By Ojoma Akor

Women with disabilities have called on President Goodluck Jonathan to sign the Disability Rights Bill recently passed by the National Assembly without delay.

They made the call yesterday in Abuja during an interactive session with the press to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day.

Speaking on behalf of about 10 other disability focused organisations, Executive Director, Disability Rights and Advocacy Centre (DRAC) Irene Patrick-Ogbogu said it is approximately 14 years since the struggle for a legal framework to protect the rights of persons with disabilities began in Nigeria.

She said this is also the second time the bill is coming to President Goodluck Jonathan’s table and the third time persons with disabilities are pleading with him to sign it.

She said if signed the bill will lead to marked improvements in the quality of life of persons with disabilities and a departure from stereotypical and harmful ways of approaching disability issues.

Mrs Lois Auta of Cedar Seed Foundation said: “We are tired of the exclusion and discrimination of women with disabilities in the country. What we want from government is inclusion of women with disabilities and free education for women with disabilities.”

Source: AllAfrica