In a bold and impactful move, the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) recently engaged key lawmakers at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, in a strategic push for the development of inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) policies. This landmark event, fully funded by Hivos, represents a critical step toward ensuring that the unique needs of women and girls with disabilities are addressed in Nigeria’s legislative framework.
Breaking Barriers, Setting Standards
Women and girls with disabilities face unique challenges that often exclude them from accessing essential sexual and reproductive health services. These challenges, ranging from physical and communication barriers to societal stigma, underline the urgent need for inclusive SRHR policies. By engaging lawmakers directly, AWWDI aims to break these barriers and set new standards for equity and accessibility in healthcare.
The engagement focused on highlighting gaps in current SRHR policies, advocating for disability-inclusive reforms, and rallying legislative support to ensure no one is left behind.
Why the National Assembly?
The National Assembly plays a pivotal role in shaping laws that impact millions of lives. Recognizing this, AWWDI chose to bring its advocacy to the nation’s legislative hub, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policies in achieving social justice.
The key objectives of the engagement included:
- Addressing Policy Gaps: AWWDI presented evidence of how existing SRHR policies fail to account for the lived experiences of women and girls with disabilities.
- Advocating for Inclusion: The organization called for the integration of disability perspectives into policy frameworks to eliminate systemic barriers.
- Securing Legislative Action: AWWDI sought to rally lawmakers’ support for adopting and implementing inclusive SRHR policies that protect and promote the rights of all.
Why Inclusive SRHR Policies Matter
For women and girls with disabilities, access to sexual and reproductive health services is not just a health issue; it is a matter of dignity, empowerment, and equity. Inclusive SRHR policies can:
- Promote Autonomy: Empower women and girls with disabilities to make informed decisions about their bodies and health.
- Ensure Accessibility: Address physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers in healthcare settings.
- Combat Violence: Provide safeguards against sexual and gender-based violence, which disproportionately affects women with disabilities.
- Enhance Equity: Close gaps in health outcomes by ensuring equal access to SRHR services and information.
AWWDI’s Call for Action
During the engagement, AWWDI passionately urged lawmakers to champion SRHR policies that align with global best practices, particularly those that address the intersectionality of gender and disability. The organization stressed that inclusive policies are essential for Nigeria to meet its obligations under international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Stakeholders Speak
Speaking at the event, AWWDI’s Executive Director, Patience Dickson Ogolo, highlighted the critical role of the legislature in driving social change:
“Our laws shape our society. By prioritizing the needs of women and girls with disabilities in SRHR policies, we are not only upholding their rights but also building a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria.”
A representative from Hivos emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing disability rights, stating:
“This engagement is a testament to what can be achieved when advocacy groups, lawmakers, and international partners come together for a common cause.”
A Milestone for Advocacy
This historic engagement is more than a conversation—it is a milestone in the fight for inclusive policies. It sets the stage for meaningful legislative reforms that will transform the lives of women and girls with disabilities across Nigeria.
As AWWDI continues its advocacy efforts, the organization calls on all stakeholders to join in building a society where every woman and girl, regardless of ability, can access the rights and opportunities they deserve.
With the support of committed partners like Hivos and the responsiveness of the National Assembly, the dream of an inclusive Nigeria is becoming a reality—one policy at a time.
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