IWD: Centre seeks collective action for gender equality
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called on all stakeholders- governments, private sector, organisations and the general public, to accelerate action for gender equality and empowerment of women and girls with disabilities.
Mr Godwin Unumeri, the Acting Director, CCD, made the call in a statement in commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday in Lagos.
Supreme news reports that the 2025 IWD has the theme: “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality”, and is celebrated annually on March 8.
Unumeri reiterated commitment of the centre to promoting the inclusion, rights, and development of women and girls with disabilities.
According to him, this year’s theme resonates strongly with the centre’s mission to create a society that ensures equal participation, access, and opportunity for all, irrespective of gender or disability status.
Unumeri, who emphasised the need for urgent action, decried that women and girls with disabilities experienced compounded marginalisation due to the intersection of both gender and disability.
“Despite the existence of international frameworks such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and national policies like the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, which guarantee equal rights for all.
“The challenges faced by these women remain staggering; environmental, physical, systemic, and informational barriers continue to hinder their full participation in society.
“It is, therefore, imperative that we create inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments where women and girls with disabilities can thrive.
“The time for action is now. Let us act decisively and inclusively to create a future where everyone, regardless of gender or disability, is empowered to reach their full potential.
“We call on everyone to join in this critical journey toward inclusion and equality for all,” Unumeri said.
Unumeri explained that for gender equality to be realised for all women and girls, the specific needs of women and girls with disabilities must be fully integrated into national policies, programmes, and initiatives.
According to him, both government and non-state actors must ensure that their policies are accessible, inclusive, and sensitive to the realities of women and girls with disabilities.
“Every public and private sector investment in infrastructure must cater to the specific needs of women and girls with disabilities.
“Transportation, healthcare, public spaces and infrastructure should be disability-inclusive to ensuring their full participation.
“In line with the fifth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5), which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls by 2030.
“We call for collective action to ensure that no woman or girl, regardless of disability, is left behind in the journey towards gender equality,” he said.
