By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
In celebration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) has called on government at all levels, stakeholders, private sector partners, civil society, and the general public to commit to building a more inclusive world where every girl, regardless of her abilities, is empowered to realize her full potential.
President, Network of Women with Disabilities, Lois Auta disclosed this yesterday in a press briefing to celebrate the 2024 girl Child, saying the future of girls with disabilities matters. NWD asserts “We must all take action to ensure their rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.”
Auta noted, Network of Women with Disabilities is committed to advocating for the rights and opportunities of women with disabilities ensuring they can lead fulfidiing and independent lives.
“Network of Women with Disabilities Marks International Day of the Girl Child 2024, Advocating for the Rights of Girls with Disabilities”.
“As the world commemorates the 2024 international Day of the Girl Child, the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) stands in solidarity with girls, particularly those with disabilities, in advocating for their rights to education, inclusion, and protection. This year’s theme Girls’ Vision for the Future’ resonates with NWD’s mission of ensuring that all girls-irrespective of their physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental impairments are given equal opportunities to thrive, participate, and contribute to society”.
According to her, Cross Nigeria and beyond, girls with disabilities continue to face systemic discrimination and exclusion. Many are denied access to education, healthcare, and social participation due to inadequate facilities, insufficient inclusive policies, and stigmatization. These young girls are underrepresented in schools, communities, and decision-making spaces, perpetuating cycles of marginalization and poverty.
“No girl should be sidelined because of her disability, We want girls with disabilities to have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and participate in all aspects of life just like any other person This is their fundamental human right.”
She said, the global and local communities must work collectively to ensure that girls with disabilities are included in every agenda policy, and strategy for sustamable development From grassroots to national levels, all legal frameworks, including those that address education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, should prioritize the inclusion of girls with disabilimes.
Speaking, Mr Ngozi Joy Belolisa, the principal of Safehost International initiative, Kurudu said education is a fundamental right which girl Child and people with disabilities have been denied.
She said, its particularly concerned about the barriers to education that girls with disabilities face which includes lack of inclusive infrastructure. accessible learning materials, anit trained educators in schools which has led to alarming rates of school dropouts among girls with disabilities, saying this exclusion not only limits their opportunities but also entrenches their vulnerability, leaving them without the skills or knowledge needed to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
“We are calling on all levels of government, local, state, and federal-alongside educational institutions, private sector actors and civil society organizations to ensure that girls with disabilities are provided with the tools, rescurces, and environments they need to succeed by building accessible schools with ramps, assistive technologies, and inclusive curricula, training teachers on special education needs and leclusive pedagogy and ensuring that rational policies and development plans recognize the unique challenges faced by girls with disabilities and provide for their full inclusion.
Speaking on addressing gender-based violence against girls with disabilities, Founder of Africa jewels development initiative, Ruth Ki informed that bringing urgent attention to the gender-based violence (Gay) thac disproportionately affects girls with disabilities.
She noted, due to their exclusion from school and public life, many of these girls remain isolated at home, where they become targets of sexual abuse by family members, canegivers, or acquaintantes Girls who are deaf, for instance, may not have the ability to report abuse, while others with intellectual disabilities may not be believed when they attempt to speak up. Cases of rape leading to unwanted pregnancies among girls with cerebral palsy, autism, albinium, and ather disibilities are becoming increasingly common, yet they remain grossly uriderreported.
“We must break the silence around the abuse of girls with disabilities, and emphasised that these girls are the most vulnerable, and they are suffering in silence.”
A 10 year old kela Ayaka said girls are incredibly important in our world. They are the future. Unfortunately, many girls face violence and abuse. “I want to say that this must stop. We should respect, protect, and empower girls because girls are not just victims; they are change-makers, leaders, and innovators. Let’s work together to create a safe and equal world for all girls”.
Another 10 years old zinariya Auta from Brethren School, Abuja said she’s passionate about the well-being of the girl child, saying we must treat them with dignity and respect, just like the male child.
“Unfortunately, many people think girls are only suited for household chores. But I believe girls have immense potential. Given opportunities, they excel, especially those with disabilities.
“To promote inclusivity, I urge leaders to make public spaces accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. This includes hospitals, schools, and other areas.
She urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, equal opportunities for girls to pursue their dreams, protection from gender-based violence, saying the struggles faced by girls, particularly those with disabilities, and work to create a supportive environment.
“Let’s celebrate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and stand together against violence against women and girls. We are human beings, not slaves. Let’s educate and empower our girls, regardless of circumstances, she noted”.
