Disability Inclusion and Access to Sexual Reproductive Health amongst Women and Girls with Disabilities : a Situational Analysis

RACHEAL AMWE, University of Jos

Women and Girls with Disabilities (WGDs) have experienced exclusion in assessing Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) despite the development of a strategic National Policy on Sexual and Reproductive Rights of PWDs in Nigeria with emphasis on WGDs in June, 2018. This study analyzed the current situation of disability inclusion, specific SRH needs and barriers to assessing SRH services amongst WGDs. A cross-sectional study design was employed and structured questionnaires and focus group interviews for 68 WGDs (visual, hearing, physical, intellectual) in six urban and semi-urban areas in Jos (North, South and East). Preliminary findings revealed exclusion/poor access to SRH services among WGDs therefore, suggests active involvement/inclusion of PWDs through OPDs in developing/implementing inclusive SRH policies and also facilitate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals which has clearly emphasized that ‘no one is left behind’ which includes WGDs. Keywords: Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Disability Inclusion.