Abuja, Nigeria – March 19, 2025
In a determined move to amplify the voices of one of Nigeria’s most marginalized groups, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has stepped up efforts to tackle the growing threat of gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls with disabilities. This bold commitment was underscored during a high-level engagement with the Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC), a leading organization championing the rights of women with disabilities.
The meeting, which held in Abuja, brought to light the stark realities faced by women with disabilities in Nigeria—realities often overlooked in national dialogues about sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Participants expressed grave concern about the rising incidents of abuse, exploitation, and violence against this vulnerable population, calling for urgent, coordinated action to address the menace.
“Women With Disabilities Face Double Jeopardy”
Speaking during the engagement, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, did not mince words as he highlighted the double jeopardy faced by women with disabilities. According to him, while gender-based violence is a pervasive issue affecting women across various sectors, its impact on women with disabilities is even more severe due to systemic barriers, social stigma, and neglect.
“Women with disabilities are often left voiceless and invisible in society,” Hon. Gufwan noted. “The barriers they face—ranging from inaccessibility of police stations and healthcare services to social discrimination—mean many cases of abuse go unreported and unaddressed. We cannot continue to ignore their plight.”
He further emphasized the pressing need for disability-inclusive policies, effective legal frameworks, and survivor-centered support systems. Hon. Gufwan called for enhanced collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and advocacy groups to dismantle these barriers and ensure access to justice and protection for women with disabilities.
DRAC Raises Alarm Over Marginalization
On its part, the Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC) voiced strong concerns about the continued marginalization of women with disabilities in national strategies addressing gender-based violence. Representing DRAC, the organization’s leadership argued that although Nigeria has made commendable progress in the fight against SGBV, the unique vulnerabilities of women and girls with disabilities are rarely prioritized.
“Time and again, women with disabilities are left out of policy formulations, public interventions, and community support programs,” a DRAC representative stated. “This exclusion perpetuates their vulnerability and limits their access to legal recourse and social services.”
DRAC urged the NCPWD to not only be a statutory body but also a driving force for change by advocating for targeted policies that address the intersection of disability and gender. They stressed the importance of accessible complaint channels, inclusive rehabilitation services, and legal protections tailored to the realities of women with disabilities.
A Call for Coordinated Action
While no official agreements were signed at the meeting, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan assured DRAC of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders sharing a common vision for a just and inclusive society. He noted that the fight against SGBV cannot be won in isolation and requires the collective will of government institutions, law enforcement bodies, civil society, and the disability community.
“We must break down these systemic walls of exclusion and silence,” Hon. Gufwan reiterated. “The NCPWD is committed to engaging all relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable, inclusive solutions that will protect our women and girls from abuse.”
Shared Vision for a Safer, Inclusive Nigeria
The engagement ended with a mutual understanding that the war against gender-based violence, particularly as it affects women with disabilities, is far from over. Both NCPWD and DRAC agreed on the urgent need to strengthen existing laws, improve reporting and support mechanisms, and drive national conversations that center the lived experiences of women with disabilities.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with gender-based violence, advocates believe that giving visibility to women with disabilities and integrating their needs into mainstream gender policies will mark a significant step toward an equitable and safe society for all.
For now, the call remains clear: No woman—regardless of her ability—should live in fear of violence, neglect, or discrimination.
