October 5th, 2024 – Nigeria
In a remarkable achievement for Africa, Lois Auta, the President and Founder of the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD), has been selected as one of the 12 outstanding professionals chosen to serve on the prestigious Inter-Agency Steering Committee (IASC) on Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) Women’s Advisory Group. This selection places her at the forefront of global advocacy efforts, addressing critical issues surrounding the protection of vulnerable groups, including women and girls with disabilities.
Global Impact of the Advisory Group
The IASC PSEAH Women’s Advisory Group, under the leadership of Cindy McCain, the IASC PSEAH Champion for 2024, is a high-level platform that will influence international strategies on safeguarding the rights of survivors of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. The group, composed of leaders from civil society organizations, will focus on strengthening a victim-centered approach, ensuring that survivors receive the care and protection they need.
Lois Auta’s appointment comes after a rigorous selection process that saw over 300 applications from professionals around the globe. As the only woman with a disability from Africa and the sole representative from Nigeria, her appointment highlights the significance of her tireless advocacy for women with disabilities. Auta’s role on this global stage offers an opportunity to bring African perspectives into critical conversations about safeguarding vulnerable populations and addressing gender-based violence and exploitation.
Key Priorities for the Advisory Group
The Advisory Group has outlined three key priorities that will guide its mission over the coming years:
- Operationalizing a Victim and Survivor-Centered Approach: Ensuring that all actions and policies prioritize the rights and well-being of survivors.
- Promoting Organizational Culture Change: Through leadership and strategic partnerships, the group will work to foster a culture that prevents sexual exploitation and abuse at institutional levels.
- Capacity Strengthening: Enhancing the skills and resources across the humanitarian sector to address sexual abuse and harassment effectively.
These priorities are essential to ensuring that the fight against sexual exploitation and abuse is not only reactive but proactive, aiming to prevent future cases while providing a safe and supportive environment for survivors.
Lois Auta’s Role and Vision
Auta’s involvement in this global advisory group is a major milestone in her already illustrious career. As the founder of NWD, she has championed the rights of women with disabilities across Nigeria and beyond. Her advocacy has been instrumental in ensuring that women with disabilities are given equal opportunities and are represented in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Her new role will allow her to continue this advocacy on a global scale, amplifying the voices of women and girls with disabilities. Auta’s participation will ensure that the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities, particularly in Africa, are not overlooked in the global conversation on safeguarding against exploitation and abuse.
Speaking on her appointment, Auta expressed her commitment to using her new platform to push for greater inclusivity and accountability within international organizations. “This is not just an achievement for me, but for every woman with a disability in Africa. I look forward to working with the Advisory Group to make sure that women and girls with disabilities are not left behind in global efforts to protect survivors of abuse and harassment.”
A Global Coalition for Change
The Women’s Advisory Group, composed of leaders with diverse expertise in gender equality, disability inclusion, and human rights advocacy, will travel globally to engage with stakeholders and develop strategies to advance the PSEAH agenda. The group’s focus on intersectionality ensures that all women, including those with disabilities, will be part of the solution.
This international collaboration will draw on the expertise of organizations such as the United Nations, the World Food Programme, and other global partners committed to fighting sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
In addition to advocating for the rights of women with disabilities, the group will emphasize the importance of partnerships with local organizations to ensure that solutions are culturally relevant and responsive to the specific needs of communities around the world.
A Milestone for Africa and Nigeria
Lois Auta’s selection for this prestigious role is a significant victory for Africa, particularly for women and girls with disabilities. Her leadership and voice will not only represent Nigeria but will serve as a powerful force for change in the international arena. This appointment is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of disability inclusion in global development and advocacy efforts.
Auta’s dedication to advancing gender equality and disability rights has made her a trailblazer in Nigeria and beyond. Her work with the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) has transformed the lives of countless women, helping them to access education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Now, her influence will extend to shaping global policies that protect the most vulnerable from abuse and exploitation.
Looking Ahead
As Auta embarks on this new chapter of her advocacy journey, there is no doubt that her work with the IASC PSEAH Championship Women’s Advisory Group will leave a lasting impact. Her appointment serves as an inspiration to women with disabilities across Africa and a reminder that their voices matter on the global stage.
About Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD)
The Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) is a pioneering organization in Nigeria dedicated to empowering women with disabilities. Through advocacy, capacity-building, and policy influence, NWD strives to ensure that women with disabilities are not only included in national and international development efforts but are also given equal opportunities to thrive.
By promoting economic empowerment and ensuring that women with disabilities have access to leadership positions, NWD continues to shape the future of disability rights in Nigeria and beyond.
