September 12, 2024, Lagos – The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) organized a one-day grassroots awareness workshop aimed at promoting civic engagement for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Alimosho Local Government Area. The event, which focused on expanding free civic space for PWDs, brought together community leaders, disability advocates, and PWDs to raise public awareness about the importance of civic participation and ensure that PWDs have an active voice in governance and decision-making processes.
The event kicked off with a welcome address by Mrs. Florence Austin, the Admin/Finance Manager at CCD. In her opening remarks, Austin highlighted the growing concern around the shrinking civic space, emphasizing the critical need for PWDs to be informed, engaged, and active participants in their communities. She urged participants to take advantage of opportunities like the workshop to learn, network, and advocate for the protection of their rights within the civic space. “Civic space is the bedrock of any democratic society, and it is crucial that PWDs in Alimosho understand their rights and how to engage in civic actions effectively,” Austin stated.
Empowering PWDs to Take Informed Action
The workshop was designed to equip PWDs with knowledge about their rights, civic engagement, and strategies for advocating for inclusion. During the first session, Understanding Disability Rights and Models, Project Officer Aniramu Tosin delivered an enlightening presentation that explored the various models of disability, legal frameworks, and rights protecting PWDs. Tosin discussed the shift from the charity model to the social and rights-based models of disability, urging participants to embrace the latter as a way to assert their place in society. She also provided a comprehensive overview of key laws and conventions that safeguard the rights of PWDs, including the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Tosin did not shy away from addressing the persistent challenges faced by PWDs in Nigeria, particularly in accessing essential services and participating in political life. She called on community leaders and civic actors to actively promote inclusion and address the systemic barriers that prevent PWDs from participating fully in society. “We must work together to ensure that disability is not viewed as a limitation, but as a part of the rich diversity of our communities,” she urged.
Civic Engagement and Expanding Civic Space
The second presentation, Empowering Inclusion: Understanding Civic Engagement and Civic Space for Persons with Disabilities, was delivered by Precious Osinaku, a disability rights advocate and civic engagement expert. Osinaku provided participants with valuable insights into how PWDs can engage with government institutions, demand accountability, and advocate for the protection of their rights. She explained the concept of civic space and how it serves as the arena where individuals and organizations can freely express their opinions, assemble, and participate in public affairs.
Osinaku highlighted the barriers faced by civic actors with disabilities, including limited access to information, marginalization in political processes, and discrimination. She stressed the importance of leveraging civic engagement to advocate for policy changes that benefit the disability community. “PWDs must be visible, vocal, and organized in their approach to civic engagement. Your voices can create change, but it must be done strategically and peacefully,” she advised.
Participants were then guided on how to conduct peaceful protests, engage constructively with authorities, and push for meaningful reform without resorting to violence. Osinaku’s session sparked vibrant discussions among participants, many of whom shared personal stories of marginalization and exclusion in their communities. The discussion reinforced the need for PWDs to be actively involved in advocacy efforts aimed at defending their civic rights.
Practical Application and Strategy Development
Following the presentations, participants broke into smaller groups to apply the lessons learned. They were tasked with developing strategies for driving civic engagement and expanding civic space for PWDs in Alimosho. The group work sessions were highly interactive, with participants brainstorming actionable steps that could be taken to address specific disability gaps in the community. Ideas ranged from organizing town hall meetings to creating awareness campaigns and working closely with local authorities to ensure the implementation of disability-friendly policies.
Testimony Omole, the Project Officer for Defending Civic Space at CCD, wrapped up the group work session with a powerful reminder of the need to protect civic spaces. He stressed that the shrinking civic space poses a threat not just to PWDs but to all citizens, as it limits their ability to hold the government accountable. “Civic space is a fundamental right that must be protected at all costs. Without it, our voices cannot be heard, and our rights cannot be defended,” Omole emphasized.
Looking Forward
As the event drew to a close, Mrs. Anyaele, a prominent disability rights advocate, delivered the closing remarks. She expressed her gratitude to the participants for their enthusiasm and active involvement throughout the workshop. Anyaele encouraged them to take the knowledge and strategies gained from the training back to their communities and put them into practice. “Today’s workshop is just the beginning. We hope to see real change in Alimosho as a result of your advocacy efforts. It is up to all of us to ensure that the civic space remains open, accessible, and inclusive for PWDs,” she concluded.
The event, which was funded by the Global Human Rights Initiative in partnership with the Action Group on Free Civic Space, is part of a larger project aimed at promoting the domestication of disability rights laws in local communities and expanding civic space for PWDs across Nigeria.
Conclusion
The one-day workshop was a resounding success, providing PWDs in Alimosho with the tools they need to take informed action and engage in civic spaces. The event underscored the importance of inclusion and the need for continuous advocacy to ensure that PWDs are not left behind in the civic and political processes that shape their lives. With the commitment of community leaders, civic actors, and the CCD, the future looks promising for PWDs in Alimosho and beyond.
