In commemoration of International Women’s Day, various activities were undertaken in Adamawa State to empower and support women and girls with disabilities. Through collaborative efforts and partnerships, these initiatives aimed to address the unique challenges faced by this marginalized group, particularly in areas such as healthcare access, education, and protection.

Sensitization Efforts:

• Blind Workshop, Jimeta:

A sensitization session led by Mr. Ayuba, the UNFPA gender focal person in Yola, focused on empowering women, girls, boys, and men with disabilities. Discussions covered critical topics including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and hygiene. Participants shared their experiences, highlighting barriers to accessing healthcare facilities, especially in interactions with medical personnel

• Special Needs School, Jadda:

In the spirit of International Women’s Day, a series of sensitization sessions were conducted at the Special Needs School in Jadda. These sessions aimed to raise awareness about the sexual and reproductive health of adolescent girls and female teachers, as well as to promote their active participation in community activities. Challenges such as inaccessibility of school premises, inadequate healthcare services, and vulnerability to trafficking were addressed, emphasizing the importance of empowerment and support for women and girls with disabilities.

Visitation to Partners:

UN-OCHA Yola:

As part of the International Women’s Day celebrations, the Disability Working Group (DWG) coordinated a visit to UN-OCHA Yola. Discussions centered around strategies to enhance inclusivity and support for persons with disabilities in planning and programming efforts. Despite facing challenges such as limited accessibility and the absence of a specific strategy for working with persons with disabilities, UNOCHA Yola expressed its commitment to inclusive practices and collaboration.

IOM:

In alignment with the spirit of International Women’s Day, the DWG engaged with IOM to discuss the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in their programs. While IOM’s work primarily focuses on addressing the needs of IDPs, refugees, and returnees, efforts to identify and support persons with disabilities, particularly in protection and psychosocial support services, were emphasized.

Partnership and Support:

Numerous organizations and initiatives, including the Cedar Foundation for Disability, Adamawa Concerned Disabled Foundation, and Richard Bisinene Foundation, among others, provided vital support and resources to empower women and girls with disabilities in Adamawa State.