Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative AWWDI, Abuja (2026)

02/03/2026

Spotlight on Courage and Coordination

As our International Women's Month celebration continues, we are proud to highlight another incredible leader who embodies our theme: Give to Gain.

Across regions, driving true inclusion takes courage. When we give coordination and guidance, our communities gain essential structure and strength. Today, we are spotlighting the kind of leadership that bridges gaps and builds lasting, meaningful impact.

Please join us in celebrating our Woman of the Moment, Ibitoye Helen Oluwatoyin, the dedicated Ekiti State Self Help Group Leader! Her commitment to organizing and uplifting women with disabilities in Ekiti State perfectly shows how giving of oneself transforms entire communities.

Thank you, Helen, for your bold leadership and tireless coordination!

Image Description
The graphic is an orange and white color scheme. In the foreground, Ibitoye Helen Oluwatoyin sits in a wheelchair, wearing a black and white patterned dress with her hands clasped. In the background, a group of women are gathered outdoors, engaged in an activity, with one wearing a blue AWWDI shirt.

The top banner reads "International Women's Month" in orange, with a black badge below it that says "Woman of the Moment." Text in the center reads: "Across regions, inclusion takes courage. When we Give coordination, communities Gain structure and strength. Today, we spotlight leadership that bridges gaps and builds impact.

02/03/2026

Celebrating Our Woman of the Moment!

Happy International Women's Month! This March, we are leaning into a powerful truth: Give to Gain.

Leadership is not about holding a position, it is about leading with purpose. When we give direction, guidance, and support to our communities, we gain profound, lasting transformation in return.

Today, we are honored to spotlight our Woman of the Moment, Mrs. Asaba Averson, the AWWDI SHG State Coordinator for Nasarawa State! Her visionary leadership is a shining example of what it means to drive genuine inclusion across Nigeria. By giving her time, voice, and energy, she is paving the way for a more accessible and equitable world for all women with disabilities.

Image description
It features a photograph of Mrs. Asaba Averson sitting in a wheelchair, holding a notebook, and speaking into a microphone. The design incorporates a yellow sidebar and text boxes, along with a purple badge that reads "Woman of the Moment." The main text highlights a quote about leadership, purpose, giving direction, and gaining transformation, while celebrating visionary leadership driving inclusion across Nigeria. Text at the bottom identifies the featured woman as Mrs. Asaba Averson, AWWDI SHG State Coordinator (Nasarawa State).

Join us in celebrating Mrs. Averson and the incredible impact she continues to make!
DisabilityInclusion WomenInLeadership

01/03/2026

Happy Zero Discrimination Day! 🧡

Today, the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) proudly stands to declare: People First.

We believe that every person—regardless of disability, gender, background, or status—deserves a world built on respect, inclusion, and equality. For too long, women and girls with disabilities have been defined by labels and limited by societal barriers. It is time to see the individual before the disability.

When we put people first, we create communities where everyone can thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully. Let's work together to dismantle stereotypes, remove barriers, and build a society that celebrates diversity in all its forms.

Join us in championing a more inclusive world today and every day. How are you challenging discrimination in your community?

Let us know in the comments below! 👇
🌐 Learn more about our work: awwdi.org.ng
📧 Get in touch: info@awwdi.org.ng
📱 Follow the movement:

Image Description:
An advocacy poster for AWWDI's "Zero Discrimination Day" campaign. The graphic features diverse Black women and girls with and without disabilities. The disabilities include a wheelchair user, visual impairment with a white cane, and using sign language. Bold text reads "Zero Discrimination Day," "People First," and "Respect. Inclusion. Equality.". Contact info is listed at the bottom.

WomenWithDisabilities EqualityForAll DisabilityInclusion Nigeria

27/02/2026

Agriculture is Nigeria’s oil, and women with disabilities are ready to drill! 🇳🇬🌾

At AWWDI, we believe that disability is not a barrier to productivity, it is simply a call for better accessibility and smarter tools. Through our collaborative research project with Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, we are conducting a nationwide scoping study to document the experiences of women with disabilities in the agricultural sector.

Our mission is to move from intentions to action. By gathering evidence across Nigeria’s five geopolitical zones, we are driving policy reforms that mainstream disability inclusion into government agricultural frameworks.

When we invest in smarter tools, accessible technology, and fairer markets, we unlock a powerhouse of potential that can transform Nigeria’s food security.

Together, we are harvesting a more inclusive future. 📩 Get in touch: info@awwdi.org.ng
🌐 Visit us: awwdi.org.ng

Image description
A woman in a wheelchair reviews data on a tablet in a lush green field while a government agricultural extension officer points toward the crops. The branding emphasizes the economic potential of this demographic with the text: “Agriculture is Nigeria’s oil, and women with disabilities are ready to drill.”
Australian High Commission, Nigeria

25/02/2026

Strategic Partnership for Inclusive Climate Action!

