On June 11, 2024, the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), in collaboration with the House Committee on Disability Matters, hosted a pivotal event titled “Gender-Disability Inclusive Climate Change Policies Engagement.” This significant meeting, held at the Disability Committee Hall in the House of Representatives, National Assembly, Abuja, sought to address the intersection of gender, disability, and climate change policies. The aim was to ensure that people with disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in relevant legislative and policy frameworks.
The event was attended by key figures, including Honorable Dr. Dauda Bashiru (Chairman of the House Committee on Disability Matters), Hon. Ayodele Festus, Hon. Bamisiye Olufemi R., and Patience Ogolo Dickson (Executive Director of AWWDI). The gathering also included representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the National Human Rights Commission’s disability desk officer, spouses of PWDs, and women and girls with disabilities.
Donor Support: The Role of the Disability Rights Fund (DRF)
This event was made possible with the support of the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), a key donor committed to empowering organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). DRF’s mission is to advocate for the rights and inclusion of PWDs in policy-making processes globally. Their funding has been instrumental in enabling AWWDI to convene this important gathering, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address the critical intersection of disability, gender, and climate change. DRF’s contribution underscores their dedication to ensuring that PWDs, especially women and girls, are fully included in the development and implementation of inclusive environmental policies.
Objectives
- To Advocate: The event aimed to advocate for the comprehensive inclusion of PWDs in all climate change-related policies and programs. This involves ensuring that their unique needs and challenges are addressed, thereby fostering a more inclusive approach to environmental policies that consider the diverse experiences of PWDs, especially women and girls.
- To Engage: The meeting sought to engage with and solicit input from various stakeholders, including MDAs, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant organizations. By facilitating a collaborative platform, the event aimed to gather insights and recommendations on existing inclusive policies, identify gaps, and develop strategies for effective implementation. This engagement is crucial for creating a cohesive and united front in advocating for the rights and inclusion of PWDs in all policy areas.
- To Enhance Awareness: The event emphasized the importance of raising awareness and understanding of the Disability Act among all attendees. By promoting knowledge of the act and encouraging its implementation, the initiative seeks to ensure that all policies and practices adhere to the legal framework established to protect and empower PWDs, ultimately driving forward the agenda for disability-inclusive development.
Key Highlights
- Patience Ogolo Dickson: The Executive Director of AWWDI, representing the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, opened the event by discussing AWWDI’s mission. She emphasized the critical importance of inclusive policies that address the unique challenges faced by PWDs in the context of climate change. She highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between government bodies, stakeholders, and advocacy groups to promote gender-disability inclusive policies. She also urged MDAs to ensure that their policies reflect the needs of PWDs and align with the Disability Act’s requirements.
- Hon. Ayodele Festus: Expressed strong support for AWWDI’s initiatives and pledged to back the organization in his state. He acknowledged the committee’s dedication to improving the lives of PWDs and assured continued support.
- Hon. Bamisiye Olufemi R.: Recommended that AWWDI organize workshops and training sessions across various states to enhance awareness and capacity regarding disability-inclusive policies. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with government officials to ensure effective implementation and pledged support for AWWDI’s initiatives in his state.
- Mr. Akorede Adebowale: Spoke about the mental health challenges faced by PWDs and emphasized the need to employ their spouses. He pointed out that mental health support and economic empowerment are crucial for the well-being of PWDs and their families.
- Hon. Dr. Dauda Bashiru: Provided a comprehensive overview of the Disability Act. He encouraged all participants to familiarize themselves with the act, which covers accessibility, rights protection, and mental health of PWDs. He mentioned that several motions have been moved in favor of PWDs and assured that more will follow to ensure their rights and needs are fully addressed.
Summary
The event brought together key stakeholders, including Honorable Dr. Dauda Bashiru, Patience Ogolo Dickson, spouses of PWDs, and representatives from various MDAs. The discussions centered on the critical need for inclusive policies that address the unique challenges faced by PWDs in the context of climate change.
Patience Ogolo Dickson opened the meeting, emphasizing the necessity for collaboration between government bodies and advocacy groups to ensure that PWDs are not left behind in policy-making processes. She called for the development of disability-inclusive policies, particularly for women and girls, and urged MDAs to engage more actively with the needs of PWDs and ensure compliance with the Disability Act’s employment quota of 5%.
A representative from the National Human Rights Commission’s disability desk highlighted the urgent need to include PWDs in all policy areas, stressing that inclusion is a fundamental human right. This sentiment was echoed by a spokesperson from the Ministry of Environment, who underscored the importance of integrating PWDs into climate change initiatives and expressed readiness to collaborate with AWWDI.
Mr. Akorede Adebowale addressed the mental health challenges faced by PWDs and advocated for the employment of their spouses, emphasizing the crucial role of mental health support and economic empowerment.
Hon. Dr. Dauda Bashiru provided an overview of the Disability Act, encouraging all attendees to familiarize themselves with its provisions. He highlighted the act’s focus on accessibility, rights protection, and mental health for PWDs and mentioned that several motions have been moved in favor of PWDs, with more to come.
Hon. Ayodele Festus expressed the committee’s strong commitment to supporting PWDs and pledged his support for AWWDI’s initiatives.
Hon. Bamisiye Olufemi R. recommended organizing workshops and training sessions across various states to raise awareness and build capacity regarding disability-inclusive policies. He stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration with government officials and expressed readiness to support AWWDI’s initiatives in his state.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the participants’ commitment to advocating for the rights and inclusion of PWDs. The discussions underscored the importance of inclusive policies, collaborative efforts, and continuous advocacy to ensure that PWDs are adequately represented and supported in all areas, particularly in climate change policies. The constructive dialogue and strong commitment demonstrated during the meeting provide a solid foundation for future initiatives aimed at promoting an inclusive and equitable society for all.
