By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
A Non-Governmental Organization Mimijane Foundation for Women and Children with Disabilities, has called on the National Assembly to review and amend the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities prohibition Act.
The Executive Director of the Foundation, Mube Awala, made the call at Press conference and a joint awareness campaign in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital,
Ms. Awala, explained that the move for the amendment is to have a more inclusive society that accommodate all persons.
“Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (prohibition) Act 2018 is a critical step towards safeguarding and promoting the rights of all persons with disabilities, this Act represents Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind. We believe that everyone deserves equal access to healthcare services and inclusive education, regardless of their abilities. We therefore urge the National Assembly to consider our proposal amendments and work towards creating a more inclusive society for women and Girls with disabilities,” she said.
Awala further stated that despite the significant recognition of disability rights, alot still needs to be done to make sure no one is left behind.
“While all of these have brought significant recognition and Advancement of disability rights in Nigeria, there are still alot of gaps within the Disability Act, specifically around the issues affecting the rights of women and girls with disabilities. The UNCRP recognizes that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination; and calls on states Parties to ensure the full development, advancement and empowerment of women with disabilities,” she added.
Also speaking a Gender and Disability Rights Advocate Florence Marcus, called for a fair playing ground for people with disabilities to contest for leadership positions.
“What we need to do, to see happen in Nigeria is implementation of the law. This can only be done where parties give a fair playing ground for persons with disabilities to come out and contest. We all have all it takes to hold position in this country, but what do we see especially when it comes to appointing positions, we only see Senior special assistance on disability. We are all also trying; if you see the records of the last election, you will see that alot of persons, including women with disabilities have contested for position, even though the level of success is not so much, we will not relent, but continue to push on. We want an opportunity where we can sit on the table where decision are made concerning us. We believe that if this is done our voice will be heard”. She called on the Chairman National Association of Persons with Physical disabilities FCT chapter, Mr. Agbo Christian and urged Journalists to always step in to help project the voices of persons with disabilities.
“If countries like Kenya can get it right, why can’t Nigeria have persons with disabilities in governance? we can have one person to represent us too. Their work there is no make sure that the issues concerning persons with disabilities is also raised. Therefore we are calling on the members of the media to help us drive these issues to the concerned channels. Disability issues are cross cutting. We want you to be champions of persons with disabilities, and help us to get our voices over there”. He urged.
Mimijane Foundation for Women and Children with Disability, a Non-Governmental Organization, funded by Urgent Action Fund Africa, is committed to empowering and uplifting the lives of women and children facing disabilities.
It will be recalled that on January 23rd, 2018, Nigeria’s Former President Muhammadu Buhari, signed into law the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, following nine years of relentless Advocacy by disability rights groups and activist.
