By Chris Agbo
Network of Disabled Women has noted the devastating effect of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities in NIgeria and in a press release on Wednesday, they mapped out some recommendations to curb the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Persons with disabilities.
Read the full press statement of the group below:
COVID-19: THE DEVASTATING IMPACTS ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
More than 50 000 people in the world have died from Corona Virus, those are frightening numbers, this is so sad, particularly within the short period of time that the numbers have grown, yet the continuing discrimination that some stakeholders have towards Persons with Disabilities remains alarming. “Persons with Disabilities stand a higher risk of infection of the Corona virus because of increased vulnerabilities.”
In Nigeria, we have over 20 million citizens with disabilities who are much more prone and vulnerable to the pandemic.
Persons with disabilities feel they have been left behind. Precautionary measures, such as social distancing and self-isolation may be impossible for those who rely on the support of others to perform their daily tasks. Access to Healthcare facilities is already a big issue, other barriers include physical obstacles, discrimination, lack of access to ICT and other existing stigmas that exclude persons with disabilities.
Highlighting key challenges and solutions, this press release has been prepared by a group of female founders and CEOs with Disabilities in Nigeria, Africa and the world who are passionate about fighting against the pandemic. This document has drawn up a plan combined by disabled women professionals and best global practices that has been proven effective ways of combating COVID-19. The objective is to provide solutions that private and public sectors could adopt in combating the virus by protecting, providing and supporting disability community.
Here are our recommendations based on two key areas:
- Humanitarian Support
- Inclusive Communication and Education
Humanitarian Support:
Problem: Presently, persons with disabilities have been carried along as expected in the struggle on ending this menace, no COVID-19 disability response team that has been set up, no funds set aside by the government for the welfare of persons with disabilities during this mlockdown, the isolation centres, medical infrastructures and equipment are inaccessible to PWDs.
Proposed solutions:
- Mobilise support and donate to disabled women organisations
- Mechanisms must be created to provide funding to cater for the needs of persons with disabilities
- Establish food banks that will supply foodstuffs and toiletries for persons with disabilities.
- Engage Disabled People Organisations in the Presidential Task Force Team on COVID-19.
Inclusive Communication and Education
Problem:
As you aware of our popular slogan, nothing about us, without us. We want to see inclusion in all government activities and interventions on COVID-19 for persons with disabilities.
Proposed solutions:
- Free mobile data and internet access
- Engage persons with disabilities in the call centres and situation rooms.
- All updates/news/announcement on COVID-19 must be accessible and inclusive
- Create prevention and awareness programs
- Educate caregivers on how to treat and take care of PWDs
In conclusion, we call on critical stakeholders to create partnership opportunities for organisations of Persons with Disabilities. Federal and State Governments should ensure that rights of PWDs are given to them.
Signed by:
Lois Auta
Chairperson and CEO
Network of Disabled Women
Board of Trustees of Network of Disabled Women:
Ndifreke Andrew-Essien
Founder and CEO
FAECARE Foundation
Barr. Florence Marcus
Co-founder
Amputee Coalition of Nigeria
Barr. Catherine Chinyere Edeh
Founder and CEO
Voice of Disability Initiative
Benedicta Ndi Kato
Founder/CEO
Dinidari Foundation
Endorsed by:
Fatima Mohammed, CEO, ECHOES OF EBOH UNYOGBA WOMEN’S FOUNDATION
Risikat Toyin Muhammed
Executive Director
Women with Disability Self Reliance Foundation.
Biboara Yinkere
Convener,
The Engraced Ones Prayer Support and Advocacy Initiative
Mube Awala Beatrice Executive Director Mimijean’s foundation for women and children with disabilities.
Queen Taibat Janet Fasakin.
Executive Director-: Ability Plus Initiative
Ify Philippa Okenyi
Executive Director
Siblings of Special Needs Foundation (SOSNEEDS) Nigeria
Dr. Ijeoma Nnodim
Executive Director, Isonye Foundation for Inclusive Healthcare.
Sarah O. Akinola, Coordinator, Willing Hands Empowerment and Enlightenment Initiative.
Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase,
National President,
Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN)
Bolarin Joy,
CEO
Jibore Foundation
Uri Ngozichukwuka
Convener, Empathy Driven Women International Initiative (EDWIIN)
Kelechi Uhegwu
CEO
The Kelechi Uhegwu Charity
Falluma D Vanco
CEO
Passion for Ability Networking
Blessing Ini
Executive Director
Silent Active Minds
Biose Falade
Executive Director Angel Wings Global Freedom Foundation
Oluwakemi Hannah Oladipo
Executive director
Rehoboth Impact Centre (RIC)
Sharon Echendu
Executive Director
Alpha Focus Foundation
Mrs. Hellen Beyioku-Alase,
CEO,
Deaf Women Aloud lnitiative (DWAI)
Supported by ActionAid Nigeria and Global Affairs Canada
