Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative AWWDI

21/05/2026

The evidence is clear. Data from 1,118 women with disabilities across 27 states shows they are already active farmers. Nigeria must invest in their productivity instead of ignoring their immense potential.

We extend our deep gratitude to our donor, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), for making this research possible.

Download and read the full research findings here:
https://awwdi.org.ng/awwdi-launches-research-findings-on-the-role-and-impact-of-agriculture-in-the-lives-of-women-with-disabilities-in-nigeria/


Australian High Commission, Nigeria

20/05/2026

We recently held a highly impactful Focus Group Discussion in Niger State exploring the impact of climate change on women with disabilities.

​Supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), this activity was organized by the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative AWWDI. We were honored to have representatives from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Niger State, including the Director of Media and Strategy and a representative of the Permanent Secretary and Honourable Commissioner.

19/05/2026

The evidence is clear! When we empower women with disabilities in the agricultural sector, we aren't just changing individual lives—we are taking a massive step toward building a more resilient and food-secure Nigeria.

These women are ready to farm, lead, and help feed the nation. We simply need to ensure the right inclusive support systems and policies are in place.

A massive thank you to our generous donor, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), for making this vital research and ongoing advocacy possible. Let's keep pushing for inclusion!

Image Description: A white graphic banner featuring the ACIAR and AWWDI logos at the top. Bold text reads: "THE EVIDENCE IS CLEAR: EMPOWER WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES IN AGRICULTURE TODAY TO BUILD A MORE RESILIENT AND FOOD-SECURE NIGERIA." The right side of the banner shows photos of women actively working and planting in a lush green agricultural field.



Australian High Commission, Nigeria

18/05/2026

On May 4th, one of our dedicated mentees, Maryam Yahaya, took the lead in Naharati, Abaji, hosting a powerful community awareness session for 26 married women. The goal of the engagement was simple but vital: to educate the community on the rights and social status of Persons with Disabilities and to actively break the cycle of discrimination.

A major highlight of the day was changing the narrative around "pity." Maryam taught the women a golden rule of inclusion: Support over pity. She emphasized the importance of not assuming a person with a disability cannot do something, and reminded everyone to simply ask if help is needed before stepping in. This preserves independence and human dignity.
The women left with a fresh mindset, and Maryam will be following up to see how these lessons are being practiced in their daily lives.

We are incredibly proud of Maryam for stepping up to educate her community, and we want to give a massive shout out to her amazing mentor, Rose Paul, for her continuous guidance, encouragement, and support! When we empower a woman to lead, the entire community learns and grows.

Thank you to the African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) for continuing to partner with Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative AWWDI to support these beautiful grassroots impacts.

Image Descriptions
Image 1: Our mentee, Maryam, wearing a long blue hijab, stands confidently outdoors in a sandy compound. She is addressing a group of women who are seated in a circle on plastic chairs under the shade of a tree.
Image 2: Maryam smiles warmly as she actively engages and makes eye contact with the seated women during the outdoor community awareness session.

15/05/2026

AWWDI congratulates Ms. Lois Auta on her appointment as a Member of the Governing Council of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), as approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

This appointment is a strong recognition of her years of dedication, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of women and persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

As a disability rights advocate and trailblazer, Ms. Lois Auta has continued to inspire many through her leadership and service. We are confident that her voice and experience will contribute significantly to advancing inclusive policies and opportunities for women across the country.

AWWDI celebrates this well-deserved appointment and wishes her a successful and impactful tenure.

Signed:
Ms. Patience Ogolo Dickson
Executive Director, AWWDI

Image Description: A congratulatory flyer featuring Ms. Lois Auta in a wheelchair speaking into a microphone, celebrating her appointment as a Member of the Governing Council of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development.

WomenDevelopment MBNCWD WomenEmpowerment Leadership InclusiveSociety Nigeria


[email protected]
www.awwdi.org.ng

15/05/2026

AWWDI warmly congratulates Princess Joan Jummai Idonije on her appointment as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), as approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

This appointment reflects confidence in her leadership, experience, and commitment to the advancement of women and national development. We are confident that her tenure will strengthen the Centre’s vision for inclusive growth, empowerment, and opportunities for women across Nigeria.

We celebrate this well-deserved appointment and wish her wisdom, strength, and success as she leads the Governing Council in this important national assignment.

