Sightsavers, an international NGO, has called for the inclusion and accessibility of all health services for women and girls, including those with disabilities.
Sightsavers made the call in a press release issued by its Communications Associate, Joy Tarbo, in commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day.
Sightsavers also honoured the women, such as Dr Joy Shu’aibu, Director of Programme Operations at Sightsavers, and others who are leading the fight to ensure equal access to health care services for women and girls and taking the charge in making sexual and reproductive health services accessible, an area where people with disabilities face harsh discrimination.
Emphasizing the need to ensure equal access to healthcare services for women and girls, Dr Joy Shu’aibu, Director of Programme Operations at Sightsavers, explained that globally, women face barriers in terms of the economy, health, access to education, and sources of livelihood, but women with disabilities face even more significant obstacles.
“Because we have noted that is a priority, the things that Sightsavers is doing, especially under the Inclusive Futures program, is first and foremost trying to mobilize women with disabilities so that they can have a voice and fight for themselves,” Shu’aibu said.
According to the Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, Dr Sunday Isiyaku, women will continue to go blind in greater numbers than men and have their contributions to education and employment curtailed if action is not taken.
The statement also reads in part that “there are many ways in which women are excluded from healthcare, with women with disabilities being three times more likely not to access the healthcare they need, compared to men without disabilities. Women are also more likely to be blind or have visual impairment than men and have poorer access to eye care services.
“Furthermore, women and girls with disabilities are more at risk of violence and abuse and continue to be neglected in sexual and reproductive health policies and programs.”