The Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) has officially launched an Inclusive Climate Actions Team during a one-day training in Abuja.
The initiative seeks to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable groups, particularly women and individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in climate-related discussions and decision-making.
During the training, speakers highlighted the importance of integrating women and girls with disabilities into climate action planning. They stressed the need for accessible climate forecasts, noting that the lack of inclusivity in these crucial communications can put individuals with disabilities at greater risk during emergencies.
The team also focused on the importance of raising awareness about the vulnerability of women and persons with disabilities during climate disasters such as flooding. For instance, recent floods in Kwara State and other parts of Nigeria highlighted the challenges faced by these groups, who often struggle to access vital information and resources in emergency situations.
AWWDI emphasized the role of media partners in advocating for inclusive climate action, urging them to promote equitable climate actions and raise awareness about the needs of marginalized groups. The initiative called on participants to become ambassadors for change, ensuring that climate policies and programs consider the needs of women and girls with disabilities.
The Director General of FEMA FCT Abdulrahman Mohammed, expressed his thoughts on recent developments in disaster management, stressing the importance of proactive communication about potential disasters. He emphasized that it’s crucial to inform local governments about impending events, ensuring that the public is aware of the signs before disasters strike. He noted that disaster management should not only focus on response but also on prevention through awareness.
Reflecting on a past event, the DG shared his experience attending a program organized by the National Agency for Disabilities. He revealed how his perspective on disability inclusion was transformed, noting that as an engineer, he realized the significant lack of inclusive design in building structures. He underscored the need for partnerships with the National Society of Engineers to ensure that future designs accommodate people with disabilities. He called for a shift in mindset, urging that all new buildings should consider the needs of disabled individuals.
The DG also expressed his concern for climate change, stating that the signs of its impact are becoming increasingly evident. He highlighted the need for urgent action in addressing climate-related issues, particularly in disaster-prone areas.
Also speaking, The Director of AWWDI, Mrs. Patience Dickson, shared a heartbreaking update on the struggles faced by individuals with albinism in Nigeria, revealing that two people with albinism have already died this year due to skin cancer. Mrs. Dickson pointed out that the situation has become dire for one of her staff members, who is currently battling skin cancer. The staff member, who underwent surgery at the National Hospital in Abuja, was referred to Lagos for further treatment but has been away since November last year, undergoing extensive medical procedures.
She emphasized the link between the condition and climate change, noting that excessive sun exposure, a key factor in the development of skin cancer, is exacerbated by changing environmental conditions. Mrs. Dickson stressed that such challenges are compounded by the lack of adequate awareness and care for individuals with albinism.
In her remarks, Mrs. Dickson also expressed her gratitude for the recent unveiling of the 2025 seasonal climate prediction report by Nine Minutes, which she described as a significant milestone in addressing climate-related issues. She highlighted the importance of collaborations like this in addressing climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities.
Furthermore, Mrs. Dickson called for the implementation of an inclusive climate change policy that takes into account the needs of women and persons with disabilities. She highlighted the importance of inclusivity in both climate action and disability advocacy, drawing attention to the critical role of education and awareness in creating a more equitable society.
Meanwhile, Project Officer Mr. Kolawole Jayeoba led an intensive training session, equipping participants to serve as advocates for inclusion within their respective organizations and ensure that no one is left behind.
