On Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, the African Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) took center stage at the 8th Voice of Women Conference & Awards (VOW2024), a landmark event dedicated to advancing women’s inclusion across all sectors in Nigeria. This year’s theme, “Achieving Women’s Inclusion for a Sustainable Nigeria,” brought together a dynamic cross-section of women leaders, advocates, and change-makers from across the nation, with AWWDI playing a key role in the discussions.
The AWWDI delegation, led by the Executive Director, Mrs. Patience Ogolo Dickson, alongside National Coordinator Ms. Bilikisu Yakubu and other prominent members, made a powerful impact at the conference. Their participation reflected the organization’s unwavering commitment to promoting the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria.
The VOW2024 conference, an annual event known for its profound influence on national discourse surrounding women’s rights and inclusion, serves as a critical platform for discussions on gender equality, social justice, and sustainable development. This year’s edition expanded the conversation to address how women’s inclusion is integral to Nigeria’s sustainability goals. From politics to education, from entrepreneurship to healthcare, the conference emphasized the importance of ensuring that no woman is left behind—especially women with disabilities.
In her remarks, Mrs. Patience Ogolo Dickson highlighted the significance of intersectionality in the inclusion agenda, noting that women with disabilities often face double layers of marginalization—both as women and as individuals with disabilities. She emphasized that policies and strategies for inclusion must take into account these intersecting challenges to truly build a more inclusive and equitable society.
“Our society cannot progress without the active participation of all its members, particularly women who have historically been sidelined. And within this group, women with disabilities face unique challenges that we must address head-on if we are to achieve true sustainability,” Mrs. Dickson remarked during a panel discussion.
She further explained how AWWDI is leading the charge in advocating for women with disabilities in areas such as education, employment, and political participation. The organization has been at the forefront of pushing for reforms that create more opportunities for women with disabilities to thrive, from grassroots initiatives to influencing national policies.
The National Coordinator, Ms. Bilikisu Yakubu, echoed these sentiments, stressing that while progress has been made, more work remains to be done. “We’ve seen improvements in the recognition of women’s rights in recent years, but when it comes to women with disabilities, the journey is far from complete. We need more representation, more opportunities, and more support,” she stated during an interactive session.
AWWDI’s presence at the VOW2024 conference was not just symbolic but also strategic. The organization used the platform to foster collaborations with other women’s rights groups, government officials, and private sector leaders in attendance. These partnerships are aimed at amplifying the voices of women with disabilities and ensuring that their issues are included in broader national conversations on gender equality and sustainability.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the need for inclusive policies that address the full spectrum of women’s experiences. Participants from various sectors called for more comprehensive frameworks that go beyond mere lip service to inclusion. They advocated for tangible action, such as gender-responsive budgeting, inclusive education systems, accessible healthcare, and support for women entrepreneurs—including those with disabilities.
The conference also featured the prestigious Voice of Women Awards, which celebrated women who have made significant contributions to promoting gender equality and driving social change in Nigeria. While AWWDI was not a recipient this year, their participation was lauded by many as a testament to their dedication to the cause of women with disabilities.
Looking forward, AWWDI is set to continue its advocacy efforts with renewed vigor. The organization plans to build on the momentum gained from the conference to launch new initiatives aimed at addressing key issues such as access to quality education for girls with disabilities, employment opportunities for women with disabilities, and increased political representation.
As Nigeria works toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AWWDI remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that women with disabilities are not left out of the conversation. The organization believes that true sustainability can only be achieved when every woman, regardless of her ability, has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the nation’s progress.
The VOW2024 conference served as a powerful reminder that inclusion is not just a goal but a necessity. With organizations like AWWDI leading the charge, there is hope that Nigeria will continue to move toward a future where all women, including those with disabilities, are empowered to reach their full potential.
As the conference came to a close, Mrs. Dickson left attendees with a resounding message: “Let us continue to raise our voices and take action for a sustainable future where every woman is seen, heard, and valued.”
With such determination and a clear vision for the future, AWWDI’s role in shaping the path toward inclusion for women with disabilities in Nigeria remains pivotal. The work continues, and AWWDI stands ready to lead the way.
