Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) are fundamental to the well-being of all individuals, yet women and girls with disabilities (WGWDs) continue to face significant barriers in accessing these rights. Recognizing the urgent need for inclusive policies, the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) convened an engagement meeting with the National Assembly to discuss strategies for advancing the SRHR of WGWDs in Nigeria.

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.

Project Overview and Objectives:
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.

Closing and Way Forward

Mrs. Patience Ogolo-Dickson concluded the session by thanking participants for their active engagement and reaffirming AWWDI’s commitment to advocating for inclusive SRHR policies. She called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure meaningful progress.

Conclusion

This engagement marked a significant milestone in the journey toward inclusive SRHR policies in Nigeria. By fostering collaboration among OPDs, CSOs, and legislative bodies, AWWDI continues to lead efforts to reduce healthcare inequalities and advocate for the rights of women and girls with disabilities.

Together, we can create a more inclusive future where no one is left behind.

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