On 13th March, 2024 VDI hosted an Interactive Session to Appraise the Implementation of Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act 2018. The interactive session which was funded by AMPLIFYCHANGE was part of activities to commemorate 2024 International Women’s Day.
The session was attended by distinguished personalities including the Executive Director of VDI, Barrister Catherine Edeh and other notable personalities such as Barrister Florence Marcus, Barrister Toyin Falaiye, Barrister Dumi Prophen, and Barrister Calister Ugwuaneke. Additionally, notable figures like Queen Janet of Ability Plus TV, Madam Avir Akighir, and Madam Constance Nneka Onyemaechi, and many others graced the occasion.
After critical appraisal of the implementation of Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act 2018, the participants highlighted a number of challenges and VDI is calling on:
1. The Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Surveyors Council of Nigeria and Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors & Valuers to monitor accessibility requirements for public structures, modification of public buildings and approval of building plans in line with the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act 2018
2. The Federal Civil Service Commission, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other agencies to monitor the implementation of 5% employment slots for persons with Disabilities and be gender specific in allocation e.g. 3% employment opportunity for women and 2% for men with disabilities
All agencies of government in Federal and state, private sector inclusive need to imbibe the principles and tenets of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act 2018 to ensure full implementation of the Act.
As a non-governmental organization that advocate for the protection of rights of persons with disabilities, especially women and girls, Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI) is open to collaboration and partnership that would bridge the existing knowledge gaps and ensure full implementation of the Act.
