By Chinedum Treasure
A Canada-funded initiative to strengthen disability inclusion and promote the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) has been launched in Enugu State by the Women Information Network (WINET).
The one-year project, titled “Breaking Barriers to Disability Rights: A Gender Responsive Approach,” is supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
The initiative is aimed at improving the implementation of the Enugu State Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Law 2023 and increasing awareness of disability rights among PWDs, government institutions and the wider public.
Speaking at the launch in Enugu on Tuesday, WINET Executive Director, Mrs. Miriam Menkiti, said the project would empower persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, to understand and defend their rights.
She said the programme would involve advocacy, institutional capacity building, community engagement and media campaigns, while promoting greater participation of PWDs in governance and democratic processes.
According to Menkiti, the project will be implemented in Enugu North, Nkanu West and Udi Local Government Areas.
Activities will include awareness assessments, advocacy visits to government institutions, leadership training, community sensitisation, radio discussions and an endline assessment.
WINET has also produced simplified versions of the Enugu disability law and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as a training manual, Inclusive Democracy in Action.
Representing the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Director Esther Mbah said the project would promote dignity, inclusion and equal opportunities for PWDs.
She noted that many persons with disabilities still face barriers in accessing healthcare, education, employment and justice, with women and girls often facing additional discrimination.
Chairman of the Enugu State Disability Commission, Mr. Jude Eze, represented by Mrs. Juliet Owonta, called for a shift from charity to a rights-based approach to disability inclusion.
He said the commission was engaging relevant government agencies on implementation of the state’s five per cent employment quota for qualified persons with disabilities.
Representatives of FIDA Enugu and JONAPWD also commended WINET and the Canada Fund for supporting disability rights and inclusion in the state.
Tags: #DisabilityRights #Enugu #WINET
