Landmark alliance amplifies call to protect and empower women and girls with disabilities during 16 Days of Activism and IDPD
Lagos, Nigeria – November 27, 2025 — In a powerful display of shared commitment and global solidarity, the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos and the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) have joined forces to advance disability inclusion and gender equality, marking a historic moment in this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
The high-profile event, hosted at the British Deputy High Commission, brought together top government officials, diplomats, disability rights advocates, civil society organisations, development partners, and media stakeholders to spotlight the urgent need to dismantle the systemic barriers that limit the full participation of women and girls with disabilities.
With the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A Unified Stand for the Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities,” the forum served as both a celebration of resilience and a rallying cry for collective action against violence, exclusion, and discrimination.
A Call to Action From the UK Government
Welcoming participants, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s strong partnership with Lagos State in promoting inclusive governance and gender justice.
“The UK is proud to partner with Lagos State in advancing disability inclusion and gender equality. Today’s event is not just dialogue; it is a decisive call to action,” he stated.
He emphasised the heightened risks that women and girls with disabilities face—ranging from discrimination to gender-based violence—and stressed that confronting these challenges requires unwavering collaboration, commitment, and courage.
“Together, we can create a society where every person, regardless of ability, is empowered to lead and succeed,” he added.
LASODA Reaffirms Commitment to an Inclusive Lagos
General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, described the collaboration as a significant milestone in Lagos State’s journey towards becoming a fully inclusive and accessible society.
“This collaboration with the British High Commission is a significant step forward in our mission to create a truly inclusive and accessible Lagos,” she said.
By aligning the global campaigns of the 16 Days of Activism and IDPD, she explained, Lagos State is sending a powerful message that the rights of women and girls with disabilities are non-negotiable.
“We are committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring their full participation in all aspects of social, economic, and political life,” she affirmed.
Youth and Social Development Ministry Backs the Movement
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunende, underscored the government’s dedication to ensuring that no citizen is denied opportunities.
“Our youth and social development agenda is rooted in inclusion and equality. This partnership with the British High Commission and LASODA sends a clear message: no one should be left behind,” he said.
He emphasized that women and girls with disabilities deserve not only protection but opportunities to thrive in a society that values them.
“Together, we are building systems that dismantle barriers and create a Lagos where every individual can contribute and lead,” Ogunende added.
A Forum of Ideas, Voices, and Shared Resolve
The event featured a rich lineup of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and thought-provoking conversations centered on inclusive policy reform, intersectional challenges, and strategic pathways for sustainable impact.
Participants engaged on issues such as:
Strengthening legal and social protections for women and girls with disabilities
Enhancing accessibility across public spaces and services
Tackling gender-based violence through prevention and survivor-centered support
Amplifying leadership opportunities within communities and governance structures
Building inclusive economies that empower women with disabilities
Emotional testimonies from disability advocates and survivors further underscored the urgency of collaborative action, moving participants and reinforcing the message that inclusion is not optional—it is essential.
A Strong Statement Toward an Inclusive Future
The UK-Lagos partnership marks a defining moment in efforts to mainstream disability rights within gender and development agendas. As global attention focuses on the 16 Days of Activism and IDPD, this initiative demonstrates what is possible when governments and partners unite to challenge injustice and build bridges of opportunity.
With renewed commitments and strengthened alliances, the event closed with a powerful resolve: to create a Lagos—and a Nigeria—where women and girls with disabilities are safe, respected, empowered, and given the freedom to rise.
This landmark collaboration is expected to spark further actions, inspire more inclusive policies, and set the tone for transformative change across the country.
