by Loveth Asogwa,
Mrs. Lois Auta-Udonkanta has vowed to contest again and win in the 2023 general election.
She disclosed this during Network of Disabled Women (NDW) courtesy visit to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday 9th November 2021, in Abuja.
This is under NDW project on inclusion of women and young girls with disabilities in the Nigerian political sphere supported by Disability Rights Fund (DRF).
The Objectives of the visit is reforming legislation in Nigeria to enhance inclusive political participation particularly for women and girls with disabilities in line with CRPD Articles 6 (Women with Disabilities) and 29 (Participation in Public Life); and SDG Goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 10 (Reduced Inequities).
Mrs lois auta in her remark appreciated NHRC for giving NDW a listening ear and accepting the courtesy visit by NDW, she said it has been estimated that 15% of the world’s population live with some form of disability and that prevalence is higher among women, as about 1in 5 women 18years and older live with one.
She solicited for commission support on their call on the National Assembly (NASS), to reform legislations that would enhance inclusive political participation, particularly for women and girls with disabilities citing The UNCRPD, which includes gender equality as one of its general principles, recognizes that disability is an evolving concept and that disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
She disclosed her readiness to present herself to elective office come 2023 and urge other women with disabilities to follow footsteps and present themselves as well as engage in all other political processes.
She recalled the challenges she faced when she contested for the House of Representatives position in 2019 and expressed hope that in her next attempt, having learnt from his mistakes and challenges, she will emerge victorious.
You will recall that Mrs. Lois is the first woman with disability who stand for election for the post of Federal House of Representative to represent Federal Capital Territory and she got 2,500 votes while the winner of the election got 19, 000 votes.
Dr Agharase Arase, the Deputy Director, Vulnerable Group Department, National Human Rights Commission who represented Mr Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary, NHRC in her response assured NDW of their support, called on relevant institutions to create more space for increased participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the political system of Nigeria.
She appreciated Lois Auta’s doggedness in promoting the rights of women with disabilities especially in the area of political participation.
She suggested that Women with Disabilities should be placed side by side every other citizen contesting elections because they also have a lot of capacity and should contribute to national growth.
She reassured NHRC’s Commitment towards protecting the rights of every citizen.
“I want to assure you that the commission will protect your human rights if you contest election and if there is any case of violence against women with disabilities,”.
Imoh Iteh, Programmes Officer at NDW painted a picture of how women in general has been neglected and it is worse for women with disabilities.
He also said that it is sad that even the capacity shown by few women who have been given opportunity, men still believe that women’ place is at home, being a good wife.
He called on the NASS to create legislations that would enable women with disabilities to occupy leadership positions and participate in public life.
