By Lizzy Carr
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Al-Muhibbah Foundation and the Office of the First Lady of Bauchi State, has trained and empowered 300 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in various trades, including local beverage production, grain trading, food vending, cosmetology, and shoemaking.
The event, held at the Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu Arena in Bauchi Government House, was part of the activities marking this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
Speaking through Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst Deborah Tabara, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem highlighted the challenges faced by PWDs, noting that one in six people globally lives with a disability.
She emphasized their exclusion from decision-making processes that affect their lives, leading to frequent denial of their rights and choices.
“Persons with disabilities often face discrimination and stigma compounded by factors such as gender, age, and ethnicity. In humanitarian crises, their vulnerabilities are even more pronounced as they lose access to essential support systems,” she said.
Dr. Kanem also highlighted the higher rates of gender-based violence faced by women and girls with disabilities, compounded by limited access to reproductive health information.
She stressed the importance of inclusive programs tailored to empower PWDs and dismantle harmful stereotypes.
The First Lady of Bauchi State, Aisha Bala, described the initiative as a celebration of the strength, potential, and possibilities of every individual, regardless of ability.
She noted that this year’s theme, “Empowering Disability Inclusion,” aligns with efforts to build a society where equal opportunities are accessible to all.
“This program underscores the importance of advocacy and action. Together, we can create a world where barriers crumble, and every individual is empowered to thrive,” the First Lady stated.
The event, which also emphasized economic empowerment to reduce poverty and vulnerability to gender-based violence, reaffirmed the commitment of UNFPA and Bauchi State to leave no one behind.
