As the world marks the 2026 International Women’s Day, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights, empowerment, and full inclusion of women and girls with disabilities across Nigeria.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address the persistent barriers confronting women with disabilities, describing them as one of the most marginalized groups in society.
The Commission noted that while the global celebration of International Women’s Day recognizes the achievements and contributions of women worldwide, women and girls with disabilities continue to face multiple layers of discrimination rooted in gender bias, disability stigma, and social exclusion.
According to the Commission, this year’s observance highlights the theme “Give to Gain,” focusing on advancing Rights, Justice, and Action for women and girls, while encouraging governments, institutions, and communities to take deliberate steps toward building a more inclusive and equitable society.
Multiple Barriers Facing Women with Disabilities
The NCPWD stressed that women with disabilities often encounter systemic barriers that limit their access to education, employment opportunities, healthcare services, and participation in leadership and decision-making processes.
“These barriers not only undermine their dignity but also deny society the opportunity to benefit from the immense talents, creativity, and resilience of women with disabilities,” the Commission stated.
It noted that despite global commitments to gender equality and disability inclusion, many women with disabilities still struggle with poverty, social stigma, limited access to assistive technology, and exclusion from public policies and development programs.
Commitment to Rights, Dignity, and Equal Opportunities
Reaffirming its mandate to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria, the Commission pledged to intensify its advocacy for policies and initiatives that prioritize the needs of women and girls with disabilities.
The NCPWD emphasized its commitment to ensuring that women with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive in every sector of society, including education, economic empowerment, healthcare access, and governance.
“The Commission remains committed to promoting the rights and dignity of women with disabilities by ensuring inclusive policies, equitable opportunities, and accessible systems that enable them to live productive and fulfilling lives,” the statement read.
Key Areas of Focus
As part of its efforts to advance disability inclusion, the Commission identified several critical areas requiring urgent attention and investment.
These include expanding access to accessible technology and digital platforms, which can help women with disabilities overcome communication and mobility barriers while enhancing participation in education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
The Commission also stressed the importance of inclusive education systems that provide learning environments where girls with disabilities can acquire quality education without discrimination.
In addition, it called for increased economic empowerment opportunities, noting that access to skills development, entrepreneurship support, and decent employment can significantly reduce poverty among women with disabilities.
Healthcare services tailored to the needs of women with disabilities were also highlighted as a priority. The Commission urged health institutions to ensure accessible facilities, trained personnel, and inclusive reproductive and maternal health services.
Representation and Leadership
Another critical issue raised by the Commission is the limited representation of women with disabilities in leadership and decision-making spaces.
According to the NCPWD, meaningful inclusion cannot be achieved unless women with disabilities are given a seat at the table where policies and programs affecting their lives are designed and implemented.
“Representation matters,” the Commission noted, adding that women with disabilities must be empowered to actively participate in governance, community leadership, and national development.
Call for Collective Action
The Commission called on government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the media to collaborate in creating an environment where women with disabilities can reach their full potential.
It also urged stakeholders to prioritize disability-inclusive policies, strengthen social protection systems, and invest in programs that uplift women and girls with disabilities.
“Empowering women with disabilities is not only a matter of social justice but also a pathway to sustainable development,” the statement emphasized.
Celebrating Resilience and Achievements
While acknowledging the numerous challenges faced by women with disabilities, the Commission also celebrated their resilience, achievements, and growing contributions to society.
Across Nigeria, women with disabilities continue to excel in entrepreneurship, education, advocacy, governance, and community leadership despite societal barriers.
The NCPWD therefore encouraged Nigerians to use the occasion of International Women’s Day to recognize these achievements and renew commitments to building a society where disability and gender are no longer grounds for discrimination.
“As we commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, we call on all stakeholders to join hands with the Commission in promoting the empowerment, rights, and full inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by Ayuba Burki Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, on March 8, 2026.
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