Women inclusion: Foundation launches ‘Vote for Her’ campaign

…seeks political inclusion of women, girls with disabilities in governance

A disability and youth-led, non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria, Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF), has launched the ‘Vote for Her’ Campaign, a strategic civic advocacy initiative, focused on eliminating the barriers that prevent prevent women and girls with disabilities from participating in politics as voters, candidates and appointees or decision makers.

Addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, the Deputy Executive Director (DED) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CSF, Rose Daniel and Catherine Akor respectively, said the campaign serves as a platform to promote disability rights, gender equity and inclusive political practices across Nigeria.

In separate remarks, the duo stated that women and girls with disabilities, have for too long, been excluded from the system that shape the country’s future adding that the political systems remain largely inaccessible, both physically and institutionally for them.

“The ‘Vote for Her’ is not just a hashtag, it’s a national and international call to action. It is about challenging political structures that silence women, and women and girls with disabilities, asking and demanding implementation of the 5% quota for persons with disabilities, as guaranteed by the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

“It’s also about creating space for leadership, visibility, and voice and changing the narrative from exclusion to inclusion, from tokenism to transformation. This campaign is proudly supported by Luminate. We also acknowledge collaboration and encouragement from allied organisations in the disability, gender and civic advocacy space,” Daniel stated.

On her part, the COO demands that all political parties’ constitutions and manifestos to be inclusive and accessible to women and persons with disabilities as mandated by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

Akor said, “We urge INEC and other stakeholders to make voting processes accessible from registration to polling stations. Let no woman be left behind.

“Cedar Seed Foundation calls on development partners, media, traditional and religious leaders, women groups, students, and citizens to amplify this movement and join in building a Nigeria where every woman counts.”

She added, “We believe that inclusive governance is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The ‘Vote for Her’ campaign is a declaration that women and girls with disabilities deserve equal access to leadership and political opportunities.

“We are mobilizing voices, institutions, and citizens to say loudly and clearly: ‘She Matters’. Let us join in amplifying this message. She has a voice. She has a right. She matters. Let us Vote for Her.”

Tribune Online reports that CSF will be engaging with the public on the importance of inclusive electoral processes and governance in Nigeria and will also have high-level meetings with political parties, electoral bodies, civil society organisations and media outlets.

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