 |
| RWVL-N mentees and representatives of AWWDI pose for a group photograph during a learning visit focused on disability-inclusive leadership, advocacy and meaningful participation |
Mentees participating in the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (RWVL-N) Mentorship Programme have visited the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) as part of efforts to strengthen their understanding of leadership, advocacy and the meaningful participation of women with disabilities in decision-making.
The learning visit, held on Monday, 14 September 2026, provided the mentees with an opportunity to engage with AWWDI and gain practical insights into its work in advancing the rights and inclusion of women and girls with disabilities across Nigeria.
The engagement focused on key areas including leadership development, advocacy, programme implementation, community engagement, documentation and strategies for ensuring that women with disabilities have meaningful representation in decision-making processes.
The visit also offered participants an opportunity to learn from practical experiences within the disability rights sector and better understand the challenges and opportunities involved in advancing gender equality and disability inclusion.
A key message from the engagement was that women with disabilities should not be viewed solely as beneficiaries of development programmes, but as active participants, leaders, advocates and changemakers capable of influencing policies and decisions that affect their lives and communities.
The learning visit forms part of efforts under the RWVL-N Mentorship Programme to equip women with knowledge, skills and practical experiences that can strengthen their leadership and advocacy capacities.
AWWDI, with support from ActionAid Nigeria and funding from Global Affairs Canada, is implementing the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (RWVL-N) Project.
The project seeks to amplify the voices of women and girls with disabilities, strengthen their leadership and advance disability-inclusive policies and programmes that promote gender equality and inclusive development across Nigeria.
Through initiatives such as mentorship, advocacy and capacity strengthening, the project aims to create greater opportunities for women and girls with disabilities to participate meaningfully in social, economic and political processes.
The engagement at AWWDI further highlighted the importance of creating spaces where women with disabilities can share their experiences, develop leadership skills and contribute directly to conversations around policies and programmes affecting their communities.
The visit underscores the growing need for inclusive leadership approaches that recognise the expertise and lived experiences of women with disabilities and position them as partners in development rather than passive recipients of support.
As the RWVL-N Mentorship Programme continues, engagements of this nature are expected to provide mentees with practical knowledge and exposure that can strengthen their capacity to advocate for more inclusive communities and institutions.
The programme reflects the broader goal of ensuring that all Nigerian women, including women and girls with disabilities, have the opportunity to lead, participate and influence decisions that shape their lives and society.
#AllNigerianWomenMatter
#CanadaDev
#CanadaInNigeria
#AWWDI
#ActionAidNigeria