Yesterday, February 24, 2026, Advocacy for Women with Disability Initiative (AWWDI) held a high-level strategic meeting with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure no one is left behind in Nigeria’s climate response.

The meeting brought together key departments, including Planning, Research and Forecasting, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Relief and Rehabilitation, to discuss the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) sponsored project: “Advocacy for Integration of Disability and Gender Inclusion into Nigeria’s Climate Emergency Framework and Policies Project”.

🗝️ Key Takeaways from the Discussion:

🔸Data Revolution: Emphasizing the urgent need for better data collection concerning persons with disabilities during emergencies.
🔹Localized Communication: Leveraging AWWDI’s nationwide Self-Help Group (SHG) structure to get emergency info directly to those who need it.
🔸Gender-Specific Focus: Ensuring emergency responses specifically account for the unique challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities.
🔹Policy Power: While field work is vital, our Program Manager, Dr. Kolawole Jayeoba, reminded us: “We need the paperwork where policies are made to become law”.

AWWDI is committed to moving from reactive responses to proactive, inclusive frameworks that protect every citizen. We look forward to providing advisory input on NEMA’s upcoming emergency framework document to ensure disability and gender inclusion are at its core.

GenderInclusion DRFProject

24/02/2026

A Call to Action for Government and Policymakers:

Legislation like the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act provides the framework, but participation provides the spirit. We call on all levels of government, Federal, State, and Local to move beyond "consultation" to active representation.

We urge you to:

🔸Ensure girls and women with disabilities are appointed to advisory boards and planning committees.

🔹Mandate that any policy affecting education, health, or safety undergoes a review by those with lived disability experience.

🔸Fund leadership training programs that equip girls with disabilities to take their seats at the table.

Our democracy is only complete when every voice is heard.
Funder Credit:

This advocacy is implemented by AWWDI and proudly funded by the Commonwealth Disabled People's Forum.

Image description
The main image shows a young woman in a wheelchair presiding over a formal boardroom meeting in a Nigerian government setting, indicated by the coat of arms and flag. She is reviewing a "POLICY ON EDUCATION" document while other adults listen. In the background, a banner for "FUTURE LEADERS TRAINING - AWWDI" is visible, along with a group of young girls. The poster features large text that reads, “NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US! GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES MUST BE PART OF EVERY DECISION THAT AFFECTS THEM.”. The bottom banner contains AWWDI's social media handle, email, website, and two logos.

GoodGovernance DisabilityAct HumanRights Accountability

24/02/2026

"NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US! GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES MUST BE PART OF EVERY DECISION THAT AFFECTS THEM."

What does inclusive decision-making look like in our neighborhoods? It looks like a school board that asks a girl with a physical disability how to make the playground safer.

It looks like a community leader who ensures girls with hearing impairments are part of local safety committees.

When girls with disabilities participate in decision-making, programs become more efficient, infrastructure becomes truly accessible, and the community becomes more resilient. Inclusion is not a favor we grant; it is a partnership that makes our entire society stronger.

Funder Credit:
This advocacy is implemented by AWWDI and proudly funded by the Commonwealth Disabled People's Forum.

Image description
On the left side, a girl in a wheelchair points to a new, ramp-accessible playground structure while a man in a white polo shirt takes notes. On the right, a girl in a school uniform uses sign language to communicate with two adults at a wooden table with maps. Large central text reads, “NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US! GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES MUST BE PART OF EVERY DECISION THAT AFFECTS THEM.” The bottom includes AWWDI's contact information, website, and logos.

CommunityAction Agency NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

23/02/2026

CALL FOR CONSULTANT

Technical Assistant – Climate Justice Policy

The Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) is seeking a highly qualified Technical Assistant to support the integration of disability and gender inclusion into Nigeria’s climate emergency frameworks.

📍 Location: FCT & Niger State
🤝 Funded by: Disability Rights Fund (DRF)
⏳ Duration: 3 Months
📅 Deadline: 28 February 2026

🌍 About the Project

Climate change disproportionately affects women and girls with disabilities, yet emergency and disaster response frameworks often overlook their accessibility and protection needs.

With support from DRF, AWWDI is working to ensure disability- and gender-inclusive climate governance in FCT and Niger State.

🎯 What the Consultant Will Do:

✔ Review national and state climate & DRR policies
✔ Identify gaps affecting women with disabilities
✔ Develop two disability-inclusive policy briefs
✔ Provide actionable technical recommendations
✔ Support stakeholder validation sessions

📌 Expected Deliverables:

🔹Inception Report

🔸Gap Analysis Report

🔹Two Policy Briefs (FCT & Niger State)

🔸Final Technical Report

👩🏽‍🎓 Who Should Apply?

