By IJEOMA UKAZU
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day, IWD, women living with disabilities are calling for improved sexuality education and as well break all forms of sexuality bias.
Speaking to journalists at a media roundtable in Lagos organised by a non-governmental organisation, Hope Inspired Foundation for Women and Youths, HIFWY, themed: “Break the bias against sexuality education of women with disabilities”, the program officer, Omolara Daniel said, “It is not easy for women with disabilities in a male-dominated country like Nigeria.”
Daniel who is visually impaired said, “People with disabilities are often relegated to the background. For instance, people believe that a woman with disabilities should not be married. A woman with a disability should not be pregnant as the pregnancy will result in a child with a disability. This is a very wrong notion. A lot of us have kids and even though we are women with disabilities, our kids are doing well.”
According to her, “Everyone should be given a chance to express themselves in whatever way they can. When we talk about gender based violence, it’s more prominent among women with disabilities because their disability is often taken advantage of. All these, we want it addressed.”
She adds that, as the 2023 general election approaches, policymakers both at the national, State, and local government level should consider and put the concerns of people living with disabilities especially those at the grassroots when enacting laws
Lending his voice, a member of the Nigeria Association of the Blind Lagos State Chapter, Ayoola Efunkoya said that government needs to develop programs that would empower women with disabilities and with the right environment to get them actively engaged and productive so they can contribute meaningfully to society.
He advises women to support other women to excel and avoid unnecessary competition amongst themselves.