Ondugbe Initiative Raises Awareness on Climate Change Impact on Women with Disabilities
Editor
The Ondugbe Initiative for Women and Youth with Disabilities recently embarked on a community sensitization and awareness campaign at Lafia Market, Lafia, to educate traders, market women, and community members about the importance of climate change adaptation and its specific impact on women with disabilities.
Climate change is a global crisis affecting every aspect of our daily lives, from food security to health, shelter, and economic opportunities. However, women with disabilities face even greater challenges due to existing social, economic, and environmental barriers. Many of them depend on small-scale trading, farming, and other informal economic activities that are highly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, floods, droughts, and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
Without proper adaptation strategies, women with disabilities risk losing their livelihoods and means of survival. During the sensitization campaign, the Ondugbe Initiative engaged traders and community members in interactive discussions on how climate change affects their businesses and daily activities.
They highlighted key adaptation strategies such as water conservation, sustainable farming practices, waste management, and the need for inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of persons with disabilities.
“We emphasized the importance of community support, urging everyone to work together in building resilience against climate change,” said a representative of the Ondugbe Initiative.
“A major focus of our campaign was the intersection between climate change, disability, and gender. Women with disabilities often face multiple layers of discrimination, making it harder for them to access resources, information, and opportunities to adapt to climate change.”
Through real-life stories and practical examples, the Ondugbe Initiative illustrated how climate-smart solutions, such as accessible infrastructure, financial empowerment programs, and policy advocacy, can create a more inclusive and sustainable society for all.
The response from the Lafia Market community was overwhelmingly positive, with many traders and market leaders expressing their willingness to adopt climate-friendly practices and support women with disabilities in their adaptation efforts.
Several women shared personal experiences of how climate change has impacted their businesses and livelihoods, reinforcing the need for urgent action.
“I lost my entire stock of goods during the last flood,” said one market woman. “I had to start all over again, but I’m not sure how I’ll cope with the next disaster.”
As part of their advocacy efforts, the Ondugbe Initiative distributed informational materials and encouraged market associations to include discussions on climate adaptation in their regular meetings. They also called on local authorities and policymakers to recognize the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities and integrate inclusive strategies into climate action plans.
This sensitization campaign is part of the Ondugbe Initiative’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness, advocating for policy change, and empowering women and youth with disabilities to lead in climate action.
“We believe that climate justice must be inclusive, and no one should be left behind in the fight against environmental challenges,” said the representative.
“We will continue to push for more awareness, stronger policies, and tangible solutions that address the intersection of disability, gender, and climate change.”
