The Albino Foundation Public Notice
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing gender-based violence against women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria. This was emphasized during a recent engagement with the Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC), where discussions focused on the alarming prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) within the disability community and the need for stronger institutional interventions.
During the meeting, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, stressed that gender-based violence affects women across all sectors of society but is particularly devastating for women with disabilities due to systemic barriers and widespread neglect. He highlighted the urgent need for disability-inclusive policies, effective legal protections, and access to justice for survivors. Hon. Gufwan also noted that many victims within the disability community are unable to report cases due to stigma, lack of accessible complaint mechanisms, and fear of reprisal. He called for increased advocacy and structured engagement with stakeholders to ensure that women with disabilities are not left behind in national efforts to combat SGBV.
The Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC) expressed deep concern over the continued marginalization of women with disabilities in discussions around gender-based violence. Representatives from DRAC emphasized that while significant strides have been made in addressing SGBV in Nigeria, women and girls with disabilities remain largely invisible in national response strategies. They urged the NCPWD to take a leading role in advocating for policies that specifically address the unique vulnerabilities of this group. DRAC further stressed the importance of creating accessible support services, ensuring inclusive rehabilitation programs, and strengthening legal frameworks to protect women with disabilities from abuse and exploitation.
In response, Hon. Gufwan welcomed DRAC’s advocacy efforts and acknowledged the need for a coordinated approach in tackling gender-based violence within the disability community. While no formal commitments were made, he reiterated the Commission’s openness to engaging with organizations that share a common goal of advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. He also urged government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and civil society organizations to work collectively in ensuring the full implementation of disability-inclusive gender protection policies.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the critical need to strengthen existing laws, improve reporting mechanisms, and ensure survivors of gender-based violence, particularly those with disabilities, receive the protection and support they deserve. The NCPWD remains committed to advocating for a more inclusive and just society where all individuals, regardless of disability status, can live free from violence and discrimination.
