International Women’s Day 2022: Plights of Women with Disabilities, Their Success Stories

As the world commemorates this year’s international women’s day, the plight of women with disabilities has again come to the fore in the agitation for women’s inclusion in national development. 

Every march Eight is set aside as International Women’s day to celebrate social, economic, political and cultural achievements made by women.

It is also to advance their course towards gender equality even though such effort is still being stifled here in Nigeria especially with the recent rejection of women related bills by the house of representatives despite women’s contributions to political development in the country.

Just as women strive not to be left behind in a world dominated by men, there are some among them who look beyond their limitations, work hard and break all barriers towards achieving their goals.

These are women with disabilities.

According to research, the plight of women with disabilities is more challenging in this part of the world, considering the physical limitations and the societal perceptions of their being.

A 40 year old woman with a disability working with the Ondo State government, Mrs Toyin Omobomi speaks on how she was able to break the bias and acquire education despite her physical challenge.

Similarly, A visually impaired woman, Mrs  Olabisi Omiyale who runs a  non-governmental organisation in Ondo State said she never allowed her disability to Rob her of her goal of becoming a certified Educationist. 

Speaking on the plight of women with disabilities programme director, Network of Disabled women Lagos, Ms Susan Ihuoma said women with disabilities were often confronted with many obstacles such as inferiority complex and poverty, Calling for equal opportunity for them in the areas of education,  employment,  politics and health among others

Also, the North-West Zonal Coordinator, National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mrs Bilikisu Ado Zango emphasized that it was high time all biases against women with special needs were broken to make them realise their full potentials. 

The chairman, Ondo State Agency for Persons with disabilities, Princess folasade Arise said government would not relent in providing a conducive environment for these special women to excel in their various endeavours.

Olufisoye Adenitan