by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe
Published on 28th March, 2026
In a strategic push to build the capacity of women and girls with disabilities- especially the younger ones among them - to adequately position themselves in good stead for effective leadership role and responsility within their immediate community, and encourage them to wax stronger, stay safely and speak up in the face of any form of unforeseen uncertainty confronting them from different angles in the society, a non-governmental organization under the aegies of Julebrama Women and Girls Care Initiative (JUWACI) has conducted a one-day leadership training workshop for the young female students of Special Education Centre, Gombe at the school premise on Wednesday
The capacity building training, Ability News Network (ANN) understands, is borne out of the JUWACI's commitment to empowering life through promoting conventional accessibility and strengthening inclusion for women and girls with disabilies in the wider society.
Speaking shortly to ANN correspondent after the training, Mrs. Lawiza Buba Isah, who served as the Project Lead (Implementer) during the training stated the objectives of the initiative which according to her include the promotion of inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities for women and children, especially those who are vulnerable, including persons with disabilities
"The organization focuses on addressing gaps in access to education, protection, leadership, and socio-economic opportunities, while advocating for dignity and equality" she stated.
Emphasizing the leading role she played alongside other stakeholders to see to the success of the project, Mrs Lawuza noted "my role includes designing programs, engaging stakeholders, facilitating activities, and ensuring that our interventions create meaningful and measurable impact"
"In the course of this project, I worked closely with Nasir Dalha, who volunteered to serve as the facilitator and mastermind in the implementation process, providing technical guidance and ensuring effective delivery of the training"
She further stated that JUWACI has been in the forefront of addressing persistent challenges facing women and girls with disabilities, acknowledging that the initiative is aimed at addressing challenges faced by PWDs women through promoting inclusivity for all, targeted interventions that combine gender equality and disability inclusion. These initiatives, she noted, are achieved by her organization through providing accessible training and awareness programs, enhencing advocacy for rights and protection, creation of safe and supportive spaces as well as strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
The capacity-building training which features series of extensive presentations and lectures on various topics, provided the juicy opportunity for the participants to garner valuable insightful experiences ranging from exposure to community-driven initiatives, knowledge on personal safety and protection, leadership education, self-advocacy skills, among other fields of knowledge.
The training, Mrs Lawiza admitted, "has significantly improved their confidence and awareness of their rights"
The Project Lead/Implementer further acknowledged the magnificent contributions of volunteers, stakeholders, teachers and her network of colleagues as pivotal to the unprecedented success of the the training.
She noted, "the success of this initiative was strengthened by the contribution of Nasir Dalha and other facilitors who served as the volunteer facilitators and ensured effective engagement with participants. Many of the girls expressed readiness to speak up, protect themselves, and share knowledge with others, creating a positive ripple effect in the community"
Delving on the importance of inclusivity during the entire period of the training, Mrs Lawiza gave a detailed account of how she and her team of facilitators made adequate plans to ensure the training is an all-inclusive one to remember for a longtime.
Her words, "We ensure inclusivity by: providing sign language interpretation, using simple and clear communication methods, developing accessible training materials and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all the participants"
"I also engage all volunteer facilitators to ensure that all participants, regardless of their disability, are actively included and supported"
She added, " it's our vision is to see women and girls with disabilities in Gombe State empowered, independent, and actively involved in leadership and decision-making processes. We envision a society where they are respected, protected, and given equal opportunities to thrive without discrimination"
The training which is the first of its kind organized by JUWACI in Gombe state according to the Project Lead/ Implementer is part of JUWACI’s broader efforts to serving humanity; however, it is one of the first targeted initiatives focusing on leadership, personal safety, and rights awareness for girls with disabilities in Gombe State, implemented with strong facilitation support from all facilitators.
The training theme, Mrs lawiza urges, "was inspired by the increasing vulnerability of girls with disabilities to abuse, exclusion, and lack of awareness of their rights"
"There is a strong need to equip them with knowledge on personal safety protection, leadership, and self-advocacy" she reassured
"The experience and input played an important role in shaping the training approach to address real community challenges"
Some of the major takeaways of the impactful training as highlighted by Mrs. Lawiza including encouraging the participants to be more active in protecting their rights, engage in promoting awareness and advocacy programs, discover their Personal safety and protection techniques, build their capacity to venture into rewarding and profitable vocational and skills and other development programs, pertake in various community sensitization campaigns, participate in mentorship and empowerment sessions, among others.
"These programs are implemented with the support of experienced all facilitators, including Nasir Dalha, to ensure quality delivery and lasting impact" she added.
Showing her appreciation to everyone who contribute towards the success of the training, the Project Lead/Implementer said "I would like to sincerely appreciate Jennifer Hembafan Alih, the Founder and CEO of Julebrama Women and Children Initiative (JUWACI), for finding me worthy of carrying out this important responsibility as the Project Lead (Implementer) in my home state, Gombe State. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to empowering women and girls continue to inspire impactful change in our communities"
"I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to my mentor, Ajeh Samuel, for his guidance, support, and timely mentorship throughout the implementation of this project"
"Furthermore, I sincerely thank all facilitators for their dedication and contributions, including Alheri Iliyasu Waziri, Maryam Saidu Asi, Safina Salele, and Yusuf Muhammad lawan from Gombe, who played a vital role as a sign language interpreter. Their collective efforts greatly contributed to the success of this initiative. Thanks to all support and inspiration from Arewa Northern Deaf Women Association (ANDWA) National Chairperson Madam. Miyausa wauta Whom I collaborated with to Carry the task"
The training which witnessed the participation of several key figures in the disability community including the Chairperson of Gombe State Deaf Women Association (GOSDWA) Mrs. Alheri Nuhu, Head of Department, Hearing Impaired Section of Special Education Centre, Gombe Mr. Daniel Yusuf Labeleng, Chairman of Gombe State Association of the Deaf (GOMSAD), Mr. Blessed Charles, National Chief Whip (NCW) of Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD), Mr. Nasir Dalha, Teachers of Special Education Centre, Gombe, students of the centre, media reporters and other spectators, underscores the JUWACI's commitment towards enhencing and promoting inclusion for women and girls with disabilities in the wider society, Ability News Network (ANN) reports.
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