As the world celebrates International Women's Day, Alliances for
Africa a Non-Governmental Organization has marked the event with People Living with
Disability.
The event which took place at Rockview has as its theme,
"Fostering the Inclusion of Women Living with Disability in Leadership
Spaces".
Speaking during the event, the Keynote speaker, Ezeonwuemelu
Vivian, explained that disability is on the increase on a daily basis.
Speaking further, she stated that those living with disability
should be encouraged, rather than being stigmatized.
Speaking during her presentation, Alliances for Africa's
Programmes Manager, Blessing Duru, stated that the essence of this program was
solely to help fight violence against women and Girls.
Continuing, she stressed that government has continued to make
policies but lacked implementation, even as she expressed disatisfaction that
women are excluded in decision making especially in the South East with
particular reference to Imo.
Another staff of AA, Faith Kalagbor, who spoke stated that people
living with disabilities should be considered for social protection.
She stressed that for this to actually come to reality, there is
need for solidarity action where PLWD must come to mutual agreement and fight
to achieve one course.
Among issues raised by the special citizen was for the Government
to realise that they are human beings and should be treated as such.
They appealed for a level playing ground to project themselves and
display their talents than overshadowing them and remembering them only during
elections.
Furthermore, they listed some of their needs to the Imo state
governor to include, provision of more wheel chairs and clutches, place
punishment on people who discriminate and violate them.
Others are, to be given subsidy in education and also ensure they
have equal opportunities in job creation and leadership.