Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and women in Bayelsa State have called on the federal and state governments to put in place measures that will ensure gender equality and social inclusion for vulnerable persons in society.
Speaking during the activities to mark the ‘Community Day of Demand’ in Bayelsa State, organised by Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre in Yenagoa on Thursday, the PWDs said addressing the structural and societal barriers that prevent women from fully participating in and benefiting from the economic, political and social system will bring about peace and growth in society.
The Chairman, the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Bayelsa State, Hon. Ekpomokumor Mayor, said social inclusion is necessary to achieve sustainable development goals, social justice, and human rights.
He urged the appropriate authorities to improve the condition of living of grassroots women and other vulnerable populations including traders, farmers, Fisher folks, and teachers, among others.
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Also speaking, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, Dr Emem Okon, decried the challenges faced by rural women in terms of farming as most of the farmlands are degraded by oil extraction.
Represented by a staff member of the centre, Mrs Idongesit Smart, the director said the demand for gender equality and social inclusion is driven by a recognition of the concept that fundamental human rights are necessary for achieving sustainable development goals.
