By Abubakarr Harding
On Wednesday, March 8th, 2023, the Inclusive Change Makers Group hosted a day of training to improve access to sexual reproductive health rights for women and girls with disabilities. The group, which comprises of people with disabilities from three different countries – Sierra Leone, Kenya and Rwanda – received support from the Children’s Right Innovation Fund and One Family People to organize the event.
The training organized by the Inclusive Change Makers Group was a step towards ending discrimination against women and girls with disabilities. By educating healthcare workers and increasing awareness among the public, members believe that they can create a world where everyone has equal access to their sexual reproductive health rights.
Discrimination against women and girls with disabilities is a prevalent issue that often goes unnoticed. In many societies, women and girls with disabilities are looked down upon and face various forms of discrimination, including in their sexual lives. They often receive inadequate or no sexual reproductive health education and face stigmatization and discrimination from healthcare workers.
The Inclusive Change Makers Group’s training is a significant step towards ending discrimination against women and girls with disabilities. The group’s efforts to raise awareness on sexual reproductive health rights and educate healthcare workers will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of those who have long been neglected and discriminated against.
The training is also an excellent opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day, a day that promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment. Women and girls with disabilities are often left out of such discussions and initiatives, so it is vital to include them and empower them to know and claim their rights.
The group’s Coordinator, Monica Pa Bai, stated that the purpose of the training was to celebrate International Women’s Day and raise awareness on the sexual reproductive health rights for women and girls with disabilities, which is the main focus of the event. Monica also highlighted that women and girls with disabilities have been facing discrimination when it comes to their sexual lives at the hands of healthcare workers for far too long.
During the training, participants learnt about their sexual reproductive health rights and how to maintain healthy sexual lives. The aim was to ensure that all women and girls with disabilities are aware of their rights and to engage healthcare workers in ending discrimination.
One participant, Michaela Jak, expressed her gratitude to the Inclusive Change Makers Group for raising awareness about their sexual lives. She mentioned that discrimination is a challenge faced by women and girls with disabilities whenever they visit hospitals. However, the training helped her and others understand their rights and how they can maintain a healthy sexual life.
The Inclusive Change Makers Group’s efforts should be commended, and more organizations should follow their example. There is a need to address the inequalities and discrimination that women and girls with disabilities face, and education and awareness-raising initiatives are ways to start. The training on improving access to sexual reproductive health rights for women and girls with disabilities is an essential step towards ending discrimination against this marginalized group. We must continue to raise awareness, educate healthcare workers and empower women and girls with disabilities to claim their rights and live their lives without fear of discrimination or stigmatization.
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