Women With Disability Appealed for Inclusion in Disasters Management Scheme

By Esther Enna

An appeal has been made to government at National and sub levels for climate justice finance to vulnerable people in the society especially persons living with disability affected by recent floods and other forms of climate change crisis across the country.

Coordinator Advocacy for women with disability in Nasarawa State, Mrs Asaba Averson, made the appeal shortly after a road walk and advocacy visit organized by Nasarawa State Network on Environment and Climate Justice with the support from Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, Oxfam, African Activists for Climate Justice, African Climate Caravan among others in Lafia the Nasarawa State Capital.

The Coordinator Advocacy for Women with Disability Initiative in Nasarawa State Mrs Asaba Averson lamented that some of her members were affected by floods that rendered them homeless and has made life unbearable for them amidst current economic realities in the country.

Mrs Averson who made a case for grants to be provided to members of the group in place of loans, called on relevant authorities to also find lasting solutions to climate change crises and other man made disaster.

The Coordinator of Nasarawa State Network on Environment and Climate Justice in Nasarawa State ,Mr Emmanuel Envoh Okolo explained that the event was to amplify the voice of persons with disabilities to the government for grants and not loans , Climate finance, Climate finance Accountability,Debt burden used to address climate crisis among others.

Mr Envoh appealed to Nasarawa State government for cancellation of debt for vulnerable population including Youth and persons with disabilities affected by climate change crisis and grant for equitable access to climate justice.

Responding, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Yakubu Kwanta commended the unrelenting spirit of women and girls with disabilities for ensuring that their voices are heard by the government.

Hon. Kwanta promised to partner the group to enable them access climate justice as citizens of the country.

The highlight of the event was the road walk by persons with Disabilities within Lafia metropolis.