Media professionals have been charged to assist the state government in sensitizing Persons Living with Disability to register at their offices for data collection stating the benefits in doing so.
The Head of Director Social Development and Integration Department, 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, Kolawole Jayeoba shared stories of the plight of women with disability in accessing family planning and other medical services.
According to him ” they are exposed to ridicule at health centers, sexual harassment and domestic Violence, the media should always put issues of people with disability on the front burner to gain attention “.
” As a woman living as an albino, the society does not recognize our reproductive health rights but instead they look down on us “. says Omowunmi Ajisebioba
She appealed to the state government to be more proactive to the outcry of women living with disability.
Rukayat lawal, a single mother of one living with disability on a wheelchair shared how she suffered embarrassment for having a child despite her disability.
” They wondered why i should get pregnant and even give birth, appealing that the public should respect their rights to make babies as they are humans too “. Rukayat
Earlier, the Advocacy for Women with Disability Initiative had a rally identifying sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls with disabilities which 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 leading role in raising awareness to combat the issues as they affect People Living with Disability.
Discover more from Radio Nigeria Lagos
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
