.
- Investment in Accessible Technologies: Increased funding for assistive technologies and infrastructure that support PWDs in adapting to climate change.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Community engagement initiatives to educate the public on the intersection of climate change and disabilities.
This landmark event, hosted by AWWDI, represents a critical step forward in advocating for a climate-resilient, disability-inclusive Nigeria. As climate change continues to pose existential threats, the imperative is clear: Nigeria’s climate response must include the voices and needs of PWDs, ensuring no one is left behind in the face of an increasingly uncertain climate future.
