The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with Al-Muhibah Foundation, has commenced skills acquisition training for 60 selected Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Bauchi.
The Bauchi state Programme Officer of UNFPA, Deborah Tabara, disclosed this on Sunday during the commemoration of the 2023 International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
To her, the gesture which was a collaborative effort of UNFPA and Al-Muhibah Foundation of Gov. Bala Mohammed’s wife, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, was to make the beneficiaries to be financially independent and employers of labour.
Tabara, who explained that all the beneficiaries were females, highlighted some of the skills, including soap making, baking, and frying bean cake, tofu and cash gifts of N30,000 and N20,000 respectively as start-up capital.
“UNFPA promotes human rights and social inclusion of persons with disabilities particularly, women and young people.
“Our goal is to expand access to sexual and reproductive health services as well as information and education for people that need it most.
“Today, and every day, UNFPA stands with persons with disabilities globally in their call for action to protect and promote their fundamental rights and support their leadership in shaping more inclusive, peaceful societies for everyone,” she said.
The UNFPA Programme Officer commended the Al-Muhibah Foundation for its continuous partnership and appreciated the office of the wife of the governor for her commitment and passion for helping women and girls in the state.
Speaking, the founder of Al-Muhibbah who is also the wife of Bauchi State Governor, Aisha Bala Mohammed, said to create a more inclusive world, it was crucial to break the barriers that hindered the full participation of persons with disabilities.
She said “Let us create an environment that empowers them well to reach their full potential regardless of their abilities.
“Employment is a key aspect of empowerment. Let us advocate for the workplace, and embrace diversity by recognising that each person, regardless of their ability, has a unique talent to offer.
“Creating an inclusive work environment is not just morally imperative but also a means of unlocking untapped potential,” she said.
