By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
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Empowerment of women with disabilities have been described as an essential key to achieving an all-inclusive society.
Wife of Osun State Governor, Mrs Titiola Adeleke affirmed this at the 2nd edition of the Osun State Deaf Women Association Summit held at the Deaf Development Centre Testing Ground, Osogbo.
Mrs Titiola explained that all women, irrespective of their challenges, play vital role in the social-economic development of the society, hence the need to be treated equally.
According to her, “Women with disabilities need to be recognised as individuals who enjoy the same rights as others, that is why it is important to identify with these women so that they can know that we feel their pains and to assure them of the present administration’s support”
Explaining the motive behind her kind gesture, Mrs Adeleke said she was touched when she received their invitation where they explained that they are tired of begging for assistance, reason why she decided to empower them with grinding and sewing machines as a token of love.
She advised parents and guardians, whom God has given such children to make it a priority to enroll them into a special need school where they can be prepared for a better future, adding that disability should not be a barrier to education
She therefore called on stakeholders and philanthropists to join hands with the government to better the lots of women with disabilities.
The Chairperson Osun State Deaf Women, Mrs Rasidat Lawal, pointed out that the theme for the summit, which aligns with the International Women Day theme: “Innovation and Technology for Gender Ouality: Embrace Equality” said there is no gainsaying that women, especially deaf women, need to be fully carried along in collective efforts to ensure technological innovation for all.”
“All hands must be on deck to run all inclusive programmes cum policy thrust by ensuring that the peculiar needs of deaf women are taken into consideration and integrated into all technological innovation interventions programmes at Federal, State and Local Government levels
She commended the Governor for starting well with the ongoing review of Osun State Disability Bill which,she observed, when passed will be of great benefits to them.
