In a groundbreaking move towards promoting inclusivity and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, the Ekiti State Government has announced the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in its Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Management Committee. This historic decision, unveiled on Thursday, January 16, 2025, marks a significant step forward in ensuring access to justice for women and girls, particularly those with disabilities, in Ekiti State.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Peju Babafemi, during a one-day stakeholders’ interactive meeting themed “Inclusive and Accessible Drive of Persons with Disabilities in the 21st Century.” The event, organized by the Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion (SESI) in collaboration with the World Bank-funded AGILE Project, took place at Lady Jibowu Hall in the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.
A Bold Step for Inclusion
In her keynote address, Hon. Babafemi emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive and accessible environment for persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls who are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence. She described the decision to include PWDs in the GBV Management Committee as a critical step toward dismantling the barriers of discrimination and stigma faced by individuals with disabilities.
Highlighting the commitment of the state government to promoting equal representation, Hon. Babafemi stated, “The Ekiti State GBV Management Committee, under the leadership of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has directed that persons with disabilities be co-opted as members of the committee. This ensures their voices are heard, their experiences recognized, and their contributions valued. Their inclusion will be officially unveiled at the next committee meeting.”
Advocacy Efforts Yield Results
The announcement comes on the heels of tireless advocacy efforts by the Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI Nigeria), a leading organization championing the rights of persons with disabilities. The Executive Director of DINABI, while reacting to the development, commended the state government and lauded the First Lady for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to inclusivity.
“This achievement is a testament to the state government’s sensitivity and dedication to the welfare of persons with disabilities,” he said. “For the past year, DINABI has worked relentlessly through advocacy, capacity building, and awareness campaigns under the Disability Rights Fund (DRF)-supported project, focusing on the rights of women and girls with disabilities to freedom from gender-based violence in Ekiti State. Today, we are seeing the fruits of those efforts.”
Collaborative Efforts in Advocacy
The DRF-funded project implemented by DINABI throughout 2024 involved extensive interfacing with key stakeholders, community leaders, and policymakers in Ekiti State. These efforts brought to light the unique challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities, particularly in relation to gender-based violence. The project also equipped communities with knowledge and tools to prevent and address GBV while advocating for systemic inclusion.
This advocacy played a pivotal role in influencing the state government’s decision to co-opt PWDs into the GBV Management Committee. The Executive Director of DINABI noted that this development sends a powerful message about the importance of inclusion and representation at decision-making tables.
Applause from Disability Community Leaders
The announcement has been met with widespread praise from disability rights advocates and stakeholders in the state. The Secretary of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Ekiti, Mr. Femi Oni, expressed his gratitude to the state government and key players who made this milestone possible.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to the wife of the governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, Hon. Peju Babafemi, and the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Funmilayo Adetoun Agboola, for their unwavering support and commitment to inclusivity. This is a giant leap forward for the disability community in Ekiti State,” Oni stated.
A Visionary Leadership for Change
Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the First Lady of Ekiti State and Chairperson of the GBV Management Committee, has been widely acknowledged as a champion for the rights and welfare of women and girls, particularly those with disabilities. Her leadership has fostered an inclusive approach to addressing GBV in the state, ensuring no one is left behind.
Hon. Babafemi also reiterated the state government’s commitment to sustaining these efforts and strengthening collaboration with organizations like DINABI to address the systemic challenges faced by PWDs.
A New Era of Representation
The inclusion of PWDs in the GBV Management Committee signals a new chapter in Ekiti State’s journey toward justice and equality. It reflects a growing recognition of the need for representation in governance and decision-making processes to address the unique needs of marginalized groups effectively.
As the state prepares for the unveiling of the new committee members, the move has been described as a model for other states in Nigeria to emulate. It is a reminder that inclusive governance is not just a policy goal but a moral imperative that benefits society as a whole.
The Road Ahead
While this is a significant achievement, stakeholders agree that the journey toward full inclusion is far from over. The Ekiti State Government, alongside advocacy groups like DINABI, must continue to work tirelessly to implement policies that protect the rights of PWDs, provide access to justice, and empower them to thrive in all areas of life.
With this landmark decision, Ekiti State has positioned itself as a leader in inclusive governance, setting a precedent that could inspire similar actions across the nation. For women and girls with disabilities in the state, this represents hope for a brighter, safer, and more inclusive future.
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