Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), with support from the Hivos WeLead project, conducted an intensive implementation training for women and girls with disabilities, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The event took place at De-1st Luxury Hotel, Lafia, Nasarawa State.

This program aims to build a robust movement advocating for inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for women and girls with disabilities. Around the world, the movement for SRHR for women with disabilities is gaining momentum, supported by global frameworks such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 & 5), and the World Health Organization’s inclusive health policies. These frameworks emphasize the need for access to health services without discrimination, ensuring no one is left behind.

Key Stakeholders and Partners

The training was attended by key stakeholders, including:

  • A representative of the Wife of the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State
  • The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Disability Commission
  • Officials from the Nasarawa State Primary Health Development Agency
  • Representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
  • Civil Society Organizations and OPDs committed to advancing disability-inclusive SRHR services
Their presence highlights the growing collaboration between government bodies, OPDs, CSOs, and international donors to ensure SRHR services are accessible to marginalized populations, including women and girls with disabilities.

Strengthening the SRHR Movement for Women and Girls with Disabilities

This project, fully funded by Hivos WeLead, aims to empower women with disabilities and their organizations to become advocates for their own health rights. Women with disabilities are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to accessing SRHR services. Many face barriers such as stigma, lack of information, inaccessible health facilities, and discrimination by healthcare providers.

Through this project, AWWDI aims to:

  1. Promote Awareness: Equip participants with the knowledge to educate others about the importance of inclusive SRHR services.
  2. Engage Policymakers: Influence state and national policies to prioritize the health needs of women with disabilities.
  3. Foster Community Advocacy: Empower women with disabilities to lead advocacy initiatives within their communities, ensuring their voices are heard.
  4. Enhance Service Accessibility: Work with healthcare providers and government agencies to address physical and attitudinal barriers, making SRHR services more inclusive.

Expected Impact

This training is the foundation for a transformative movement that will reshape the disability community in Nasarawa State and beyond. By building the capacity of women with disabilities and their advocates, AWWDI envisions:

  • Increased Access to SRHR Services: Women with disabilities will have greater access to reproductive health services without stigma or discrimination.
  • Policy Reforms: Policymakers will adopt more inclusive health policies and allocate resources toward disability-friendly health services.
  • Stronger Networks: Partnerships between government agencies, OPDs, CSOs, and donors will foster a more inclusive approach to healthcare delivery.
  • Sustainable Advocacy: Women with disabilities will take leadership roles in advocating for their health rights, creating lasting change in their communities.
This initiative is a step toward achieving AWWDIโ€™s vision of a society where women with disabilities have equal access to health services and the opportunity to thrive. With continuous support from Hivos WeLead and other partners, the movement will grow stronger, ensuring that every woman with a disability in Nasarawa State and beyond can access the SRHR services she deserves.

Together, we are building an inclusive future where no woman or girl with a disability is left behind.

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