REITERATING THE SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA

Approximately 12 to 14 million Nigerians are disabled. Notwithstanding Nigeria’s apparent commitment towards the elimination of disability discrimination, as evidenced by its ratification of key international and regional instruments, disabled Nigerians continue to live in relative poverty, are often impeded in their access to public sendees and employment opportunities, remain largely ostracized within their communities and are more likely to be the victims of crimes including sexual abuse. This paper analyses the legal framework for the protection of disabled persons under current Nigerian laws, and assesses its adequacy and impact on the lives of the disabled, and society at large. The paper advocates the need for a change in social attitude towards disability in order to effectively uphold these rights, and ensure the inclusion of such persons into national planning, and all other socio-economic and development programmes.