On this episode of Services Without Hitches, we had our guest from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), the Director of the Gender Department, Ms. Patience Ogolo-Dickson.The conversation focused on strengthening accessibility and inclusion within Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response systems in Nigeria, particularly in shelters and protection services for women and girls with disabilities.
During the conversation, she stated that;
• The NCPWD is enforcing accessibility standards through the Disability Act and Accessibility Regulations standard to ensure GBV shelters and response services are inclusive.
• Institutions that fail to meet accessibility standards can face sanctions, fines, or closure of facilities under the law.
• Collaboration between MDAs, civil society organizations, and OPDs is critical to ensure disability inclusion is integrated into GBV prevention and response systems.
• Women with disabilities must be actively involved in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of services that affect them because protection, justice, and safe spaces must be accessible to every survivor.
