The Adamawa State Government, in partnership with UN Women Nigeria and with funding support from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF), has launched a strategic capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering women and girls with disabilities for full participation and gender equality in the state.
The initiative, titled “Empowerment of Women and Girls Towards Full and Effective Participation and Gender Equality in Adamawa State,” brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations, and UN agencies.
Participants were drawn from functional NGOs and UN bodies such as UNHCR, UNFPA, as well as relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). UN Women structures including media networks and women mediators also played active roles in the programme.
A highlight of the event was a high-level policy dialogue led by a panel of experts comprising Mr. Moses Yohanna, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor; Mrs. Astalai Jafaru, Director of Rehabilitation, Ministry of Women Affairs; Engr. Sanusi Yaro, Director General, Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority; Engr. Sani Sabo, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Adamawa State; Mrs. Deborah Birdling, Executive Director, Adamawa Concern for Disabled Initiatives; and a representative of Debbie Kauna Foundation.
The dialogue focused on “Advancing Economic Inclusion for Women and Girls with Disabilities.”
Key outcomes from the workshop include:
Freedom from Violence – A renewed commitment to ensuring all women and girls, particularly those with disabilities, live free from all forms of violence.
Economic Empowerment – Support structures to enable women with disabilities to achieve income security, decent work, and economic autonomy.
Resilience and Inclusion – Stronger focus on integrating women with disabilities in disaster preparedness, humanitarian response, and access to essential services.
Delivering the keynote address, the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Neido Geoffrey Kofulto, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hajia Zainab Umar Adamu, lauded the collaboration and pledged the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining initiatives aimed at uplifting the lives of women and girls with disabilities.
UN Women Programme Analyst for Humanitarian Peace and Security in the North East, Dr. Olaniyi Aderigbe, stressed the importance of inclusive initiatives in achieving sustainable gender equality. He commended the creativity of participants in developing market-ready products.
UN Women Programme Officer for Women Economic Empowerment, Mrs. Patience Ekechukwu, presented a draft policy brief that outlined strategies to improve employment opportunities, social protection, and procurement access for persons with disabilities in the state.
Mr. Fabian Sylvester, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, expressed interest in adopting Kaduna State’s gender-responsive department model to enhance inclusivity in Adamawa.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of UNFPA, UNHCR, the Bureau of Public Procurement, Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment, and other partners.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing products made by women and girls with disabilities, including handmade bags, shoes, clothing, cosmetics, insect repellents, and more.
