SENSITIZATION TRAINING ON SRHR FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS WITH DISABILITY (WGWD)

The issue of sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) has long been a challenge for women and girls with disabilities (WGWD). This is mainly because they often face barriers in accessing adequate healthcare services due to discrimination, stigma, and lack of accessibility. To address this issue, Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) in collaboration with other stakeholders organized a sensitization training on SRHR for WGWD.

The training was held at Steam-fast event center Makurdi, Benue state, and was attended by WGWD, religious leaders, and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health (FMH). The main objective of the training was to sensitize WGWD on SRHR and build the capacity of religious leaders on disability issues and SRHR.

During the training, the FMH was contacted to expand access to SRH for WGWD, and commitments were made by the FMH to review the SRH policy to capture areas identified to be missing. The FMH also identified the need for more intentional and active involvement of relevant key stakeholders in policy making for better ownership and sustainability of SRH interventions.

WGWD identified that SRH is very critical to achieving sustainable development goals, particularly those targeting poverty, health security, education, and reduced inequalities. They were also equipped with necessary responses, interventions, and advocacy skills to combat disability and gender-based violence in their communities.

In conclusion, the training on SRHR for WGWD was a significant step towards promoting gender equity and social inclusion in Nigeria. It is important to continue creating awareness and sensitizing various stakeholders to address the challenges faced by WGWD in accessing SRHR services.