Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
As part of activities to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, (IWD) the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken sensitization to the doorstep of vulnerable communities by taking human rights education to girls with disabilities, a group that often suffer multiple layers of discrimination. This was contained in a statement released by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs, and External Linkages.
In a powerful show of solidarity, the NHRC conducted a sensitization programme on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) for girls with disabilities in Abuja.
At the School for the Deaf, Kuje, and the School for the Blind, Jabi, the NHRC team emphasized the importance of targeted awareness, highlighting the unique challenges faced by girls with disabilities.
The NHRC team was led by the Director Vulnerable Groups Department, Mr. Dahiru Bobbo, who represented the Executive Secretary. According to him, girls with disabilities are exposed to a mirage of human rights violations “They often face multiple layers of discrimination and limited access to services designed to protect them from abuse, exploitation, and violence”
The programme aimed to empower these girls with knowledge about their sexual and reproductive health rights, raise awareness on various forms of SGBV, and provide information on available protection and reporting mechanisms.
The Executive Secretary called on stakeholders to create inclusive spaces, free from discrimination and violence, where vulnerable persons can thrive.
“We must amplify the voices of girls with disabilities, ensuring they are heard and valued, Ojukwu urged.”
The Commission’s commitment to protect the rights of persons with disabilities shines bright on this International Women’s Day, a beacon of hope for a more inclusive Nigeria.
Founder of Secure the Future Foundation (a non-governmental organization) Karen Adamu, who gave a talk during the sensitization program, encouraged the students to always speak up whenever they encounter abuse. She warned that keeping silent about abuse could negatively affect their mental health, education, and overall well-being.
The initiative received commendation from school authorities, who praised the NHRC for addressing a critical need.
The principal of the School for the Deaf Kuje, Razak Suraj Ademola and School for the Blind Jabi, Hafsat Umar, played host to the NHRC team.
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