Inclusion of women and girls with disability key to national development – VOWAC GHANA

Mrs Beatrice Akua Mahmood, the Founder of Voices of Women and Children with Disability in Ghana (VOWAC GHANA), has called on the government to prioritize the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities for national development.

Speaking during the commemoration of International Women's Day (IWD) organized by VOWAG Ghana in Accra, Mrs Mahmood emphasized the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities and urged duty bearers to address their needs for inclusive development.

Highlighting the significance of the event-themed “Count her in,” Mrs Mahmood underscored the importance of recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, especially women and girls. Globally, persons with disabilities constitute 16 per cent of the population, with women accounting for a significant portion.

Referencing the 2021 population and Housing Census, Mrs Mahmood noted that women with disabilities constituted 8.8 per cent of the population in Ghana, facing various challenges that hinder their full participation in society. She highlighted the need for their inclusion in disability-related policies and social protection benefits.

Despite their impairments, Mrs Mahmood emphasized the capabilities of women and girls with disabilities, stressing the importance of inclusion to amplify their voices and contributions to national development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mrs Hannah Awadzi, the Founder of the Special Mothers Project, echoed Mrs Mahmood's sentiments, emphasizing the need for policies that address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and their caregivers. She emphasized the importance of practical policies that cater to the needs of caregivers and persons with disabilities.

Sharing her personal experience, Ms Rebecca Efua Nunoo, Disability Inclusion Advisor at the Ghana Federation of Disability (GFD), highlighted the challenges faced in accessing education as a person with a disability. Despite the obstacles, she encouraged persons with disabilities to remain committed and focused in their pursuits to inspire others and achieve higher heights.

The commemoration of IWD by VOWAG Ghana serves as a platform to advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of women and girls with disabilities, urging stakeholders to prioritize their needs for a more equitable and inclusive society.