The Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI), in partnership with CAFOD and Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Global, on Tuesday inaugurated a pilot empowerment project for women with disabilities.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, Ngozi Frances Uti, a Catholic nun and Executive Director of CWSI, highlighted the challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria.

According to her, nearly 12.5 million of the country’s over 25 million persons with disabilities are women and girls.

“For years, many women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria have been relegated to silence—hidden away by their families, excluded from opportunities, and marginalised from national conversations,” she said.

“Many remain hidden due to stigma. However, we’re now seeing them step forward to learn skills and be creative.”

Frances-Uti, who is also an advocate for disability inclusion, noted that many women with disabilities were at risk of gender-based violence, often with limited access to justice or support.

“Training without tools is like giving hope with one hand and taking it back with the other,” she said.

“We refuse to do that; in spite of limited funding, this programme has empowered more than a dozen women and men with disabilities.”

Speaking on behalf of the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Bala Waziri commended the initiative and expressed optimism about its long-term impact.

“This initiative has reduced discrimination. We now see the capacity in people we once overlooked,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Favor Godwin, who was trained in cake making, described the experience as a divine opportunity.

“I now have a skill and a future,” she said.

Another participant, Saadatu Lawal, who received training in tailoring, thanked the organisers for giving her the opportunity to learn a trade.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants were provided with startup tools, including sewing machines and kits, to support their new skills and ventures.

Uche Andrew, a member of the Joint National Association of persons with disabilities, (JONAPWD)noted that  participants will be stepping into their new roles not just as entrepreneurs but as advocates.

“This is what inclusion looks like ,skills, tools, and dignity.

" These tools are not handouts,they are weapons of self-determination.”

"As the pilot concludes, participants are stepping into new roles,not just as entrepreneurs, but as advocates, mentors, and examples of what is possible when the excluded are finally seen." he added(NAN)