The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), South-South Zone, has appealed to all levels of government to take urgent and concrete steps to address the challenges faced by persons with visual disabilities, especially women and girls.
The association said people living with visual impairments continue to experience discrimination, exclusion and deepening poverty due to poor policy implementation and what it described as inadequate commitment by authorities to disability inclusion.
NAWOJ made the call in a statement jointly signed by its South-South Zonal Vice Chairperson, Stella Macaulay, and Zonal Secretary, Eunice Emeyazia, to commemorate the 2026 World Braille Day.
The women journalists urged governments to allocate adequate and sustained funding for the production of Braille textbooks and learning materials in public schools, particularly at the basic and secondary education levels.
They also called for the compulsory installation of Braille signage and accessible information systems in public buildings, hospitals, courts and transportation facilities across the country.
Other demands outlined in the statement include the training and recruitment of teachers and public servants proficient in Braille and inclusive communication, as well as the implementation of targeted educational, vocational and economic empowerment programmes for women and girls with visual impairments.
NAWOJ further stressed the need for strict enforcement of disability laws, with clear sanctions for institutions that fail to comply with accessibility standards. It also called for stronger collaboration with civil society groups and disability-focused organisations to promote inclusive and people-centred policies.
The association emphasised that inclusion should be seen as a matter of justice rather than charity.
“A nation that excludes persons with disabilities undermines its own social and economic development. Accessibility is not optional; it is a responsibility,” the statement said.
NAWOJ noted that access to information is a fundamental human right, describing Braille as a vital tool for education, independence, dignity and full participation in society for persons who are blind or visually impaired.
However, the group lamented that access to Braille materials, inclusive education and assistive technologies remains grossly inadequate across Nigeria, particularly in the South-South region.
It observed that despite the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, many public schools, hospitals, courts, libraries, transportation facilities and government offices still lack Braille materials, trained personnel and accessible communication systems.
According to the association, this reality contradicts Nigeria’s democratic ideals and commitments to equality, justice and inclusive development.
“As women journalists, we reaffirm our commitment to using our platforms to amplify marginalised voices, hold leaders accountable and advocate for a society where no one is left behind because they cannot see printed words,” NAWOJ added.
Marking World Braille Day 2026 with the theme Braille as a Tool for Inclusion, Education and Equality, the association urged governments to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate their commitment through measurable actions.
“Nothing about persons with disabilities should be decided without them,” the statement concluded.
