Media professionals have been charged to assist state governments in sensitizing Persons with Disabilities to register at their offices for data collection.
The Head, Directorate of Social Development and Integration, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Kelani Akim, gave the charge at a media awareness campaign on sexual reproductive health and rights of women and girls with disabilities.
The Programme Director, “Advocacy for Women with Disability Initiative”, Mr. Kolawole Jayeoba shared stories of the plights of women with disabilities in accessing family planning and other medical services.
According to him ” they are exposed to ridicule at health centres, sexual harassment and domestic Violence, urging the media to always put issues of people with disability on the front burner to gain attention “.
” As women with albino, the society does not recognize our reproductive health rights but instead they look down on us “. says Omowunmi Ajisebioba, a woman with disability.
She appealed to the state government to be more proactive to the cry of women with disabilities.
” They wondered why l should get pregnant and even give birth, appealing that the public should respect their rights to make babies as they are humans too “. Rukayat said.
Earlier, the Advocacy for Women with Disability Initiative had a rally, identifying sexual and reproductive health as rights of women and girls with disabilities.
The event brought together journalists and women with disability to champion the cause.
The Programme also brought to the fore, harrowing stories of the struggles faced by women with disability in accessing family planning, recounting instances of ridicule and harassment at health centers.
Kolawole Jayeoba called on the media to take a leading role in raising awareness to combat the issues as they affect People with Disability
