The Cedar Seed Foundation, a non-governmental organisation based in Abuja, has launched a nationwide civic campaign to champion the full political inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria.
At a press conference on Monday, the organisation introduced its “Vote for Her” initiative, designed to promote the political participation of women with disabilities.
The campaign aims to dismantle longstanding structural and institutional barriers that have hindered their involvement as voters, candidates, appointees, and decision-makers, despite existing laws guaranteeing their political rights.
Ms Rose Daniel, Deputy Executive Director of the foundation, explained that the initiative, supported by Luminata, seeks to advance disability rights, gender equity, and inclusive governance across Nigeria.
“For too long, women and girls with disabilities have been excluded from the systems that shape our nation’s future. They face multiple layers of discrimination, not only because they are women and persons with disabilities, but also because political structures remain largely inaccessible, both physically and institutionally,” she said.
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Daniel emphasised that the campaign aims to shift the narrative from exclusion to meaningful political participation.
Mrs Catherine Akor, Chief Operating Officer, called for the immediate implementation of the five per cent quota for persons with disabilities, as stipulated by the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
“This campaign is not just a hashtag; it is a national and international call to action. We must challenge political systems that silence women and girls with disabilities and demand spaces for their leadership, visibility, and voice,” she stated.
Akor outlined that the campaign will feature a 15-day programme, including nationwide social media advocacy, storytelling sessions showcasing the experiences and leadership potential of women and girls with disabilities, and engagements with political party leaders, electoral bodies, civil society organisations, and media outlets to foster inclusive dialogue and push for reforms.
The foundation urged political parties to revise their constitutions and manifestos to reflect the rights and needs of women with disabilities, stating, “Inclusive governance is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The ‘Vote for Her’ campaign is a declaration that women and girls with disabilities deserve equal access to political opportunities and leadership roles.”
Ms Janet Alabede, Public Relations Officer of the Women with Disability Inter-Party Forum, stressed the need for political parties to ensure inclusive and accessible platforms, as recommended by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
She also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other electoral stakeholders to ensure full accessibility throughout the voting process, from registration to polling stations.
The Cedar Seed Foundation is dedicated to promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria through advocacy, capacity building, and awareness campaigns aimed at their full integration into society.