Group Seeks More Citizens Support In Advancing Rights Of Women With Disabilities In Enugu

Posted by Ignatius Okpara Enugu, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria Friday, March 17th, 2023

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – A body, Championing the course of physically challenged persons in Enugu State, under the platform of Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI), has enjoined all and sundry in the area to keep joining hands with it and other caring relevant organizations in advancing the rights of Women and girls with Disabilities in the State.

It noted that “since January 2022, the (VDI) presence in Enugu state through the assistance of National Democratic Institute (NDI), has been undeniably felt by her Community and relevant Stakeholders.

Speaking yesterday during a one day Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) project review meeting in Enugu, Executive Director of (VDI), Barrister Catherine Edeh, stated that the intervention of the NDI has yielded tremendous positive results on issues concerning physically challenged persons in the state.

According to her, “the period saw us engaging the Executive and legislative arms of governments, as well as the judiciary, media, Healthcare professionals, Civil Society Organizations, and various Clusters of Women with Disabilities” including their Umbrella body.

Barr. Edeh, who spoke through Chiamaka Ohanete, the state focal person for the project, said the NDI funded SRHR project in the state will no doubt change the narrative of the plight of disabled persons in the state, adding that it would definitely going to advance the cause of disability inclusion in the state.

She explained that the meeting was aimed at carrying out an assessment of activities and Impact of the one year SRHR Project in Enugu State

“You have likely heard of a project review meeting referred to as a ‘Retrospective’ which at it’s core, is precisely what the session entails. This is what brought us here.

“We are here to discuss the National Democratic Institute NDI funded project on advancing the rights of Women girls with Disabilities in Enugu State.

The meeting she further hinted, would equally look at “what went well, what could have been done differently, whether expectations were met, and where more efforts are required, should similar or same project be sustained in the state” amongst others.

Edeh, posited that “the meeting would assist us in solid plan for projects moving forward, understanding the steps we need to take to prevent the same results from affecting future projects is essential.

The VDI boss, stressed further that the objective of the gathering which was attended by Civil Society groups CSOs, the media, people with Disabilities, Non governmental organizations NGOs, amongst other stake holders was to have a retrospect on the activities of the project.

Earlier, while giving a background of the project, a Consultant to (VDI), Ambassador Mrs. Onyi Mamah, explained that the project was about the passage of the Disability Act, which went through first, and public hearings, now awaiting it’s passage and domestication.

She noted that it had series of trainings in Enugu State, during which the legislators, media, and other key Stakeholders were engaged, adding that Civil Society Organizations CSOs in the state were also partnered with during the project, with a view to enhancing their training and improved their gender inclusive participation.

Ambassador Mamah, disclosed that the project equally re-orienteded the state health workers on the need to include, and prioritize needs for people living with Disabilities.