Five years after Nigeria passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, many rural communities still struggle with full implementation. Women and girls with disabilities, particularly in Benue State, continue to face stigma, discrimination, and limited access to education, employment, and healthcare. However, a groundbreaking initiative in Gboko is changing the narrative, offering hope and empowerment to those often left behind.
In a bold move toward inclusion and equality, Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) recently organized a transformative two-day training program for women and girls with disabilities. The event, which took place in Gboko, was designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to advocate for their rights and actively contribute to their communities.
A Platform for Change: Empowering Voices, Strengthening Networks
At the heart of this training were three key objectives:
✅ Enhancing participants’ capacity to advocate for their rights – Many women and girls with disabilities in rural communities are unaware of their legal protections under Nigerian law and international frameworks like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This training provided them with practical advocacy skills to demand their rights and challenge discrimination.
✅ Building a strong network of women and youth with disabilities – Isolation is a major challenge for persons with disabilities in rural areas. By fostering connections and solidarity, this initiative encouraged participants to support one another and amplify their collective voice in decision-making spaces.
✅ Encouraging active participation in community development – Persons with disabilities are often excluded from social and economic opportunities. The training emphasized ways they can engage in entrepreneurship, leadership, and community-driven initiatives, ensuring they become integral contributors to their local economies.
Aligning with Global Commitments
This initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to both the CRPD and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically:
- CRPD Articles 5, 6, and 19 emphasize the need for equality, empowerment of women with disabilities, and independent living within communities.
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) call for the elimination of barriers preventing women and marginalized groups from accessing equal opportunities.
By hosting this training, HAPI is actively contributing to the realization of these commitments, ensuring that women and girls with disabilities are not just beneficiaries of policies but active participants in shaping their own futures.
The Role of the Disability Rights Fund
The success of this initiative was made possible through the support of the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), a leading organization dedicated to strengthening disability rights movements worldwide. Their partnership with HAPI underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in driving systemic change and fostering inclusion.
A Call to Action: Sustaining the Momentum
While this training is a significant step forward, the journey toward full inclusion and equality for women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria is far from over. Government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector must continue to invest in education, economic empowerment, and legal protection for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, one of the participants shared her experience, saying:
“Before this training, I felt invisible in my community. Now, I have the confidence to speak up for my rights and pursue my dreams. I know I am not alone.”
Her words reflect the transformative power of initiatives like this—where empowerment meets action, and inclusion becomes a reality.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of disability inclusion, efforts like those of Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative serve as a blueprint for change. With sustained commitment, the vision of a society where every woman and girl with a disability thrives can become a reality.
