By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The Network of Women with Disabilities, a Non Governmental Organisation, has advocated for the need to empower the girl child to realize her full potentials regardless of her abilities, as wells build a more inclusive world for them thrive.
The President Network of Women with Disabilities, Lois Auta disclosed this at the celebration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child
Mrs. Auta, also explained that the future of girls with disabilities matters, therefore actions must be taken to ensure their rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.
She noted that , 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.
“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”.
Auta lamented that across the globe, girls with disabilities continue to face systemic discrimination and exclusion. “Many girls 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 added that the global and local communities must work collectively to ensure that girls with disabilities are included in every agenda policy, and strategy for sustainable 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 disabilities”.
Also Speaking, the Principal, SafeHost International initiative, Kurudu, stressed that education is one of the fundamental right which girl Child and people with disabilities are denied of.
She further highlighted some of the barriers to education that girls with disabilities face which includes lack of inclusive infrastructure. accessible learning materials, , noting that such exclusion not only limits their opportunities but also increases their vulnerability, leaving them without the skills or knowledge needed to live 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, the Founder of Africa Jewels Development initiative, Ruth Ki, said there is need for urgent attention to the gender-based violence that disproportionately affects girls with disabilities.
“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, caregivers or acquaintances. 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, albinism, and other disibilities are becoming increasingly common, yet they remain grossly unreported. 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.”
On her part, Zinariya Auta, from Brethren School, Abuja said she’s passionate about the well-being of the girl child, saying they must be treated 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.
The Children Urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, equal opportunities for girls to pursue their dreams, protect them from gender-based violence, particularly those with disabilities.
