By Justus Adetomiwa, Ado-Ekiti
Women with disabilities have renewed calls for stronger inclusion, equal opportunities and an end to discrimination against persons with disabilities during the 2026 Women’s Day celebration organised by the Ekiti State chapter of the women’s wing of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, (JONAPWD).
The event, themed “Give to Gain,” and held at the Ekiti State Skills Acquisition Centre for Persons with Disabilities in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend, brought together government representatives, disability advocates, development partners and stakeholders committed to advancing inclusion in the state.
In her opening remarks, the Coordinator of the women’s wing of JONAPWD, Mrs. Gbemisola Bankole, described the celebration as a platform for recognition, empowerment and unity, stressing that women with disabilities continue to face multiple layers of exclusion despite their resilience and contributions to society.
She highlighted challenges such as discrimination, limited access to education, healthcare, employment and social participation, while insisting that these barriers must not define the potential of women with disabilities.
“Disability does not define inability. Every woman deserves equal rights, dignity, respect and opportunities to thrive,” she said.
She also appreciated the support of the Ekiti State Government and partners, including the Office of Special Education and Social Inclusion and the Disability Not A Barrier Initiative, DINABI, for their continued efforts toward disability inclusion.
“We appreciate Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Special Adviser on Special Education and Special Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola for their support for inclusive policies and the empowerment initiatives targeting persons with disabilities,” she said.
In an interview with journalists, Mrs. Bankole explained that the celebration was intentionally created to give women with disabilities a platform of their own, ensuring they are not excluded from key societal observances.
“We are celebrating women with disabilities in our own way. We chose this day to recognise our struggles and con-tributions, just like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day,” she said.
She urged women with disabilities to embrace confidence and self-belief, stressing that disability should never be seen as a limitation.
“They should know that disability is not inability. There is something in them. They should believe in themselves and know they can achieve more than what society assumes,” she said.
On discrimination, she made a passionate appeal to society.
“I want those discriminating against us to accept us. We should be included in everything. We should be allowed to participate in every aspect of society,” she stated.
The facilitator of the day, an Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, Mrs. Seun Oladujoye, delivered a presentation on “Breaking Barriers and Building Inclusion,” explaining that barriers are obstacles, visible or invisible, that prevent full participation in society.
She described inclusion as creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and actively involved in decision-making processes.
According to her, achieving inclusion requires intentionally removing barriers and ensuring that persons with disabilities are not only present but meaningfully included in all aspects of society.