From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
Gender Rights Advocacy group, Do Foundation, others celebrate the International Women’s Day 2026, women living with disabilities in Bayelsa State, calling on the State and Federal lawmakers to quickly pass and sign the Bayelsa State Persons with Disabilities Bill into law.
The organisers of the event, the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in collaboration the DO Foundation, Okpoitari Diongoli Foundation, Chief Collins Cocodia Foundation, JUOTA Global Nigeria Ltd, Comfort Kitchen and Heart Healers foundation and other partners, also declared support growing calls for greater inclusion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
The various participant, including human rights advocates and community leaders, reminded the women that their abilities, experiences, and contributions remain valuable to society.
Among those who addressed the participants were Chief Barr Benjamin Ogbara who was the key note speaker , HRM Queen Timinepre Dakolo, Mr Teddy Bai, Predise Jennifer Esenwa
Principal Lawyer at PJ Esenwa Law
Member of the Law Society of Alberta, Canada and the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Collins Cocodia, who encouraged the women to remain hopeful and confident despite life’s challenges.
Other stakeholders including Fida Bayelsa, NANM, NAWOJ, BANGOF, AWAGBV, the Gender desk civil defence and scid also called for stronger support systems and policies that will enable women living with disabilities to fully participate and contribute meaningfully to society.
The atmosphere became even more uplifting as the women received gifts and take-home packages, alongside assurances of wheelchairs and other support gestures to assist them in their daily lives.
