Deaf Women Aloud Initiative (DWAI) in their quest to advance the rights of Deaf Women, on Tuesday 29th March 2022 embarked on an advocacy visit to Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC with as part of advancing the rights of Deaf women and girls to prevent and respond to gender-based violence” in FCT Abuja project. A project supported by Disability Rights Funds (DRF).
The Executive Director, DWAI, Mrs. Helen Beyioku Alase, who is also the President, Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) in her opening speech, appreciated NSCDC for giving them the opportunity to air their views on the issues concerning gender-based violence among Deaf women and girls in FCT Abuja.
She gave a brief introduction on what DWAI is all about, their vision, mission, focal area, and their work so far.
Helen Beyioku Alase, also raised alarm on how Deaf women live in a silent world, they are easy prey to offenders and their perpetrators walk free, because deaf women lack access to information on how to report cases of gender-based violence (GBV).
Speaking further, she stated that most Deaf women who try to report cases often do not get access due to communication barriers because there are no sign language interpreters in FCT command NSCDC and out post as this is the only language deaf women understand fluently, they also do not get access to health facilities because of communication gap between deaf women and health care providers in other to get health services after they are violated.
“Sadly, when Deaf try to report cases of abuse at the office and out post near them, they face obstacles as they are no trained NSCDC officers on disability inclusion and no interpreters to bridge the communication gap. Even if there is a gender office in the FCT command NSCDC deaf women still face challenges in accessing justice and health care when violated because there is no senergy between the closest government or private hospitals with the FCT command NSCDC.
“Furthermore, this leads to crushingly low self-esteem among Deaf women and girls, many fear that reporting incidents of abuse might lead to them being abandoned, mockery, having their children taken away from them, losing financial support, care and increased isolation. Based on the facts above Deaf women want FCT NSCDC and other security agencies to include Deaf women in the following actions:
- Create a disability desk in their area command offices and utilize the uses of sign language interpreter to promote inclusion, accessibility and improve ease of public relation and communication of Deaf women.
- Organize capacity building of officers of FCT NSCDC from the rank of constable on disability inclusion and basic sign language
- Inform, communicate and include Deaf women in every activity organized by FCT police relating to gender-based violence and other security awareness campaigns
- Make disability inclusion a compulsory part of initial and routine for all staff especially in areas of gender-based violence reporting
- Establish an efficient safe guide measures in ensuring protection of deaf and other GBV victims including informants after reporting of any GBV related incidents
- Ensure 5% employment opportunities for persons with disabilities especially Deaf women in compliance with section 29 of discrimination against persons with disabilities (prohibition) Act 2018
- Arrest and arriagn offenders even if they are persons with disabilities
- Prohibit all forms of violence against deaf persons to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders.
Commandant Dr. Peter Maigari NSCDC FCT commandant, in his response to the advocacy brief presented by DWAI commended DWAI for the work they do, he also said that they have developed a relationship with the Deaf community, and other persons with disabilities. He said that he will do everything in his capacity to see to the demands of DWAI.
He also said that the issue of recruitment is exclusively for the recruitment board who has the capacity to employ but they will continue advocating to ensure that the rights of Deaf women and girls are considered.
On the issue of the desk officer, he said that the order will have to come from the headquarters which they are going to take permission from, but they will also try to see that is done.
He also mentioned that the law frowns at the perpetrators of GBV whether at the basis of disability or not, and they do not take it lightly when it comes to the issue of taking advantage of a persons with disability and therefore, they will make sure that any deaf woman that is being abused gets justice and access to health care services as when due.
TQM reports that NSCDC FCT boss promised that whenever any deaf woman has issues within the purview of NSCDC, they should not hesitate to complain or seek their services which they are ready at all time to render.
