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A study on women with disabilities in Oyo State revealed that 50 percent of respondents rely on begging for survival, exposing the economic hardship, discrimination, and social exclusion confronting women despite Nigeriaβs disability rights legislation.
The findings were presented by Mrs Ngozi Iyoho of the Social Policy Department of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) during the Webinar Series 14.0 of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Ibadan Branch, held at NISER, Ibadan, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The webinar, themed βSocial Exclusion of Women with Disabilities: Implications for Policy Options,β examined the barriers preventing women with disabilities from accessing essential services, securing decent livelihoods and participating fully in society.
The study, which examined 40 women aged 18 and above with physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, and albinism, identified social exclusion, inadequate access to essential services, and limited economic opportunities as major challenges affecting their well-being.
According to the findings, social exclusion accounted for 27% of reported forms of exclusion, followed by service exclusion at 25%, political exclusion at 18%, economic exclusion at 17% and gender inequality at 13%.
The research further revealed that 50% of the respondents were unemployed, while 30% were self-employed. It also documented dependence on charity, personal resources, religious organisations and other forms of support, underscoring the financial vulnerability of many women with disabilities.
Using structured questionnaires, five key informant interviews (KII) and two focus group discussions (FGD), the study documented workplace discrimination, communication barriers, difficulties accessing healthcare and social services, and limited opportunities for inclusive education. It also highlighted the intersection of disability and gender inequality, with respondents reporting stigma surrounding marriage, difficulties navigating social relationships and concerns about sexual abuse.
The findings raise concerns about the implementation of Nigeriaβs Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2019, and the countryβs commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting gender equality, decent work and reduced inequalities.
To address these challenges, the study recommended stronger enforcement of disability rights legislation, improved access to education and healthcare, accessible public infrastructure, expanded employment opportunities and targeted economic empowerment programmes.
It also called for public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination, as well as greater representation of women with disabilities in policymaking and decision-making processes.
Drawing lessons from Uganda, South Africa and Tanzania, the research emphasised the importance of sustained government support, effective policy implementation and initiatives that equip women with disabilities to achieve economic independence.
In her welcome address, the OWSD Ibadan Branch Coordinator, Dr. Bose Orimadegun, welcomed participants attending both physically and virtually. She expressed special appreciation to NISER Director-General, Prof. Antonia Simbine, and acknowledged the contributions and continued support of past executives of the organisation.
The webinar provided a platform for discussions on policy options for addressing the exclusion of women with disabilities and advancing their inclusion in social, economic and political life.
The study concluded that meaningful inclusion requires more than legislation, stressing the need for coordinated action by government, institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that women with disabilities can access essential services, secure decent livelihoods and participate fully in society.
Β©NISER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION UNIT
A study on women with disabilities in Oyo State revealed that 50 percent of respondents rely on begging for survival, exposing the economic hardship, discrimination, and social exclusion confronting women despite Nigeriaβs disability rights legislation.
The findings were presented by Mrs Ngozi Iyoho of the Social Policy Department of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) during the Webinar Series 14.0 of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Ibadan Branch, held at NISER, Ibadan, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The webinar, themed βSocial Exclusion of Women with Disabilities: Implications for Policy Options,β examined the barriers preventing women with disabilities from accessing essential services, securing decent livelihoods and participating fully in society.
The study, which examined 40 women aged 18 and above with physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, and albinism, identified social exclusion, inadequate access to essential services, and limited economic opportunities as major challenges affecting their well-being.
According to the findings, social exclusion accounted for 27% of reported forms of exclusion, followed by service exclusion at 25%, political exclusion at 18%, economic exclusion at 17% and gender inequality at 13%.
The research further revealed that 50% of the respondents were unemployed, while 30% were self-employed. It also documented dependence on charity, personal resources, religious organisations and other forms of support, underscoring the financial vulnerability of many women with disabilities.
Using structured questionnaires, five key informant interviews (KII) and two focus group discussions (FGD), the study documented workplace discrimination, communication barriers, difficulties accessing healthcare and social services, and limited opportunities for inclusive education. It also highlighted the intersection of disability and gender inequality, with respondents reporting stigma surrounding marriage, difficulties navigating social relationships and concerns about sexual abuse.
The findings raise concerns about the implementation of Nigeriaβs Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2019, and the countryβs commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those promoting gender equality, decent work and reduced inequalities.
To address these challenges, the study recommended stronger enforcement of disability rights legislation, improved access to education and healthcare, accessible public infrastructure, expanded employment opportunities and targeted economic empowerment programmes.
It also called for public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination, as well as greater representation of women with disabilities in policymaking and decision-making processes.
Drawing lessons from Uganda, South Africa and Tanzania, the research emphasised the importance of sustained government support, effective policy implementation and initiatives that equip women with disabilities to achieve economic independence.
In her welcome address, the OWSD Ibadan Branch Coordinator, Dr. Bose Orimadegun, welcomed participants attending both physically and virtually. She expressed special appreciation to NISER Director-General, Prof. Antonia Simbine, and acknowledged the contributions and continued support of past executives of the organisation.
The webinar provided a platform for discussions on policy options for addressing the exclusion of women with disabilities and advancing their inclusion in social, economic and political life.
The study concluded that meaningful inclusion requires more than legislation, stressing the need for coordinated action by government, institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that women with disabilities can access essential services, secure decent livelihoods and participate fully in society.
Β©NISER PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION UNIT