‘Women with disabilities should be brave, seek knowledge’

Uri Ngozichukwuka is a woman of many parts. With a career that spans banking and broadcasting, she is currently the CEO of April Benjamin and Dawn Communication Limited, and Executive Director of Empathy Driven Women International Initiative (EDWIIN) an NGO that works with women with disabilities. She is also the author of the Sakadelli books.In this interview, she delves into her professional world, engaging in NGO activities, and how the government can protect the rights of women with disabilities.

Take us briefly through your academic qualifications.
I am a certified consultant with the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC) and a fellow with the Global Institute of Management Consultants (FICMC). I have MBA marketing management from Trinity University College, Dublin. I also studied Business administration in University of Lagos. 

Why the focus on women with disability?
⁠⁠I focus on women with disabilities because when I couldn’t get into university for years, after trying so hard taking and retaking jamb, that didn’t allow me to progress in my career. I was labeled as following men while another young man that had a similar issue was seen as determined because he kept on trying. Society easily labels the woman while clapping for the man on the same issue. Gender definition of roles and punishment is prevalent in our society. When a girl is raped, she’s asked if she wore provocative dresses or enticed the rapist, but when a home is robbed no one asks if you shut your doors. So, for the woman it’s always her fault. Now imagine a society already presumably prejudiced about women, how it will respond or treat the woman or girl with disability? Statistics have it that one out of every 10 women is raped, while eight out of 10 women with disabilities are raped; a very devastating statistic. In terms of education, we know that the boy child Is favoured over the girl child. If it costs 10,000 to educate an able child, it will cost four times more for a child living with disabilities. Now, the girl living with a disability who’s already disadvantaged by gender will be worse off.

What has been their challenges and in what way has your foundation been supporting them?
As you know every person with a disability has the right to barrier-free access in the environment, transportation, information, including communication technologies and systems, and other facilities and services open or provided to the public. The key challenge is the non-availability of protection policies that cater to this demography. On the 23rd of January, 2019, the Disability Bill was finally signed into law after spending 18 years in the Senate. According to UN and WHO reports 15 percent of the world’s population live with disabilities. The country has its share of the 15 percent disability population, which brings it to approximately 25 million persons. That makes a large group that shouldn’t be ignored. It goes beyond signing the Disability Act. Its interpretation and application is still dismal and totally non-existent.  Though in recent times pockets of awareness has been forcing the hand of government on inclusion matters, there’s still more to be desired in so many areas. The society is still largely unaware or still locked away in selective ignorance of the existence of these persons with disabilities.

How has it been like working with this crucial demographic segment of the society? 
Yes, there is disability law, but its interpretation is quite distant from practical implementation. When discussing inclusion in healthcare, we must acknowledge the significant gaps. For instance, how many hospitals have sign language professionals? Deaf women often struggle to express themselves and access healthcare due to this lack of support. Similarly, individuals with albinism face challenges, particularly with skin cancer risks. Yet, hospitals rarely cater to the needs of those living with this condition. Moreover, accessibility for wheelchair users in healthcare facilities remains a concern. Additionally, there’s a scarcity of healthcare professionals trained to address the needs of people with disabilities. Overall, there are numerous hurdles to overcome. Our aim is to raise awareness and prompt action to ensure that these women receive the service-oriented care they deserve. It’s crucial to address these issues comprehensively to promote inclusivity in healthcare. 

In what ways have EDWIIN foundation assisted people living with disabilities?
As inclusion advocates, our success stories cut across the disability clusters. We’ve always believed in throwing light on their plight and caring for their mental health. Over the years we’ve run trainings and coaching based on mental health – boosting their confidence.  Training them on self-preservation and self-defence. We’ve organised various medical outreach especially for women living with disabilities. We were the first NGO to so in 2018. We also instituted the UVcare which is also a medical fair specially for persons with albinism. Working with dermatologists, optometrists and ophthalmologists. We’ve equipped some of the women with sewing machines, grinding machines and popcorn machines. We also organised the first Most Beautiful Deaf Girl in Nigeria pageant. To boost the morale of the young deaf girls and draw attention to their strengths and abilities. During Covid 19 we were the first NGO that started reaching out to them before governments did. We reached out to over 1000 persons with disabilities with food supplies. We continue to do our very best with our little resources. We’ve sponsored surgeries for some too. Our measures, though small, go a long way to bring smiles to the faces of the unseen. We continue to engage society to be more inclusive.

How can we ensure they are not economic liabilities, but assets to the country?
The group is large and take up quite a chunk of the population. Government has to be intentional about harnessing this community by really investing in their education and well-being. Making public places disability compliant. From schools to hospitals and workplaces, enforcing policies that guarantee their employment and education. Fixing their access to health and generally treating them to having equal access and rights. Equipping them with skills. They may be disabled in one area and at the same time super-efficient and dexterous in other ways.

What’s your word of encouragement for them? 
Don’t give up on yourself. Speak up if you can. Show up. Take opportunities when available.  Do not let the disability define you. You are more than that disability.  Believe it or not, life is tough for everyone, even those without a disability.  So don’t live in pity. Don’t accept pity but understanding and empathy. To the society, be more empathetic.

Tell us about your journey into broadcasting? 
Despite spending eight years in banking, which was my background, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that broadcasting was my true calling. After taking a break to have my children, the urge to return to banking arose, but I questioned why I shouldn’t pursue what came naturally to me. That was when I made the pivotal decision to explore broadcasting further. Getting into MITV marked a turning point. On my very first day, I found myself delivering news, which quickly became my focus. Initially, I immersed myself in news reporting for several months. However, being born from a generation of independent radio producers, my mind brimmed with ideas beyond news reporting. This led me to diversify my portfolio, branching into various segments including morning business reports on Rhythm FM and legal programmes focusing on the Office of the Public Defender. The expansion of my repertoire didn’t stop there. In addition to business and legal programmes, I ventured into entertainment. With a plethora of competencies at my disposal, simply reading the news felt limiting. Hence, I delved into TV shows, notably pioneering the first reality TV show, A-Z. Subsequently, I established my own company, A to Z Communication, obtaining licenses and becoming a member of AMCON. This step marked a significant milestone in my broadcasting career, providing a platform for further growth and innovation.

How can women living with disability ensure they live purposefully just as you have done. What tips do you have?
I would readily say women with disabilities have to be very brave, seek knowledge and skills.
She should have a mindset shift and not live on handouts. However, a lot more genuine advocacy has to be done and the society needs to be more inclusive or disability friendly.

Authorities have to also ensure the enforcement of the 2019 disability bill signed into law.
The five years grace given to organisations and the society at large to adjust their policies and working environment to inclusion friendly spaces will elapse in the next few months. The woman living with a disability needs more female empathy driven initiatives to help her move from being a liability to an economic viability.

What lessons has life taught you?
In my experience, I have come to realise that life’s most beautiful and remarkable aspects are often inexpensive or even free. Simplicity, in my opinion, is paramount. Being authentic and true to oneself is where true beauty and honesty lie. The most genuine and honest things in life are typically straightforward and uncomplicated.