NGO calls for assent to disability bill in Ebonyi
By Agnes Okafor-Igwe
A non governmental organization known as Voice of Disability Initiative has appealed to Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru to expedite action in signing into law the Disability Commission bill already passed by the State House of Assembly to facilitate welfare and inclusion of people living with disabilities in scheme of things in the state.
Project Team lead of the Organization, Ezinne Ndumnego made the appeal in Abakaliki the state capital while briefing journalists on Promoting the rights of women and girls with disabilities and the urgent need for the establishment of the Ebonyi State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Ndumnego lamented a situation she described as systemic exclusion of women and girls living with disabilities in healthcare, education, employment, politics and decision-making in the state.
According to the NGO, “Across Nigeria and in Ebonyi State, women and girls with disabilities face systemic exclusion in healthcare, education, employment, politics and decision-making. Their vulnerability to gender-based violence, discrimination, and lack of access to services remains a major concern.
She insisted that, “We have strong, capable women with disabilities in Ebonyi State who are ready to contribute meaningfully to progress of the state and county at large, but they need the legal and institutional framework to protect their rights and support their inclusion. Women and girls with disabilities face double discrimination — as women, and as persons with disabilities.
Many are excluded from health services, education, livelihood opportunities, and decision-making processes. Sexual and gender-based violence disproportionately affects women with disabilities, yet accessible health services and justice mechanisms remain limited.
“Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI) was born out of a deep and urgent need to challenge the persistent marginalization, discrimination, and systemic exclusion faced by persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, in Nigeria. For far too long, their voices were unheard in policy spaces, their rights ignored in social and development agendas, and their lives misunderstood or overlooked by society at large.
“Establishing the Commission is a step toward inclusion. The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed the Disability Right Law – a progressive step. However, the Governor’s assent is still pending, and without it, implementation cannot begin. We are also advocating for the establishment of a Commission for Persons with Disabilities to ensure inclusive policies and programs,
Coordinate healthcare, education, employment, and legal support for persons with disabilities.
Promote the participation of women with disabilities in politics and public service.
“Inclusive and Accessible Health Services for Women with Disabilities. Accessible healthcare is a human right, and the proposed Commission will help enforce inclusive health policies.
Women with disabilities often face barriers in accessing SRHR services, cervical cancer screening, HIV testing, and maternal health services. Establishing the Commission will mainstream disability in the health sector, ensuring that no woman is left behind.
On her part , the Communication Manager of the NGO , Mary Joseph observed that, “Women are underrepresented in decision-making spaces. How many women with disabilities are represented in government boards, councils, or committees? We have capable, powerful women with disabilities who are ready to serve and contribute. The Commission will help enforce affirmative action for women’s participation and monitor inclusion in governance.
She sought collaborations to ensure quick actualization of the goals , “We call on ministries, civil society, and media to join us in advocating for the rights, dignity, and inclusion of women and girls with disabilities. Together, we can build an Ebonyi State that leaves no one behind, where women and girls with disabilities are not only protected but empowered to thrive and lead.”
The State Coordinator of National Human Rights commission, Mr. Christopher Okorie and the State Chairman, Joint National Association of People with Disabilities, Mr. Chieme Odumegwu were not left out in the call for quick assent to the disability rights bill to guarantee adequate welfare for people living with disabilities in the state..