Eagles Voice International, an NGO advocating for women with disabilities, empowered 40 young women in Oyo State through a three-day workshop focused to strengthen participants’ sense of identity, self-esteem, confidence, and communication skills.
Held from May 5 to 9 at the Federal College of Education, Special, Oyo, the workshop was themed “40 WINGS” – 40 Women Inspired for Growth through Skills.
Through a series of lectures, interactive sessions, personal storytelling, and networking activities, participants were guided on identity discovery, inner strength development, and boosting self-image.
In her opening address, Oluwakemi Odusanya, founder of Eagles Voice International and convener of the workshop, highlighted the unique challenges faced by young women with disabilities in society.
“Too often, these young women are excluded from important conversations, lacking not just representation but also the social and professional skills that open doors,” she said.
She emphasized that the 40 WINGS initiative aligns with the organization’s mission to champion the rights of women with disabilities and promote their active participation in society.
“This inaugural edition of 40 WINGS marks a powerful step toward inclusion and empowerment. Borne out of both personal and professional experiences, the initiative was created to close the glaring skills and confidence gaps that disproportionately affect women with disabilities in Nigeria.
It provides more than just training—it is a platform for self-discovery, acceptance, and leadership,” she noted.
The main lecture was delivered by Sefe Osinoiki, lead coach at The Propelled Life Company, who engaged the audience in an inspiring session on self-awareness and identity development.
“If you do not know who you are, the world will give you a name that is not yours. Pay attention to yourself, know yourself, grow yourself,” Osinoiki urged, encouraging the participants not to use disability to draw society’s pity.
Other speakers encouraged the young women to fully embrace the opportunity for personal growth. Dr. Tola Odusanya, the keynote speaker, told participants:
“The skills you will learn in this workshop are more than just tools—they are the feathers that will help you wing upwards in a fiercely competitive society. I challenge you to take active roles in your own empowerment.”
Mr. Olusola Obe from the Department of Visually Impaired Learners at the college praised the initiative and advised the participants to stay committed and open-minded. Lecturers Taiwo Akangbe and Bello Olalekan echoed similar sentiments, urging participants to take disability issues seriously and make the most of such rare opportunities.
A highlight of the workshop was the session on building confidence and communication skills, where participants openly shared their struggles and learned strategies to overcome them. Ms. Odusanya facilitated this session, using video stories of other women with disabilities to inspire and connect the participants to their inner potential.
Ms. Omoye Itama, a virtual assistant and inclusion advocate, led a practical session on CV writing, LinkedIn optimization, and leveraging social media. Additionally, Ms. Enitan Sophia, founder of Natinee Empowerment for Sustainable Impact, facilitated a vital lecture on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR). Her session sparked meaningful conversations, as the women engaged in discussions about their rights and health experiences.
In support of the 40 WINGS initiative, the Sanitary Pad Movement Campaign (SPMC) donated 40 sanitary pads to the participants.
In a country where women with disabilities—especially in rural areas—are often left out of empowerment programs, both participants and guests expressed deep appreciation to Eagles Voice International for Disability Rights for bringing this opportunity to Oyo State.
“Let’s support more initiatives like this one, and in so doing, empower women with disabilities to spread their wings and fly,” said keynote speaker Dr. Odusanya.
Reiterating her long-term vision, Ms. Odusanya concluded:
“The goal is to expand far beyond Oyo State, ensuring no young woman with a disability is left behind. We are building a future where these women are not only heard but are also leading with dignity and confidence—one skill, one voice, one woman at a time.”