In a compelling call to action, the MacArthur Foundation has urged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to intensify efforts in safeguarding the rights and privileges of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), emphasizing the need for total inclusion and well-being.
During a roundtable organized by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the foundation’s Deputy Director, Amina Salihu, expressed concern over the exclusion of over 25 million PWDs from active economic participation, including their fundamental right to vote and be voted for.
Salihu stressed the significance of accountability and integrity in the foundation’s mission, raising questions about the country’s commitment to leaving no one behind while neglecting such a substantial portion of its population. She stated, “It is going to be a shame if we, as leaders, have a community that is excluded or minoritized within our organizations.”
PLAC’s Executive Director, Clement Nwankwo, echoed the call for greater inclusivity in governance, emphasizing the importance of responding to citizens’ needs to strengthen the nation’s democracy. Nwankwo praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the MacArthur Foundation for their support in past elections but urged continuous efforts to enhance inclusivity in upcoming elections.
Highlighting gender inequality in government, Nwankwo lamented the low representation of women in the National Assembly during the last elections. He emphasized the embarrassment of having a minimal percentage of women among the 469 members, calling for a concerted effort to address this disparity on the international stage.
As the MacArthur Foundation champions accountability and integrity, the plea for increased advocacy by CSOs resonates as a call to uphold the rights and dignity of the disabled community, urging stakeholders to bridge the gaps in inclusivity for a more robust and representative democracy.
