By Agbo Christian Obiora,
In a groundbreaking effort to address the economic marginalization of women with disabilities, the Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI), in collaboration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and with support from the MacArthur Foundation, hosted a transformative one-day stakeholder forum in Abuja. Themed “Empowering Women with Disabilities: Advancing Inclusive Trade and Gender-Responsive Business Opportunities,” the event aimed to foster discussions, propose actionable solutions, and catalyze collaborations to create an equitable economic landscape for women with disabilities.
The forum, held as part of ISDI’s “Breaking Barriers” project, marked a significant step in championing gender-responsive and disability-inclusive economic policies in Nigeria. With policymakers, business leaders, financial institutions, and advocates in attendance, the event showcased a shared commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities in accessing trade and business opportunities.
Challenging Exclusionary Norms
In her opening remarks, the Executive Director of ISDI, Angelina Ugben, highlighted the urgency of creating inclusive economic systems that empower women with disabilities.
“This forum marks a significant step in our shared commitment to building an inclusive economic environment where women with disabilities are not just participants but drivers of growth and innovation,” Ugben said. “At ISDI, we are committed to challenging exclusionary norms, and this project, ‘Breaking Barriers,’ is a reflection of that mission.”
She emphasized that women with disabilities face systemic barriers such as discrimination, limited access to capital, and inadequate support networks. The project, which commenced in October 2024, seeks to generate evidence-based recommendations, strengthen accountability mechanisms under Nigeria’s Disability Act, and advocate for systemic changes to address these barriers.
A Forum of Collaboration and Action
The forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, financial institutions, civil society organizations, and women with disabilities themselves, to share insights and collaborate on solutions.
The discussions focused on several key areas:
- Identifying the barriers that prevent women with disabilities from accessing business and trade opportunities.
- Advocating for gender-responsive and disability-inclusive policies.
- Promoting partnerships and programs that provide women with disabilities access to capital, mentorship, and skill development.
Stakeholders were called upon to actively participate in the project’s research process, share data and experiences, and champion inclusive practices within their organizations.
Breaking Barriers: A Vision for Inclusion
The “Breaking Barriers” project, a six-month initiative, is built on four core pillars:
- Research and Evidence Building: Gathering reliable data on the challenges faced by women with disabilities in business to inform policy recommendations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Fostering collaboration among policymakers, financial institutions, and civil society organizations.
- Advocacy and Accountability: Promoting the implementation of inclusive policies through targeted campaigns.
- Capacity Building: Empowering women with disabilities with the skills and resources they need to thrive in business.
“This project is not just about addressing challenges,” Ugben explained. “It’s about creating opportunities and fostering a culture of inclusion where every woman with a disability has the chance to contribute meaningfully to society.”
Stakeholders’ Commitments
Throughout the forum, stakeholders reiterated their commitment to driving systemic change. Representatives from various sectors pledged to:
- Support the development of actionable policy recommendations aligned with Nigeria’s Disability Act.
- Champion inclusivity within their institutions.
- Partner with ISDI to develop mentorship programs and financial support for women entrepreneurs with disabilities.
The forum also provided a platform for participants to share practical ideas and identify opportunities for collaboration. Many attendees expressed optimism about the potential impact of the project.
Joy Michael Idris, ISDI’s Programme Officer, described the forum as a turning point for inclusivity in Nigeria. “The success of this project depends on our collective efforts to hold duty bearers accountable, drive systemic change, and ensure that women with disabilities are no longer excluded from economic opportunities,” Idris said.
Voices of Hope and Determination
The forum was enriched by powerful testimonials from women with disabilities, who shared their experiences and aspirations. Their stories underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment for women with disabilities to thrive in business.
One participant noted, “This forum has given me hope that the barriers we face as women with disabilities can be broken. With the right policies and support, we can achieve anything.”
Another participant emphasized the need for sustained advocacy: “It’s not enough to have discussions. We need action, and this forum is a great start.”
The Road Ahead
As the forum concluded, stakeholders agreed on the need for sustained partnerships and impactful actions to advance the goals of the “Breaking Barriers” project. The insights and strategies generated during the event will feed into ISDI’s broader research agenda, informing advocacy efforts and policy recommendations.
“Together, we can break barriers, foster inclusion, and build a better future for all,” Ugben affirmed.
With the collective resolve of the stakeholders and the commitment of ISDI, the “Breaking Barriers” project promises to be a transformative initiative, empowering women with disabilities to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential in trade and business. As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of inclusivity, forums like this serve as beacons of hope, reminding us all of the power of collaboration and the importance of leaving no one behind.
