ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — As the world marks the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day, the Beyond Limit Initiative for Women and Girls with Disabilities has issued a strong call for governments, institutions and stakeholders to move beyond symbolic celebrations and adopt concrete measures that guarantee the full inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in society.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the organization emphasized that genuine gender equality will remain unattainable if women with disabilities continue to experience layered discrimination rooted in both gender bias and societal attitudes toward disability.
Marking the global celebration with the theme “Count Us In: Breaking Barriers. Beyond Limit,” the organization stressed the urgent need to transition from advocacy and rhetoric to the implementation of practical policies and systemic reforms that ensure the rights, safety and economic empowerment of women and girls with disabilities.
According to the organization, women with disabilities remain among the most marginalized groups globally, facing barriers in education, employment, healthcare access, political participation and protection from violence.
Pushing for Economic Empowerment
A key focus of the statement is the need to expand socio-economic opportunities for women with disabilities. The foundation noted that economic exclusion continues to trap many women with disabilities in cycles of poverty and dependency.
To address this, the initiative reaffirmed its commitment to creating sustainable opportunities through vocational training, financial literacy programs and pathways to decent employment.
The organization explained that empowering women with disabilities economically is not merely a social intervention but a development strategy capable of driving broader economic growth.
“Women with disabilities must not only be included as beneficiaries of economic programs but also recognized as innovators, entrepreneurs and contributors to national development,” the statement noted.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence
Another major concern raised by the foundation is the prevalence of gender-based violence against women and girls with disabilities. The organization warned that many victims often face additional barriers when seeking justice, including inaccessible reporting mechanisms, stigma and weak legal protections.
The foundation therefore called for urgent reforms to ensure justice systems are accessible and responsive to the needs of women with disabilities.
It also highlighted emerging risks linked to the digital space, noting that women and girls with disabilities are increasingly vulnerable to online harassment, exploitation and abuse.
A Seat at the Decision-Making Table
The organization further urged government institutions and private sector actors to integrate disability inclusion into governance and policymaking processes.
According to the group, the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us” must guide all decisions affecting persons with disabilities.
The foundation stressed that women with disabilities must be actively involved in shaping policies that affect their lives, from economic programs and education reforms to healthcare and social protection systems.
Inclusive governance, it noted, is critical to ensuring that laws and policies reflect the realities faced by women with disabilities.
Reproductive Health and Autonomy
The statement also drew attention to the challenges many women with disabilities face in accessing reproductive healthcare and accurate information about their rights.
The foundation emphasized that women with disabilities often experience discrimination, coercion or neglect when seeking reproductive health services.
It therefore called for healthcare systems that respect their autonomy, provide accessible information and uphold their right to make informed decisions about their bodies and reproductive lives.
Building a Society Beyond Limits
Speaking in the statement, the Executive Director of the Beyond Limit Initiative underscored that the fight for gender equality must include the removal of structural barriers that prevent women with disabilities from reaching their full potential.
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that our mission is not to change the individual but to transform the environment,” the director said.
“Our goal is to build a society where the potential of every girl and woman with a disability is recognized as a fundamental asset to our collective progress. We are not just breaking barriers; we are building a future that is truly beyond limit.”
Call for Collective Action
The organization called on community leaders, development partners, policymakers and international organizations to move beyond celebratory messages and commit to measurable actions that advance disability inclusion.
It stressed that meaningful progress will require stronger partnerships, policy implementation and increased investment in programs that empower women and girls with disabilities.
About the Organization
The Beyond Limit Initiative for Women and Girls with Disabilities is a non-governmental organization based in Abeokuta, Ogun State, focused on advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls with disabilities.
Through advocacy, capacity building and strategic interventions, the organization works to expand access to education, economic opportunities and social protection while promoting dignity and equal participation for women with disabilities in all areas of life.
The group maintains that a truly inclusive society is one where disability does not determine opportunity, and where every woman and girl—regardless of disability—can live a life of influence, dignity and limitless possibilities.
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