by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe
9th December, 2024
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| GMC Director General planked by GOSDWA members in a photograph shortly after the meeting in his office |
The Gombe State Deaf Women Association (GOSDWA), a bona fide affiliate of Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) headquarters, Abuja had Thursday marks the celebration of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) with an Advocacy visits to Gombe Media Cooperation (GMC) and Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Gombe stations to amplify the voices of Deaf Women in Gombe state in line with the IDPWD's global theme: "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future"
In her keynote address, the GOSDWA's Chairperson Mrs. Alheri Nuhu Iliya, highlighted the lingering challenges faced by Deaf women in Gombe state in particular, and the country at large, urging for collective solidarity to create awareness about Deaf women in Gombe state and promote their Inclusion in the wider society.
Mrs Iliya, who is also the Women Leader of Gombe State Association of the Deaf (GOMSAD) emphasized the urgent need for strong leadership among persons with disabilities for enhancing growth and development.
She said "this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that we need the leadership of persons with disabilities more than ever as denoted by the theme : "Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future"
"Persons with disabilities especially Deaf women already disproportionately bear the brunt of the crises scarring our country and the world at large— from conflicts and climate disasters, to poverty and inequalities — because of persistent discrimination, Gender Based Violence (GBV), stigmatization, barriers to basic rights and services to mention but a few"
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| Mrs Alheri making presentation while the NTA General Manger and other officials listens with keen attention |
"Deaf women in Gombe state in particular, and the country at large has been at the fore front of these illicit treatmens which is the singular reason why they are also often denied their rights to contribute towards the Development of their communities and society at large and also proffers practical solutions to these crises rocking the country"
Highlighting the significant of the Nigeria's recognition of the universal rights enjoyed by PWDs the GOSDWA's top leader noted,"though Nigeria ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD) on 24 September 2010. This Convention identifies the fundamental rights to full equal access and participation in their societies and communities for persons with disabilities, including in times of crisis. This document also classifies Deaf communities as cultural and linguistic minorities, entitled to exercise their linguistic rights to access all information and interact with government officials in their preferred languages (sign languages)"
"The CRPD is the first and unique Human Rights Treaty that recognizes sign languages as human rights. Despite this, Deaf people, especially women and girls, constitute one of the most marginalised groups in society and are an underserved population"
Regretting that "Deaf women in Gombe state and other PWDs often experience unequal access to healthcare services due to their linguistic preferences on accessing health-related information in sign language not being recognised or accommodated despite the government obligations under the CRPD"
She also said, "Deaf women and Girls in Gombe state also faced the highest form of Gender Based Violence (GBV), everywhere they find themselves they faced one form of violence or the other ranging from persistent sexual harassment, forced marriage, family discrimination and exclusion in decision making affecting them, educational and social discrimination among other forms of violences too numerous to mention"
"We, as a people with human feelings hereby called on the Gombe state Government to fast tract the signing of the National Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibation) Act, 2018, into law and see to the prompt establishment of Gombe Disabilty Commission in the state. This, we strongly believe could address all challenges faced by Deaf women and other persons with special needs in Gombe state"
"We are also calling on other Women-lead Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CBOs), Local and International Feminist Groups (LIFGs), Human Rights Crusaders as well as those in the private sector to join ranks with Gombe State Deaf Women Association and support us in our efforts to amplify the voices of Deaf Women and other PWDs in Gombe state" she requested finally.
Earlier, the pioneer chairperson of GOSDWA, Mrs, Tani Daniel have made a request to both the NTA and GMC management to assist in promoting awareness about GOSDWA and it's activities through news enlightment in order create wider recognition about the association and establish working partnership with other sister Women-lead organizations in Gombe state, she emphasize the importance of working together with other women groups to achieve the objectives of GOSDWA
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| Mrs Alheri being fielding questions by journalists |
Responding, the General Manager, NTA Gombe station, Abubakar Adamu, commended the GOSDWA's leaders for demonstrating uncommon resilience and commitment towards improving the living conditions of Deaf Women in Gombe state.
Adamu encouraged the GOSDWA's leaders not to relent in the efforts they are making to fight for the emancipation and Inclusion of PWDs specifically women with disabilities in the society, stressing that the NTA at all levels had done more enlightment against discrimination and stigmatization of PWDs In the country.
Ibrahim Isah, the Director General, Gombe Media Cooperation (GMC) said he was extremely delighted to host the GOSDWA's representatives in his office, admitting that this is the first time PWDs group paid him a courtesy call in his office and this made him to be more prouder and fulfilled as a person.
He assured the visitors of GMC's readiness to do it's best to protect the interest and integrity of PWDs in Gombe state. While acknowledging the GMC's role in disseminating information and enhencing awareness in the society, the GMC's Director General invited the GOSDWA's representatives to participate in a periodic public awareness sensitization programme that will be aired from time to time on GMC Jewel station.
"I invite you to speak to a wider audience in a periodic television programme because I believe it's your responsibility to advertise your organization and tell the world your problems" he said.
The event, Ability News Network reports was concluded with an
Unanimious agreement reached between the leadership of GOSDWA, NTA and GMC to foster a harmonious working relationship that would enhence Inclusion for PWDs in Gombe state and beyond. It was agreed that both the NTA and GMC stations would henceforth provide a platform for sign language interpreters who wish to interpret news to the Deaf on volunteerism basis.
Among the important personalities that graced the occasion were the NTA General Manger, Abubakar Adamu, Manager News, NTA, Hamza Tafawa Mayo, Manager Marketing, NTA, kabiru Bello, Manager Administration, NTA, Manu Haruna, Manager Programme, NTA, Adamu Waziri, Manger Finance, NTA, Bashir Mohammad, Director Administration and Finance, GMC, Mohammed J. Musa and Secretary General Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Gombe State chapter, Mal. Shuaibu Adamu.
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