Anambra State ministry of Women Affairs, Saturday, empowered some women living with disabilities in the State, charging them to utilise their skill to create wealth for socioeconomic development.
The beneficiaries who included the blind, physically challenged, people with albinism and the deaf were presented with some cash to support their businesses such as productions of disinfectant, air freshener, among others.
Speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Development Programmes, Dr Nelson Omenugha, represented by Barr. Dubem Kevin, said the government would partner with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Association of Anambra State Women with Disabilities (AASWD), to identify and carter for their needs.
Also speaking, the Anambra State Coordinator, Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre, Mrs Eucharia Anekwe, argued that women with disabilities could live fulfilled lives as well as achieve their various ambitions once they rise beyond their present conditions to acquire skills, relate with others and report any form of discrimination, violence, abuse or injustices meted at them.
On her part, a media Coach and former Special Assistant to the immediate past state governor on Broadcast Media, Ify Aronu-Okafor, adviced people with disabilities to always arm themselves with the Anambra State Disability Rights Law and other relevant legislations with a view to overcome societal challenges.
Commending the State Ministry of Women Affairs for the financial support, the Chairman of JONAPWD, Anambra State chapter, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, urged the beneficiaries to utilise the opportunity to revitalise their businesses.
Earlier, the Chairperson, AASWD, Comrade Ncheta Nwanokwara, explained that the empowerment was first batch, and aimed at supporting their members who had acquired different skills like productions of air freshener, disinfectants, poultry farming and bean cake to start-up their business.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms Francisca Okafor, thanked the state government for the assistance, assuring that she would use the money to improve her poultry farm business and empower others around her.
