All human beings have the right to live with dignity at all times regardless of their legal, social or political status. According to W.H.O, an estimated 1.3 billion people or 16% of the global population experience a significant disability today. Disability is part of being human and is integral to the human experience. People living with disabilities especially women and girls faces inequalities and exclusions because of their condition. This means that it is difficult for them to have access to schools, obtain healthcare and gain employment because all human institutions have been built for the convenience of the strong leaving the disabled in the society especially girls and women frustrated in their quest to enjoy their fundamental human rights. The United Women with Disabilities in Afikpo North L.G.A is a group of women living with disabilities that have come together to form a forum where they share ideas, experiences and their challenges. Interacting with their representative Mrs Orieoma Ibiam, she pointed the major challenges they face ranging from;
Lack of Grants and soft loans from the Government: She said that doing what other people living without disabilities do becomes a very big challenge e.g carrying of loads, transporting from one place to another and that they pay a huge some of money to get little things done for them. She said her Soap making and poultry business and the businesses of other members of her group have been greatly affected by lack of funds. She pleaded with the government to always make specific provisions for them in the budget.
Lack of Scholarship: Mrs Ibiam said one the major problems they face is Poverty which results majorly from lack of skill or profession, she pleaded with the government to make specific provisions of scholarship for them, to enable them learn a Skill or Trade.
We therefore call on all the necessary stakeholders who play vital roles in ensuring the eradication of every form of Global Injustice, Gender based Inequity and every Human Right’s related issues to make the inclusion of Women living with disabilities a top priority.
