UNFPA sensitises PWDs on harmful traditional practices in Kaduna

On Dec 18, 2023

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government (KDSG), sensitised Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
and harmful traditional practices in Kaduna.

The Head of Office, UNFPA, Kaduna, Paulin Tshimanga, who addressed the participants, said “the reality is that PWDs have important contributions, achievements and leadership they demonstrate in making societies just, equitable, and inclusive.”

According to her, more national laws and policies protect the rights of PWDs than ever before.

She added that services are increasingly responsive to their specific needs, and there is increased attention in supporting them to access sexual and reproductive health information and services as well as safe, healthy and satisfying intimate relationships.

“One in five women globally is a person with a disability, yet from households to parliaments, only few are empowered to make decisions that have far-reaching consequences for their bodies and lives.”

Tshimanga listed some of the denied rights of PWDs to include fundamental choices about their sexual and reproductive health and rights, the foundation for bodily autonomy, wellbeing and ability to determine their own future.

She, however, said that change is happening but needed to pick up speedily, as UNFPA’s close collaboration with movements of women with disabilities has helped to galvanize momentum.

“UNFPA is training health-care providers on specific skills to assess and respond to GBV against PWDs. Through the “We Decide Programme”, UNFPA promotes the human rights and social inclusion of PWDs, particularly women and young people.

“Our goal is to expand access to sexual and reproductive health services, as well as the information and education people need to make the best choices for themselves.”

Earlier, Dr Elvis Evborein, the UNFPA Reproductive Health Analyst, said the objective of the training was to promote the health and well-being of PWDs.

He explained that the sensitisation was also aimed at improving PWDs’ knowledge of SRHR, GBV and harmful traditional practices which result in increased health service utilisation.

Evborein added that the sensitisation was necessary to bridge the gap created for those PWDs left behind in UNFPA’s programmes.

He urged the participants to be keen in ensuring maximum utilisation of the knowledge to promote their wellbeing.

The participants were also sensitised on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation
and Abuse (PSEA), and appropriate authorities of reporting cases.

NAN/Wumi