Stakeholders have referred to as for stronger inclusion of individuals with disabilities, notably ladies and ladies, in Nigeria’s Sexual and Reproductive Well being and Rights (SRHR) coverage, citing persistent gaps in implementation regardless of present legal guidelines and worldwide commitments.
This was the main focus of a two-day stakeholders’ assembly and group session convened in Ibadan by the Voice of Incapacity Initiative (VDI), with help from Amplify for Change below the PAMOJA Mission.
The workshop, which was held at Three Star Resort, Ikolaba-Agodi GRA, Ibadan, themed “Driving Inclusive SRHR Coverage for Individuals with Disabilities – Our Rights, Our Voice, Our Future,” introduced collectively authorities officers, civil society leaders, well being consultants, and incapacity advocates to overview the coverage framework and suggest options.
In her welcome handle, Govt Director of VDI, Barr. Catherine Edeh, lamented that individuals with disabilities nonetheless face cultural taboos, ignorance of their rights, and widespread discrimination in well being areas.
She stated, “We’re belongings; we aren’t liabilities. Many people have been silenced by cultural and spiritual taboos, and ignorance of our rights has worsened our scenario. Mortality charges amongst individuals with disabilities are very excessive, and the embarrassment and discrimination we face in accessing sexual and reproductive well being companies impressed me to arrange this initiative.”
Dr. Moriam Olaide Jagun, a facilitator of the session and Govt Director of the Centre for Bridging Well being Gaps (CBHGAPS), famous that whereas Nigeria ratified key worldwide conventions and enacted the Discrimination Towards Individuals with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018, enforcement has remained weak.
Jagun stated, “In relation to sexual and reproductive well being for folks with disabilities, what now we have had thus far are ad-hoc actions. That is why sensitization like that is essential. We should collect considerations instantly from ladies and ladies with disabilities, doc them, and push for inclusion in budgets and insurance policies.”
She added that the workshop would develop indicators for well being amenities, communication methods for well being staff, and proposals for low-cost authorities interventions.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Well being and Social Welfare, Incapacity Desk Officer, Mrs. Adaeze Ike, defined that the federal government is working to mainstream incapacity considerations into nationwide well being programmes.
“We’ve established a Household Well being Division to make sure info flows correctly to all classes of Nigerians, together with individuals with disabilities,” she stated.
“This session will feed into our strategic motion plan to ensure that sexual and reproductive rights are inclusive and accessible.”
Endurance Ogolo-Dickson, Head of Girls and Gender on the Nationwide Fee for Individuals with Disabilities, emphasised grassroots engagement.
“Neighborhood-level consciousness is essential. Till the lady within the rural village with a incapacity feels protected and assured to stroll right into a clinic and entry SRHR companies with out stigma, our work is incomplete,” she confused.
Barr. Abayomi Ogundele, Oyo State Coordinator of the Nationwide Human Rights Fee, underlined that Nigeria already has authorized backing.
“The 2018 Incapacity Act is obvious: discrimination in opposition to individuals with disabilities is prohibited, and authorities establishments should guarantee integration in training, well being care, and social companies. The problem isn’t the absence of legal guidelines however guaranteeing these legal guidelines work in actual life.”
Additionally talking, Mrs. Zainab Mustapha, Nationwide Chief of the Joint Nationwide Affiliation of Individuals with Disabilities (JONAPWD), expressed concern about inconsistent enforcement.
“Some insurance policies recognise our rights, however in apply, we nonetheless face discrimination. Till legal guidelines are totally carried out, we can’t say inclusion has been achieved,” she stated.
Delivering a goodwill message, Barrister Ayodele Adekanbi, DG, Oyo State Company for Individuals With Disabilities, counseled VDI and companions for spearheading the initiative in Oyo State.
“This session is well timed. I encourage all members to faucet into the deliberations and make sure that the voices of individuals with disabilities, particularly ladies and ladies, are translated into concrete actions.”
