By Adeola Tukuru, Abuja
Ipas Nigeria, a non- governmental organization in collaboration with the Australian Government in Nigeria to established sign-language interpreters in selected government hospitals in FCT where Deaf women can now access hospitals without barriers unlike before.
In a press statement signed by the organisation’s Advisor, Policy and Advocacy, Edosa Oviawe, in commemoration of the just concluded international Day for persons with Disabilities, Ipas stressed the need for permanent sign-language interpreters in both Federal, state governments and private hospitals.
He called on Government at all level in Nigeria to ensure that equitable measures are put in place to include women with Disabilities, adding that they should be considered in all plans to achieve the sustainable Development Goals.
“We also appeal for speedy passage of Disability Rights bill and it should be signed into law to ease our pains.
“We want to added here that there should be Free health care insurance scheme for our women who are finding it difficult to pay the exorbitant expense of medical fees as citizens and which lead them to always patronize herb which are harmful to their body.
“We want 20% waiver slots of Job placement and empowerment for women with Disabilities as citizens from the Federal government Ministries, agencies and NGOs etc. We seek partnership and collaboration with other international organizations, NGOs to promote and implement program/ project that might benefit us.
The statement described the International Day for Persons with Disabilities as a day set aside by the United Nations to celebrate the progress and increase awareness about Disabilities’ issues.
“Given the theme of this year “achieving 17 SDGs goals for the future we want” which is meant to draw attention to UN 17 sustainable development goals and how these goals can create a more inclusive and equable world for people with Disability.
“The Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the UN general Assembly as part of the 2030 agenda for SDGs of which Nigeria is involved. They emphasize a holistic approach to achieving development for all.
”As we work toward achieving the 17 SDGs, Deaf women had a great challenge that they received very little or no attention in Nigeria for their socio-economic, education, health and political growth.
” We have had many Deaf women individually who are making contribution in their own right among them is our National President who was appointed as BOT on Disability Trust Funds and politically, women Leader of APC Disability group. Professionally, we also have Deaf female lawyer, medical Doctors, teachers, and others who are making progress and silently contributing to the growth and development of our nation.
“Furthermore, Deaf women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) would like to urges his Excellency President Buhari Muhammadu led government , NGOs , international communities and organization to carry them along when it comes to drafting and implementing of policies/ project, economic and health empowerment etc to fulfil the slogan of UN SDGs Slogan. No one should be left behind” he said.
