Laraba MUREY
As the world marks International Women’s Day, IWD, today, Sightsavers in Nigeria has raised concerns over the 8.4% gender employment gap in Nigeria, emphasizing its severe impact on women with disabilities.
The organization in a statement by its Country Director, Joy Shu’aibu warns that this disparity not only deepens poverty among women but also limits Nigeria’s economic growth.
According to Sightsavers, bridging the gender employment gap could increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita by 8.4%, from USD 1,596 to USD 1,730. This translates to an additional NGN 200,000 per person, highlighting the economic benefits of inclusive employment policies.
Shu’aibu said, “In Nigeria, the gender gap in employment is 8.4%. Lack of access to resources and workplace barriers continue to exclude millions of women, particularly those with disabilities, from economic opportunities.
“The combined impact of disability and gender discrimination creates multiple, overlapping barriers that push women with disabilities into extreme poverty.”
Sightsavers is urging global leaders attending the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) and the Global Disability Summit (GDS) to commit to disability-inclusive approaches that could unlock billions in economic potential while advancing gender equality.
One success story of Sightsavers’ intervention is Tokoni, a young woman with a disability who participated in the Sightsavers-led IT Bridge Academy in Lagos. The program equips young people with disabilities with digital skills and professional training. Through this initiative, Tokoni secured employment at MTN, a multinational telecommunications company.
“The IT Bridge Academy changed my life. It gave me not just skills but also the confidence to pursue my career ambitions. Working at MTN has been a dream come true, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way,” Tokoni shared.
Sightsavers remains committed to creating equal opportunities for women, particularly those with disabilities, by advocating for inclusive policies, providing training programs, and ensuring access to economic empowerment initiatives.