Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative AWWDI

17/09/2025

Project Strengthening Session

At AWWDI Head Office today, discussions with our partner, the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF), focused on establishing the best reporting process and ensuring due diligence for the African Disabled Girls Empowerment Project.

These steps are vital to guarantee transparency, accountability, and effective project delivery, while laying a strong foundation for sustainable impact in the lives of girls with disabilities.



Image Description (for the visually impaired):
AWWDI team and representative from CDPF engaged in a working session at AWWDI Head Office, reviewing reporting processes and due diligence for the African Disabled Girls Empowerment Project.

17/09/2025

On 22nd September 2025, the Special Seats Bill will be tabled. This bill is Nigeria’s chance to correct decades of exclusion and give women—including women with disabilities—their rightful place in decision-making. ✊

Image description
A realistic photo of Nigerian women, including one in a wheelchair and one using a white cane, walking confidently into the National Assembly building in Abuja.

17/09/2025

17/09/2025

Day One: SRHR Policy Review in Akwanga

Our National Coordinator Princess Bilkis Yakubu represented AWWDI at the opening of the 3-day meeting on the review of a policy chapter and the National Strategic Action Plan on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of Persons with Disabilities.

The session, organized by the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare in partnership with stakeholders, is taking place at Kini Guest Inn, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, from 16th–18th September 2025.

This review process is an important step toward strengthening inclusive SRHR policies that protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities across Nigeria. AWWDI remains committed to ensuring that women and girls with disabilities are not left behind in health and development agendas.

16/09/2025

Project Kick-off Meeting
Today, at the AWWDI Head Office, we had the honor of hosting Gaudence Mushimiyimana from the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF), Rwanda, as we commence the African Disabled Girls Empowerment Project.

The meeting focused on key areas such as implementation strategies, reporting processes, due diligence, sustainability frameworks, and stakeholder engagements.

It was indeed an impactful session that strengthened our shared commitment to advancing inclusion and empowering girls with disabilities.

Together with CDPF, we are laying a solid foundation for a project that will transform lives and create lasting opportunities.

Image Description:
Mrs. Gaudence from Rwanda, representing CDPF, with the AWWDI team during a project kick-off meeting at AWWDI Head Office, discussing strategies for the African Disabled Girls Empowerment Project.

16/09/2025

The statistics are alarming: girls with disabilities are up to three times more likely to experience violence, abuse, and neglect than their non-disability peers. This is not just a statistic; it is a crisis happening in our communities, often in silence.
​Silence is not an option. Indifference is not an option.

​Today, we say ENOUGH. "STOP THE VIOLENCE! PROTECT GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES" is not just a plea; it is a demand for immediate action. Their safety is not a side issue; it is a fundamental human right. Look, listen, and speak out. Apathy costs lives.

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

​Image Description:
A promotional banner with a white background. At the top left are logos for the 'Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI)' and the 'Commonwealth Disabled People's Forum'. The main text is in large, bold letters in red, green, and black, stating: "STOP THE VIOLENCE! PROTECT GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES. THEIR SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY." At the bottom, social media and contact details for AWWDI are listed.

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15/09/2025

📍 Project Update
Today, Monday, 15th September 2025, the AWWDI team visited Junior Secondary School Paseli, Kuje, to engage the school management on Pilot Project, proudly supported by the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF).

We shared the project’s goal of equipping girls with disabilities with inclusive skills that foster education, economic independence, and social participation.

The team also discussed the upcoming role-sharing activity scheduled for Friday, 19th September 2025, where 10 students and selected teachers will work together to assign responsibilities for effective project implementation.

The school principal warmly welcomed the initiative and assured full support, noting that UBEB has already been informed.

🔹 Together, we are building an inclusive future where no girl is left behind.



Image Description (for the visually impaired):
AWWDI team members with the principal and teachers of Junior Secondary School Paseli, Kuje, during a courtesy visit

15/09/2025

Sexual health is part of our overall well-being. On this World Sexual Health Day, let’s remember: knowledge is power, and inclusion is key. Take charge of your health today.

Image description:
A cheerful 2D Nigerian cartoon of a nurse in traditional attire speaking kindly to a diverse group, including persons with disabilities. The nurse points to a board that says: “World Sexual Health Day – September 4th. Take Charge of Your Health!”.

15/09/2025

What does a child dream of? Becoming a doctor, an artist, an engineer, a leader? Now, does a disability change that dream? No. But a lack of opportunity does.
​Behind every statistic is a girl with a name, a family, and a future filled with potential.

The message on our banner—"Girls with disabilities deserve the same chances as every other child"—is a promise we must make to her.
​It's a promise that her wheelchair won't stop her from entering a classroom. It's a promise that her hearing impairment won't silence her voice. It's a promise that society will see her ability, her strength, and her spirit first.

​Let's stop talking about limits and start creating opportunities. Let's build a world worthy of her dreams.

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

​Image Descriptio:
A promotional banner with a white background. At the top left are two logos. The first is for the 'Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI)', and the second, labeled 'Funded by', is for the 'Commonwealth Disabled People's Forum'. The main text is in large, bold letters in blue, red, and dark navy blue. It reads: "EQUAL RIGHTS MEAN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES. GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES DESERVE THE SAME CHANCES AS EVERY OTHER CHILD."
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12/09/2025

AWWDI at NiMet Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum

The Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) Lagos chapter participated in the Nigerian Meteorological Agency-NiMet Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum with the theme “Early Warnings: Raising Awareness on Climate Risks and Promoting Early Action.”

Our participation highlights AWWDI’s continuous advocacy for inclusive climate action, ensuring that the voices of women and girls with disabilities are heard and represented in critical climate discussions.

Together, we are committed to building a future where no one is left behind.

Image Description: Three women with disabilities, two using crutches and one seated in a wheelchair, stand together at the NiMet Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum. The backdrop displays the event theme on climate risks and early warning.

12/09/2025

Sexual health is a human right. Women and girls with disabilities must be included in policies, services, and conversations that shape their lives. Together, we raise our voices for equality, dignity, and justice.

Image description:
A bold 2D Nigerian cartoon of women with disabilities holding placards that read “Inclusion in Sexual Health” and “Equal Rights for All” during a peaceful awareness rally, with Nigerian flags and the AWWDI logo on one banner.

11/09/2025

Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative AWWDI paid a courtesy visit to Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) to introduce our new project — the African Disabled Girls Empowerment Pilot Project, currently being implemented in Kuje Area Council with the support of the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum.