Benue State, Nigeria – September 23, 2024
In a powerful stride toward disability-inclusive climate advocacy, the Sauri Growth Initiative for Women and Youth with Disabilities successfully held an impactful one-day training session in Benue State, Nigeria. The event was designed to empower local Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) with the skills and knowledge needed to integrate inclusive climate change strategies into their operational frameworks, with a special focus on women and girls with disabilities.
The training attracted representatives from ten local OPDs, each committed to advancing disability rights and climate resilience for some of the most marginalized groups in society. Held under the theme of Empowering Local Organizations for Climate Justice, the session delved into an array of essential topics. Key areas of focus included understanding the unique impacts of climate change on women and girls with disabilities, developing effective adaptation and resilience strategies, and implementing inclusive policies that ensure no one is left behind.
The workshop was spearheaded by Sauri Growth Initiative’s Executive Director, Comfort Ekwo, and facilitated by climate change and advocacy expert Samuel Kenneth Yashim. Together, they guided the OPD representatives through a dynamic agenda that highlighted the critical need for advocacy skills tailored to achieving climate justice. In a world where climate policies often overlook vulnerable groups, this training emphasized the importance of bringing the voices of women and girls with disabilities to the forefront of climate action.
“Climate change affects us all, but it disproportionately impacts those who are already marginalized,” Ekwo stated during the opening remarks. “This training is about equipping you, the advocates, with the knowledge and tools to speak up for the rights of women and girls with disabilities and to push for policies that protect their interests.”
The training covered five main areas that are essential for OPDs aiming to make an impact:
- Understanding Climate Change Effects on Women and Girls with Disabilities: The session began with a deep dive into the specific challenges that climate change poses for women and girls with disabilities. From increased vulnerability to extreme weather events to barriers in accessing disaster relief, participants examined how these effects could be mitigated through informed and inclusive interventions.
- Adaptation and Resilience Strategies: Representatives explored practical approaches for fostering resilience within communities affected by climate change. They discussed ways to integrate climate adaptation strategies into community planning, ensuring that the specific needs of women and girls with disabilities are considered.
- Inclusive Climate Change Policy Implementation: The training highlighted how OPDs could advocate for and integrate inclusive policies within their organizations. These policies ensure that services, resources, and decision-making processes are accessible and sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls.
- Advocacy Techniques for Climate Justice: With an emphasis on achieving climate justice, participants learned effective advocacy techniques, including crafting powerful messages, identifying and engaging key stakeholders, and building strategic alliances.
- Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement: Finally, participants were trained on mapping relevant stakeholders and creating plans to engage them in advocacy efforts. This included techniques for community mobilization and methods for garnering support from governmental and non-governmental bodies alike.
Each of these components was designed not just to educate but to inspire action. Attendees were encouraged to apply their newfound skills within their own organizations, aiming to create a ripple effect throughout their communities. Through these efforts, they would be empowering more women and girls with disabilities to voice their concerns and actively seek out the support and resources necessary to face climate-related challenges.
Project Manager Precious Obodo played an instrumental role in organizing and ensuring the training’s success, demonstrating a deep commitment to the Initiative’s mission. “We hope this is just the beginning,” said Obodo. “Our vision is for every OPD here to become a leader in climate advocacy, reaching beyond Benue State and influencing policies on a national level.”
The training’s facilitation was marked by interactive sessions where participants engaged in role-playing exercises, group discussions, and case studies. This hands-on approach allowed them to practice and refine their advocacy skills in real time, preparing them to tackle complex challenges and seize opportunities for advancing disability-inclusive climate policy.
The training concluded with a call to action. Each OPD representative pledged to share the insights they gained with their respective organizations and communities, amplifying the initiative’s impact. Through these shared efforts, they hope to build a stronger network of climate-conscious advocates who will champion the rights and needs of women and girls with disabilities across Nigeria.
The Sauri Growth Initiative’s training was generously supported by the Urgent Action Fund Africa, an organization dedicated to empowering marginalized groups across the continent. Their support enabled the Sauri Growth Initiative to realize this vision of an inclusive training, which reflects the importance of funding and support for grassroots organizations striving to make a meaningful impact.
About the Sauri Growth Initiative
Founded on principles of advocacy, equality, and inclusion, the Sauri Growth Initiative champions the rights of women and young persons with disabilities in Nigeria. It provides essential training and resources to empower them to engage in decision-making processes and advocate for inclusive policies in various areas, including climate action.
The Ten Participating OPDs
The training saw the participation of ten committed OPDs, including:
- Grace for Women and Girls with Disabilities
- Onah Adeyi International Disability Centre
- Association of the Deaf
- Helping Homes for Persons with Special Needs
- Special Family
- N.A.B. Benue Chapter
- Idoma National Disability Forum
- Make a Soul Smile
- JONAPWD (Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities)
- NEIL Life Foundation for Persons with Disabilities
Each organization brings its unique strengths to the table, unified in their mission to ensure that women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria live in dignity, with access to the rights and resources they deserve.
As the effects of climate change continue to unfold, this training marks an essential step in creating a future where all voices, especially those of marginalized groups, are heard and respected.
