UN Women seeks more funding to end violence against people with special needs

UN Women has called for increased funding to tackle issues of violence against people with special needs.

As part of the activities to commemorate the ’16 days of activism against gender-based violence’, UN Women convened a symposium on Friday to highlight the challenges of people in the special needs community.

Speaking at the event, Lansana Wonneh, deputy country representative of UN Women, said young people including older citizens, and those living with disability and HIV/AIDS experience various forms of violence in Nigeria.

“This is a global campaign to end violence against women in 2023,” said Wonneh who was represented by Patience Ekeoba, the national programme officer.

“The 16 days of activism against gender-based violence has become an annual strategic period for all of us to amplify the messages and actions toward ending violence against women and girls globally.

“Under the leadership of the UN secretary-general, António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary General’s UNiTE campaign works in solidarity.

“They work in solidarity with relevant government, development actors, civil society, women organisations, young people, the private sector, the media and the entire UN system annually, to call for an end to violence against women and girls.

“This global campaign is seeking to increase awareness, galvanise advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to end violence against Women and girls once and for all.

“This is because Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world.

“Other special need groups experience violence differently because of their vulnerability and special needs.”

Wonneh said women with disabilities are vulnerable to physical, emotional, mental,  and psychosocial violence, while older women experience neglect, abuse, isolation, abandonment, and maltreatment which can lead to deteriorating health.

“Among such abuses are bullying and discipline in schools, social isolation, belittling based on disability, lack of access to reproductive care, and an increased risk of being trafficked,” he added.

“Abusers may also remove or threaten to remove modes of access such as communication aids, support animals, wheelchairs or canes.

“Additionally, abusers may financially abuse women with disabilities by reducing or controlling their access to, and use of, funds.

“Caregivers or others may also manipulate or steal from the women for whom they are supposed to be caring.”

The deputy country representative called on the government to continue to invest in changing social norms, tackling unequal gender power relations, and enhancing essential services and safer spaces for survivors.