Signed:
Ms. Patience Ogolo Dickson
Executive Director, AWWDI

Image Description: A congratulatory flyer featuring Princess Joan Jummai Idonije, celebrating her appointment as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development.

Nigeria MBNCWD WomenEmpowerment Leadership InclusiveSociety


[email protected]
www.awwdi.org.ng

15/05/2026

AWWDI celebrates the appointment of Ms. Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), as approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

We also congratulate the newly constituted Governing Council members: • Princess Joan Jummai Idonije, Chairman
• Ms. Lois Auta
• Hon. Jamila Sarki
• Aisha Baiyee
• Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas
• Hon. Princess Anne Agom-Eze

These appointments reflect a continued commitment to advancing women’s leadership, inclusion, and national development. We are particularly encouraged to see inclusive representation in the Governing Council, especially the appointment of disability rights advocate, Ms. Lois Auta.

AWWDI wishes the Director-General and all members of the Governing Council a successful and impactful tenure as they work towards strengthening the empowerment, inclusion, and development of women across Nigeria.

Signed:
Ms. Patience Ogolo Dickson
Executive Director, AWWDI

Image Description: A congratulatory flyer featuring Ms. Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi in traditional attire, celebrating her appointment as Director-General/CEO of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development.

Nigeria MBNCWD WomenEmpowerment Leadership InclusiveSociety WomenInLeadership


[email protected]
www.awwdi.org.ng

15/05/2026

The Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative AWWDI recently hosted a vital Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in Mınna, Nıger State on climate change and disaster response. Supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), this engagement gathered 39 participants, including women with physical disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and albinism.

Our discussion uncovered the stark realities women with disabilities face during climate emergencies:
👉Communities are experiencing severe climate hazards, with flooding and windstorms causing displacement and the destruction of homes.
👉Many women receive no timely or accessible early warnings before these sudden disasters occur.
👉Inaccessible roads, poor drainage systems, and non-inclusive emergency shelters make safe evacuation incredibly difficult.
👉Extreme heat poses heightened health risks, especially for women with albinism who lack access to targeted healthcare and protective resources.
👉Women with hearing impairments frequently miss critical emergency alerts because public broadcasts lack sign language interpretation or captioning.

The Call for Change:
The women in Niger State have made their priorities clear. We are advocating for:
🔸The active inclusion of women with disabilities in all levels of emergency planning and decision-making.
🔹Accessible early warning systems that use multiple communication channels, including visual alerts, SMS, and community-based systems.
🔸Disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction policies that provide accessible shelters, relief distribution, and healthcare services.
Climate change impacts are not gender-neutral, and our disaster response frameworks must ensure that no one is left behind.

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

Did you know that livestock rearing and agro-processing are major ways women with a disability earn a living?

Our research confirms that these women are already working hard in poultry, fishery, and food processing. To help them move from small-scale survival to massive business growth, they need targeted support.

Download the research findings from our website https://awwdi.org.ng/awwdi-launches-research-findings-on-the-role-and-impact-of-agriculture-in-the-lives-of-women-with-disabilities-in-nigeria/

Image Description: A white banner with ACIAR and AWWDI logos. Bold green and black text reads "LIVESTOCK AND AGRO-PROCESSING ARE KEY LIVELIHOOD PATHWAYS FOR WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES. TARGETED SUPPORT CAN SCALE THEIR IMPACT." Social media details are in a blue bar at the bottom.

14/05/2026

ACCESSIBILITY IS LOVE, RESPECT, AND HUMAN DIGNITY IN ACTION

Accessibility is more than ramps and open doors. It is about creating spaces where women and girls with disabilities are welcomed, respected, included, and able to participate fully without barriers.

When accessibility is prioritized, dignity is protected, voices are heard, and opportunities become possible for everyone.

With support from the African Women's Development Fund (AWDF), AWWDI continues to advocate for inclusive communities where no woman or girl with a disability is left behind.

“Accessibility is what inclusion looks like in real life.”

Image Description:
A white and purple advocacy graphic displaying the AWWDI and AWDF logos with the bold message: “Accessibility is love, respect, and human dignity in action.”

📌
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.awwdi.org.ng

WomenWithDisabilities LeaveNoOneBehind