We are looking for professionals with:

👉Advanced degree in Environmental Law, Climate Change, Public Policy, or related field

👉Strong expertise in policy analysis

👉Knowledge of CRPD & Nigeria’s Disability Act

👉Experience with NGO/donor-funded projects

👉Excellent writing and analytical skills

📩 How to Apply

Submit the following to info@awwdi.org.ng
Subject: Application for Technical Assistant – Climate Policy

🔹CV/Resume

🔸Technical Proposal (max 2 pages)

🔹Financial Proposal

🔸Sample Policy Brief/Report

🔹🗓 Deadline: 28 February 2026

✨ AWWDI is committed to diversity and inclusion. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

23/02/2026

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders in AMAC.

We recently hit a massive milestone in our journey to build inclusive leadership! During our recent mentorship programme unveiling in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), we officially grouped our incredible mentees into 4 dynamic cohorts. For the next six months, each group will work closely with a dedicated mentor to shape their leadership skills and amplify their voices.

A major highlight of the event was the powerful "Joint Mentorship Session" led by Dr. Jayeoba Kolawole. He set the perfect tone for our six months of structured engagement, reminding us all that mentorship is a relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual commitment for personal and professional development.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Kola’s Session:

👉The Mentor's Role: Mentors are here to provide guidance, share their experiences and best practices, and support goal setting.

👉The Mentee's Role: Mentees must take ownership of their personal learning and development, set clear goals, and remain open to feedback.

👉The Code of Conduct: A successful relationship demands mutual respect, confidentiality of shared information, and a strict zero-tolerance policy for harassment or abuse.
"Mentorship is a shared responsibility—both mentors and mentees contribute to success!"

We are so excited to watch these four AMAC groups learn, adapt, and grow over the next half-year. A huge thank you to the African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) for fully supporting this transformational project. Together, we build capacity and leadership!

20/02/2026

Climate Justice for All: Integrating Inclusion into Nigeria’s Future 🌍✊

We are thrilled to announce our new project supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF): "ADVOCACY FOR THE INTEGRATION OF DISABILITY AND GENDER INCLUSION INTO NIGERIA’S CLIMATE EMERGENCY FRAMEWORK AND POLICIES."

As the world faces an escalating climate crisis, women and girls with disabilities are often among the most affected yet the least represented in policy-making. This initiative is designed to change that narrative, ensuring that Nigeria’s climate response is truly inclusive and leaves no one behind.

Why Inclusion Matters
The overlay text in our featured image reminds us of a fundamental truth: "Protecting women and girls with disabilities strengthens the whole community." This principle is the heartbeat of our climate advocacy. When we build frameworks that protect the most vulnerable, we create a more resilient and prepared Nigeria for everyone.

Image description
The attached photo captures the essence of the community we serve. In a sunlit, outdoor setting in Nigeria, a woman in a wheelchair and a young girl holding a white cane share a moment of genuine laughter and connection at a wooden table. They are surrounded by a vibrant group of women and girls, illustrating the strength, joy, and potential that is unlocked when we prioritize inclusion and mutual support.

Our Commitment
With the vital support of the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), AWWDI is committed to ensuring that the voices of women and girls with disabilities are central to Nigeria’s climate emergency strategies. Together, we are advocating for policies that recognize the intersection of gender, disability, and environmental justice.

Stay updated on our progress:
📸 Instagram:
📧 Email: info@awwdawwd
DRF ClimateAction WomenWithDisabilities

18/02/2026

Disability does not mean inability to farm; it means we need smarter tools and fairer markets.”

At the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), we are committed to proving that disability is not a barrier to productivity in the agricultural sector.
Through our ongoing research project supported by Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, we are conducting a nationwide scoping study to gather critical evidence on the experiences of women with disabilities in farming. Our goal is to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are prioritized in national planning.
What this project aims to achieve:

👉 Gathering Evidence: We are conducting zonal stakeholder consultations and Focus Group Discussions across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to document the barriers women face.

👉 Policy Reform: We are using the data collected to drive meaningful policy changes that mainstream disability inclusion into government agricultural frameworks.

👉 Economic Independence: By advocating for smarter tools and fairer market access, we are working to empower women with disabilities to become a powerhouse in Nigeria’s food system.

Join us as we work to create a more inclusive and food-secure future for all

Image Description
The photograph shows a woman with a physical disability seated on a manual tricycle in the middle of a freshly tilled farm plot. She is holding a traditional farming hoe, looking forward with a determined expression. In the background, green crops and a mud-brick house under a clear sky provide a rural agricultural context. The image is branded with the AWWDI and ACIAR

Australian High Commission, Nigeria

Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative AWWDI

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