Overview
In a groundbreaking move toward inclusive health reform, the Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) hosted a high-level Policy Adoption Dialogue on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) for Women and Girls with Disabilities in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The event, supported by WeLead and Hivos, brought together key actors from government, civil society, the media, and disability rights groups to champion one goal: ensuring that women and girls with disabilities are no longer left behind in reproductive health policies and services. Policy Handover and Government Commitment
A major highlight of the event was the formal handover of the National Policy on SRHR for Persons with Disabilities to the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health. The handover was performed by Ms. Asaba Aveson, AWWDI State Coordinator, and received by Mrs. Esther, who represented the Honorable Commissioner for Health and
“I receive this policy on behalf of the Honorable Commissioner and my Director. I assure you this policy will be implemented and integrated into the training of healthcare workers across Nasarawa State.” — Mrs. EstherThis handover represents more than protocol—it is a concrete step toward embedding disability rights in the state’s healthcare system.
Purpose of the Dialogue
The objective of the dialogue was to:- Promote the domestication of the National SRHR Policy in Nasarawa State
- Raise awareness among stakeholders about the reproductive health challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities
- Secure actionable commitments from government institutions and service providers
- Foster a multi-sectoral approach to inclusive policy implementation
What the Policy Stands For
In a powerful presentation, Mr. Kolawole Jayeoba, AWWDI Program Manager, detailed the origin and core elements of the SRHR policy, developed by the Federal Ministry of Health in 2018 with support from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, OPDs, and international partners such as UN Women, UNFPA, and UNEJ.“This document is not just a local effort; it aligns with global instruments like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). It is a rights-based framework that demands action—not pity, not charity,” said Mr. Kolawole.The policy outlines access to comprehensive, respectful, and inclusive sexual and reproductive health services as a human right for persons with disabilities.
Challenges Identified
Participants and speakers addressed critical issues, including:- Stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings
- Absence of sign language interpreters and assistive facilities
- Myths surrounding sexuality and disability
- Bias and lack of SRHR knowledge among healthcare workers
- Poor structural access in public hospitals
“Healthcare services must be accessible to everyone. If a delivery bed cannot serve a woman on crutches, then it has failed its purpose.”
Goodwill Messages & Stakeholder Voices
The dialogue featured heartfelt goodwill messages from:- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Women Affairs
- Ministry of Justice
- Hospital Management Board
- Disability Rights Commission
- Biko Youth Initiative
- National Civil Defense Corps (Gender Desk)
“I am disabled, not incapable. I can lead, advocate, and love. Respect, not pity, is what we deserve.”The representative of the Ministry of Justice pledged legal support for victims of discrimination, urging participants to report violations, particularly through the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) desk.
Participation and Representation
A total of 39 participants attended the dialogue:- Women: 25 (64.1%)
- Men: 14 (35.9%)
- Persons with Disabilities: 23.1%
- Women with disabilities: 8
- Men with disabilities: 1
Outcomes of the Dialogue
- Public commitment by the Ministry of Health to implement the policy
- Policy to be integrated into healthcare training programs
- Soft copies to be distributed across sectors
- Increased awareness among stakeholders on SRHR rights of women with disabilities
- Strengthened collaboration between government agencies and civil society groups
Lessons Learned
- Inclusive engagement builds ownership and drives real change
- Stakeholder knowledge gaps can be addressed through continuous advocacy
- Women with disabilities are powerful agents of change when given a voice
- Education, awareness, and training are vital for implementation
- Multi-sectoral collaboration is key to breaking systemic barriers
Recommendations
- Integrate disability-inclusive SRHR training in all health institutions
- Deploy interpreters and accessible materials in healthcare facilities
- Translate the policy into Braille, audio, and easy-to-read versions
- Encourage media and CSOs to promote awareness and monitoring
- Track violations and ensure accountability at all levels
Voices from the Room
Participants were moved by the lived experiences shared. One woman asked:“Why do people assume we cannot love or feel pleasure? We are human too. We deserve respect, love, and safe motherhood.”Another participant from the Civil Defense Gender Desk emphasized:
“If we don’t hold violators accountable, we’ll keep seeing abuses. Let’s not keep quiet.”
Conclusion
This Policy Adoption Dialogue marks a turning point in Nasarawa State’s journey toward inclusive healthcare. With strong political will, active civil society engagement, and lived experiences guiding the way, Nasarawa is poised to lead by example in disability-inclusive health governance. As AWWDI’s State Coordinator, Ms. Asaba Aveson, powerfully concluded:“Let this policy not end here. We’ve come too far to let this be a one-day talk. Let’s follow up with implementation. Let’s speak out and demand what is rightfully ours.”