Why Advocacy for Inclusive SRHR Policies is Crucial
Inclusive SRHR policies ensure that every individual, irrespective of physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges, can access healthcare services and information. For WGWDs, these policies are vital in addressing the unique barriers they encounter—social stigma, physical inaccessibility, and inadequate communication resources. Advocacy efforts like this engagement meeting amplify the voices of marginalized groups and push for structural reforms that uphold their rights.
Highlights of the Engagement Meeting
The meeting began with the National Anthem at the National Assembly Resource Center Library in Abuja, setting a collaborative tone for the session. Over 72 participants (50 women and girls with disabilities) attended, including representatives from the House Committee on Disability and Health, civil society organizations (CSOs), organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and the media.
Opening Remarks:
Mrs. Patience Ogolo-Dickson, AWWDI’s Executive Director, welcomed participants and introduced the WeLead project. She emphasized its focus on the SRHR needs of WGWDs and other marginalized groups, highlighting the necessity of a policy framework that inclusively safeguards these rights.
Mrs. Patience Ogolo-Dickson, AWWDI’s Executive Director, welcomed participants and introduced the WeLead project. She emphasized its focus on the SRHR needs of WGWDs and other marginalized groups, highlighting the necessity of a policy framework that inclusively safeguards these rights.
Mr. Kolawole Jayeoba, AWWDI’s Program Manager, presented the WeLead project’s objectives, focusing on the barriers WGWDs face in accessing SRHR services. He urged attendees to collaborate in advocating for transformative change.
Commitment from the House Committee
Representatives of the House Committee on Disability and Health acknowledged the challenges presented and made key commitments:- Increased Representation: The Committee pledged to allocate 10% of committee projects to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
- Enhanced Coordination: A call was made for better collaboration among CSOs, OPDs, and legislative bodies, with a proposal for a unified WGWD committee representing all disability clusters.
Insights from WGWDs
Women and girls with disabilities from various clusters shared their challenges:- Albinism: A high risk of skin cancer necessitates access to affordable treatment.
- Deaf Community: The absence of sign language interpreters in healthcare settings creates significant barriers.
- Mobility Impairments: The lack of ramps and other accessibility features hinders healthcare access.
Legislative Updates
Members of the House Committee provided updates on legislative efforts to address these challenges:- Healthcare Access Bill: A proposed bill focusing on free or reduced-cost healthcare for PWDs, including free cancer treatments for individuals with albinism, is underway. This aims to alleviate financial burdens and improve access to essential healthcare services.