Empowering Women with Disabilities: A Key to Reducing Gender-Based Violence
In Nigeria, women and girls with disabilities face multiple layers of discrimination and marginalization, making them particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV). However, a recent initiative by the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is paving the way for a brighter future, one where these women and girls are equipped with the skills and resources to become financially independent and less susceptible to exploitation.
The AWWDI/UNFPA Skill Center recently celebrated its first graduating class, marking a significant milestone in their efforts to empower women and girls with disabilities. The ceremony was a testament to the transformative power of education and skills training in combating the cyclical nature of poverty, discrimination, and violence that disproportionately affects this marginalized group.
By providing training in tailoring, hairdressing, cosmetology, and agribusiness, the AWWDI/UNFPA project has opened doors to economic opportunities that were previously inaccessible. Each graduate received essential equipment in their chosen field, including sewing machines, hairdressing tools, generators, and poultry equipment, enabling them to launch their entrepreneurial journeys. The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Sennen Hounton, Regional Director of UNFPA Nigeria, AWWDI Board of Trustees Chairman, Deputy Regional Director of UNFPA Nigeria, Mandate Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat, Executive Director of AWWDI Patience Ogolo Dickson, Disabilities Emir of Karimajiji and representatives from various organizations, including National Human Rights Commission, World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Their presence underscored the collective commitment to empowering women and girls with disabilities, recognizing that this effort not only promotes their economic independence but also plays a crucial role in reducing their vulnerability to gender-based violence.
Poverty and lack of economic opportunities are significant risk factors for GBV, as women and girls with limited means may be forced into exploitative situations or unable to leave abusive relationships. By providing these women and girls with marketable skills and the tools to start their own businesses, the AWWDI/UNFPA project is breaking this cycle, giving them the means to support themselves and their families.
Moreover, the training and sense of empowerment gained through this initiative can foster greater self-confidence and agency, enabling these women and girls to assert their rights and protect themselves from potential abuse.
AWWDI/UNFPA’s efforts are a powerful reminder that investing in the education and economic empowerment of marginalized communities is a critical step towards creating a more equitable and violence-free society. As these graduates embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, they serve as beacons of hope, inspiring others and demonstrating that with the right support and opportunities, women and girls with disabilities can overcome societal barriers and claim their rightful place as active participants in their communities.
