The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken sensitisation of human rights education to girls with disabilities to vulnerable communities with a view to curb discrimination.
A statement issued by the director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the commission, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, said the exercise was part of activities to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
The NHRC conducted a sensitisation programme on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) for girls with disabilities in Abuja.
At the School for the Deaf, Kuje, and the School for the Blind, Jabi, the NHRC team emphasised the importance of targeted awareness, highlighting the unique challenges faced by girls with disabilities.
Speaking at the sensitisation programme, the NHRC team lead and the director of Vulnerable Groups Department, Mr. Dahiru Bobbo, who represented the executive secretary, said girls with disabilities were exposed to a myriad of human rights violations.
“They often face multiple layers of discrimination and limited access to services designed to protect them from abuse, exploitation, and violence,” Bobbo said.
The programme aimed to empower the girls with knowledge about their sexual and reproductive health rights, raise awareness on various forms of SGBV, and provide information on available protection and reporting mechanisms.
The executive secretary called on stakeholders to create inclusive spaces, free from discrimination and violence, where vulnerable persons can thrive.
“We must amplify the voices of girls with disabilities, ensuring they are heard and valued,” he urged.
The commission’s commitment to protect the rights of persons with disabilities shines bright on this International Women’s Day, a beacon of hope for a more inclusive Nigeria.
Founder of Secure the Future Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, Karen Adamu, who gave a talk during the sensitisation programme, encouraged the students to always speak up whenever they encounter abuse.
She warned that keeping silent about abuse could negatively affect their mental health, education, and overall wellbeing.
The initiative received commendation from school authorities, who praised the NHRC for addressing a critical need.
Principal of the School for the Deaf, Kuje, Razak Suraj Ademola and School for the Blind Jabi, Hafsat Umar, played host to the NHRC team.