The Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI) and AmplifyChange UK have engaged in advocacy programs on advancing inclusion of sexual and reproductive health rights for women and girls with disabilities in communities of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. The collaboration in its second phase has engaged with women and girls with disabilities and stakeholders in three states, namely; Kwara, Ebonyi and Enugu States.
The VDI Board Chairman, Barr. (Dr.) Daniel Uwaezuoke disclosed this during a one day stakeholders meeting organized by Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI). The meeting is part of events to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities by VDI and unveil some strategic documents by VDI.
At the event, VDI unveiled three strategic documents, namely; VDI 5-Year Strategic Plan (2023-2027), the maiden edition of VDI Quarterly Newsletters and 2-Year project on advancing sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of women and girls with disabilities being funded by AmplifyChange
In his remark the Board Chairman, Barr. (Dr.) Daniel Uwaezuoke explained the vision and objectives of the unveiling by VDI.
He said “today, being 19th December, 2023 is significant in the history of VDI as we mark four milestones in our journey so far, namely – the Launch of its 5-Year Strategic Plan (2023-2027), the Launch of the second phase of a 2-Year project on advancing sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of women and girls with disabilities being funded by AMPLIFYCHANGE, the Launch of the Maiden Edition of VDI Quarterly Newsletters and finally the Validation of Outcome of Stakeholder Engagement and experience of rights violation among women and girls with disabilities in Kwara, Ebonyi and Enugu States.
“the launch of VDI 5-Year Strategic Plan is apt and wouldn’t have been done at a better time than now, considering the fact that government and development partners are paying more attention to issues around inclusive plans and development. Therefore, this meeting is an opportunity for our partners to learn more about VDI with a view to forging new partnerships and collaboration that would advance the Inclusion Agenda.”
Speaking on the successes and milestones achieved by VDI, Barr. (Dr.) Uwaezuoke said “It is with a high sense of gratitude that the Board of Trustees of VDI recounts the successes recorded through AMPLIFYCHANGE and NDI grants, especially the breakthrough in Enugu State which led to the signing of Enugu State Disability Rights Bill into Law in March, 2023.
“As you can see, your money is working and as members of the Board of Trustees, we pledge to continue playing our oversight roles by ensuring that VDI remain accountable to its partners and members.
“The outcome of stakeholder engagement shows high increase of sexual and gender-based violence as well as increase in HIV infection among women and girls with disabilities in Kwara, Enugu and Ebonyi States.
“This calls for deeper reflection and partnership. Findings also indicated that Enugu and Kwara States already have Disability Rights Laws, but there are no structures on the ground (Disability Commission) for the implementation of the laws, while Ebonyi State is yet to enact a disability law.
“These findings further revealed, most refreshingly, that Kwara State appointed three persons with disabilities into the exalted position of Permanent Secretary. This is a clear example of disability friendliness and inclusion which we applaud. We urge other states in Nigeria to emulate this commendable action by Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman.
“Among other things, the stakeholder engagement also indicated that the three project states – Kwara, Enugu and Ebonyi are yet to comply with the public structures accessibility requirements as contained in the Discrimination against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act. We look forward to seeing this gap bridged in the very near future.”