The Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has reiterated its commitment to reinforcing the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in alleviating the plights of vulnerable persons, especially women living with disabilities across the Lagos Metropolis .
The Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Oluyemi Kalesanwo disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Executive Director and members of Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF), a women-focused Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which focuses on psychosocial support of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to the Ministry, adding that WAPA will not rescind on imbibing inclusiveness as priority in all its programmes.
Kalesanwo said, “Women of all categories, including persons living with disabilities, should take advantage of the numerous programmes being taught in the 20 Government-owned Skills Acquisition Centres across the State, to ensure that no woman, regardless of her physical disability, health or social status, is left behind in the present administration’s poverty reduction efforts which are designed to empower vulnerable women residents with different vocations.
On the request by the group for social inclusion of People Living With Disabilities in WAPA’s intervention programmes, the Permanent Secretary implored FFF to duly register with the Ministry, through its NGO Unit, in order to keep abreast of the governmental programmes which are beneficial to the general public.
“WAPA understands the challenges PLWDs are facing, therefore, we encourage everyone to speak up and speak out against all forms of violence, by calling the dedicated toll-free line – 767”, she said.
The Executive Director of FFF and leader of the visiting team, Mr. Afolabi Fajemilo, stated that the planned collaboration with WAPA, was part of the group’s sensitization campaign against Domestic Violence towards persons living with disabilities.
Recall that 250 People Living With Disabilities, were empowered at the Women Development Centre with nine Short-Term Skills training and were given startup packs to enhance their financial status towards economic growth.