By Blessing Bature
A leading advocacy foundation has called on the National Assembly to take decisive action in addressing the pressing concerns of individuals with disabilities in Nigeria.
The NGOs under the ages of Mimijane foundation for women and children with disabilities asked National Assembly to enact legislation ensuring accessibility in public facilities, including hospitals and healthcare centers in Nigeria.
Mube Awala Beatrice, the Executive Director of the Foundation, advocates for crucial changes to support individuals with disabilities in Nigeria.
To address the challenges faced by this community, she emphasizes Increased Funding for Disability-Specific Healthcare, saying there's a pressing need to allocate more resources to healthcare services and programs tailored to individuals with disabilities, saying this would ensure they receive adequate care and support.
She said Promoting Inclusivity and Sensitivity Training, Healthcare professionals and the general public must be educated on disability sensitivity and awareness. This training would foster a more inclusive environment, combating stigma and discrimination.
"Currently, Nigeria has approximately 29 million citizens living with disabilities, facing numerous obstacles in healthcare, education, and employment. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 aims to protect their rights, but implementation remains a challenge, she informed".
Speaking, Florence Marcus, a Lawyer, gender and disability rights advocate said to create a more inclusive society, it's essential to Implement Accessibility Standards, adding that this is to ensure public facilities, hospitals, and healthcare centers are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Also, Chairman, National association of Persons with physical disabilities, NAPWPD, FCT chapter, Agbo Christian Obiora noted that advocating for inclusive education for girls with disabilities is crucial for their growth and development.
According to him, discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 is a significant step towards safeguarding their rights. However, there are still gaps in addressing specific discrimination and abuse faced by women and girls with disabilities, such as forced marriages, removal of communication and mobility aids, and intersectional gender-based and disability-based violence.
Ukachi Cynthia seek for proposed amendments to Inclusive Education which will address cultural barriers, neglect, and exclusion of girls with disabilities from education, sexual and Reproductive Health and gender and Disability-Based Violence which is to Strengthen provisions to prevent discrimination.
She urged the National Assembly to consider these amendments to create a more inclusive society where everyone deserves equal access to healthcare and education, regardless of abilities.
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