IWD: VDI Demands Implementation Of Disability Law, Seeks For Collaborations

Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI), has demanded for the full implementation of the Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act 2018. VDI also requested for the federal and state government, as well as the private sectors to make healthcare, education and infrastructure accessible to women and children with disabilities.

Barrister Catherine Chinyere Edeh, the Executive Director, VDI made the call during an interactive session between VDI, cluster women with disabilities and the  media as part of VDI’s activities to mark 2024 International Women’s Day.

Barr. Edeh charged those in the medical field to ensure that women and children with disabilities are not discriminated against and that all government facilities are accessible to PWDs.

She stated that the five-year transitional period is over. Therefore, defaulting organizations will soon face lawsuit as this will serve as deterrent to others.

The ED said “recognizing the urgency and the need to ensure that the rights of persons with Disabilities are protected in all spheres of lives, We, People with Disabilities under the ages of Voice of Disability Initiative in Nigeria (VDI) is calling on:

• The Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Surveyors Council of Nigeria and Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors & Valuers to monitor accessibility requirements for public structures, modification of public buildings and approval of building plans in line with the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act 201
• The Federal Civil Service Commission, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other agencies to monitor the implementation of 5% employment slots for persons with Disabilities and be gender specific in allocation e.g. 3% employment opportunity for women and 2% for men with disabilities
• The National Assembly to review the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act and take into consideration, the peculiarities of women, girls and children with disabilities.
• All agencies of government in Federal and state, private sector inclusive need to imbibe the principles and tenets of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act 2018 to ensure full implementation of the Act.

On the need for collaboration with VDI, Barr. Edeh said “As a non-governmental organization that advocate for the protection of rights of persons with disabilities, especially women and girls, Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI) is open to collaboration and partnership that would bridge the existing knowledge gaps and ensure full implementation of the Act.

Various cluster groups of women with disabilities appraised the Disability Act, pointed out loopholes and made recommendations that will positively touch lives of women and girls with disabilities.