By Inclusive Reporters
The Sound Abilities for Vulnerable Women Initiative Nigeria (SAVWIN) has successfully trained women and girls with disabilities on climate advocacy, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to actively participate in climate action, policy engagement, and community resilience efforts.
The training took place at Armani Hall, Damboa Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday, 25th March 2026 at 10:00 AM (WAT).
Photo: Executive Director of SAVWIN addressing participants
Photo: Group photograph of participants, facilitators, and volunteers
The intensive capacity-building session focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of climate change, its local impacts, and the importance of inclusive participation in climate decision-making processes.
Women with disabilities were trained on key advocacy tools including community dialogue, policy engagement, stakeholder negotiation, and social media advocacy. They also participated in practical exercises on message development, legislative engagement, and town hall participation.
Participants identified pressing climate challenges affecting their communities such as flooding, drought, heat waves, and food insecurity, while sharing personal experiences on how these issues disproportionately impact women with disabilities.
The training further highlighted major barriers faced by persons with disabilities during climate emergencies, including limited mobility, inaccessible early warning systems, communication barriers, and restricted access to humanitarian support.
Experts emphasized the importance of climate justice and inclusion, stressing that persons with disabilities are among the least contributors to climate change but remain among the most affected.
The session also introduced participants to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), with emphasis on accessibility, non-discrimination, inclusive healthcare, education, and participation in governance.
Photo: Participant responding during interactive session
According to facilitators, the training is expected to empower participants to engage more confidently in legislative processes, climate budgeting discussions, and community-based advocacy initiatives.
The program concluded with strong calls for inclusive climate policies, improved accessibility in disaster response systems, and stronger collaboration between government, civil society, and organizations of persons with disabilities.
Photo: Participant presentation after group work
Photo: Sign language interpretation in progress
KEY HIGHLIGHT
The initiative reaffirmed the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us”, underscoring the need for persons with disabilities to be fully included in climate action and decision-making processes.
Photo: SAVWIN Executive Director giving closing remarks
CONCLUSION
The training marks a significant step toward empowering women with disabilities to take active roles in climate advocacy. Participants are now better equipped to influence policy, promote inclusion, and contribute to building more resilient communities.
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