By Araba, Olawale Enifenilanfe:
The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, in collaboration with the Ikorodu Local Government Area and supported by the International Disability Alliance and ATscale Global Partnership, has organised a workshop sensitisation on “Ending Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls with Intellectual Disabilities” alongside their parents.
The program, themed “MPOWER HER – My Voice, My Power, My Safety,” aims to empower girls and women with intellectual disabilities and combat violence against them.
In an interview, Mrs. Nike Denis, National Administrator for the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, emphasised the need for community involvement in supporting vulnerable individuals.
She highlighted existing policies in Lagos State but called for better enforcement and implementation to ensure the safety and rights of young girls.
Denis stressed the importance of the health and education sectors in caring for and including individuals with disabilities.
She urged reduced stigma and greater advocacy for inclusion, stating, “We are all responsible for taking care of our vulnerable young adults.” The message was clear: collective effort is essential to protect and empower these individuals.
Also, in an interview, Mr. Innocent Okuru, a Deputy Head of Education, Project Manager for Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, and facilitator/Trainer for this programme, urged the parents to allow their vulnerable women and girls to be part of society and not to be ashamed of them because they are humans.
It stated that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is the first international treaty focused on the rights of people with disabilities, affirming their equal rights and establishing minimum standards for protection.
The CRPD covers a wide range of rights, including:
- Civil and political rights: Right to equality before the law, right to vote, right to freedom of expression.
- Economic, social, and cultural rights:Right to work, right to education, right to health, right to social security.
- Access to information and communication: Right to access information in accessible formats.
- Participation in community life: Right to participate in cultural, social, and recreational activities.
Also mentioned the Lagos State Special People law, which protects the rights of individuals with disabilities to live freely and enjoy other rights.
Whistle-blowing, report card and safety orientations for their protection.
Empowerment and Workshop training certificates were presented to all the participants for record purposes.
“MPOWER HER”! •My Voice, •My Voice, •My Safety! – “Women and Girls’ Protection is our collective responsibility”.
LaRoyal Global CommunityNews: 2025 ©️ Edition.
