The President/Chief Executive Officer of Network of Disabled Women, Lois Auta, has demanded inclusive political participation for women and girls living with disabilities in the country.
Speaking at a press conference on the need for inclusion in the ongoing political activities in Abuja on Thursday, Auta said there is a low level of representation of women with disabilities in Nigeria’s governance structure.
She addressed reporters accompanied by other women with disabilities including Victoria Samuel Sani, Ugochi Nwadike and Alabede Janet Funke
“Results from the study we had carried out show that the majority of female respondents indicate active interest in politics but are discouraged by factors which include prevailing gender stereotypes, cultural/religious reasons, unfavourable political environment, lack of financial capacity, electoral violence, restrictive party structures and processes, amongst others.
“The CRPD,which includes gender equality as one of its general principles, recognises that disability is an evolving concept, and that disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
“In Nigeria,the National Gender Policy (NGP) had formulated a 35 percent Affirmative Action (AA) in Nigeria since 2006. The policy demands that women should constitute 35 percent of those involved in all governance processes. The low level of political participation of women is becoming alarming and disturbing. This hampers women from contributing their quota to the development of Nigeria. Empirical observations have shown that women in positions of responsibility are noted to be hardworking and firm in their decision. (The Nation)
