The Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND) participated in the National Disability Convening held in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disability and the Disability Rights Advocacy Center, with support from Ford Foundation. The two-day workshop took place in Abuja on May 13, 2024, providing a platform for PIND and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and chart a course toward a more inclusive society in Nigeria. The event was themed “Reflecting on Progress, Evaluating the Implementation of the Disability Act in Nigeria.”PIND showcased its impact through its Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Program and reaffirmed its dedication to mainstreaming inclusion by advocating for disability rights and fostering initiatives that enable more inclusive communities. By addressing marginalized groups’ unique needs, PIND is committed to leaving no one behind in the pursuit of inclusion. In 2023, PIND supported 26,500 women (farmers and MSMEs) through its economic development programs and 23,612 women in peacebuilding. Additionally, 127 PWDs benefitted from PIND’s interventions by amplifying its impact by collaborating with partners to advance disability rights and inclusivity in the region through capacity-building initiatives, skill acquisition programs, and designing peacebuilding programs. Key objectives of the event included reviewing the implementation progress of the Discrimination against Persons with Disability Prohibition Act, 2018, validating reports on disability inclusion and data indicators, and deriving insights for future program development.
Among the highlights were keynote addresses, panel discussions, and presentations focusing on disability indicators in Nigeria, partnership strategies, and sustainability measures. PIND contributed expertise and insights from its Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) program, emphasizing the importance of holistic support for marginalized communities.
