NCPWD calls for creation of gender, disability desks in MDAs

The National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) has called for the creation of gender and disability desks across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the federal capital territory (FCT) and the 36 states. 

The disability agency made the call during a one-day interactive workshop organised by the women and gender unit of the commission on Monday in Abuja.

The aim of the workshop was to sensitise gender and disability desk personnel from related MDAs and stakeholders about the problems faced by women with disabilities.

The event was attended by representatives from the ministry of education, ministry of justice, women development centre, health department, NCPWD women and gender department, civil society organisations (CSOs), and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

James Lalu, executive secretary of the commission, said he was unhappy because of the discrimination faced by PWDs.

He said women with disabilities are most affected by abuse, molestation, gender-based violence and other issues.

Lalu, who was represented by Nkem Uchegbulam, said Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) have rights to opportunities, and advocated for five percent employment of PWDs across MDAs.

He said “the commission has taken bold steps in ensuring compliance with the disability Act by MDAs”.

“Until you die, we are all potentials for disability. For that, we must accept disability as a reality,” he said.

Adebukola Adebayo emphasised some of the challenges confronting women with disabilities in their attempts to occupy some offices.

He said PWDs are the most excluded and the biggest minority in Nigeria and the world, adding that even though women and girls make up about 49 percent of Nigeria’s population, they are the most neglected group.

Adebayo added that leadership in different institutions should support PWD and gender issues.

“They (management) never mind the type of disability and their needs. Rather, they share things randomly without consideration. But, when the leadership provides a desk for gender and disability, they will be separated based on gender and needs,” Adebayo said.

He also implored MDAs to create policies for accessible accommodation for staff with disabilities.

“It is advisable that desk of gender and disability should be handled by PWDs and also engage PWDs when designing programmes in office,” he added.