Stakeholders Push for Economic Inclusion of Women with Disabilities in Nigeria

Stakeholders Push for Economic Inclusion of Women with Disabilities in Nigeria

A coalition of civil society organizations, government officials, and private sector leaders is set to convene in a groundbreaking four-day event aimed at addressing the economic challenges faced by women with disabilities in Nigeria. The event, scheduled to take place from April 14th to 17th, seeks to drive policy changes and advocate for inclusive economic opportunities, particularly for women in the Northeast region.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ojoma Ola-Akuma, a communications specialist with UN Women, emphasized the significant barriers faced by women with disabilities, noting that deep-rooted discrimination and limited financial access continue to hinder their economic independence.

“These women, through no fault of their own, find themselves in a system that restricts their participation in economic activities due to inadequate policy implementation,” she stated.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting gender and disability inclusion in economic policies. According to Ola-Akuma, stakeholders will deliberate on actionable strategies to integrate inclusive practices into existing frameworks.

The forum will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, and case study showcases, ensuring a holistic approach to economic inclusion.

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The event will engage approximately 170 stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations advocating for disability rights, private sector leaders, and procurement officers. Women-led businesses and entrepreneurs with disabilities will also have a platform to share their experiences and contribute to policy discourse.

Development partners, including United Nations agencies, will collaborate to enhance the reach and impact of the discussions.

A crucial aspect of the event is the role of the media in amplifying the conversation. Ola-Akuma called on media professionals to go beyond routine event coverage and actively highlight the challenges and opportunities for women with disabilities.

“We need to push our narrative further and ensure that the voices of these women are heard. Their stories should not be overshadowed by political rhetoric; rather, they should be placed at the center of public discourse,” she urged.

The event aims to foster a sustained media advocacy campaign that will extend beyond the four-day discussions. Organizers are encouraging media outlets to dedicate regular columns to issues affecting women with disabilities, ensuring continuous engagement and policy influence.

“This is bigger than just a regional event; it is a national conversation. We hope that for the next two to three quarters, media partners will commit to highlighting disability-inclusive economic policies,” Ola-Akuma added.

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The program will also showcase the impact of previous empowerment initiatives, which have been ongoing for the past six months. These efforts include training programs and the establishment of empowerment hubs designed to provide women with disabilities access to the skills and resources needed to thrive economically.

As Nigeria continues to work towards a more inclusive society, stakeholders believe that this event will catalyze broader economic reforms. The anticipated outcomes include stronger policy commitments from government agencies, increased corporate sector involvement, and enhanced financial accessibility for women with disabilities.

With momentum building ahead of the event, organizers are calling on advocacy groups, media professionals, and policymakers to join the discussions and contribute to shaping a future where economic opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of physical ability.