Break the bias: Cultivating leadership among visually impaired women in Nigeria

In Nigeria, a nation grappling with gender disparities in leadership roles, women with visual impairments face even greater challenges in accessing opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Recent data paints a stark picture: while women occupy very few seats in the national Assembly and hold approximately 20-25% of board positions in publicly listed companies, the representation of individuals with disabilities in leadership roles is even more limited, estimated at less than 1% across various sectors.

For visually impaired women and girls, these statistics translate into significant barriers to entering the workforce, assuming leadership positions, and participating fully in society. Recognizing this critical gap, Eagles Voice International for Disability Rights has embarked on a mission to empower blind women and girls with the skills necessary to thrive in media, politics, and the corporate world.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Eagles Voice International recently launched the “Break The Bias ” project, which has already made significant strides in addressing this disparity. The project celebrated a milestone with the graduation of 17 visually impaired students in the University of Lagos, equipping them with vital skills in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), communication, and mobility. This comprehensive training aims not just to enhance employability but to cultivate the next generation of leaders among visually impaired women in Nigeria.

Although Break the Bias is targeted at empowering women and girls with Visual Impairment, this first fase featured both genders due to the low turnout of girls with visual impairment.

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Oluwakemi Odusanya, the organization’s founder, revealed that the project was inspired by her personal experience as a woman with visual impairment. “I realized there was a huge gap between men with visual impairment and their women counterparts, and I decided to do something about it,” she explained.

Odusanya further elaborated that she conducted research which uncovered several major issues. These included low self-esteem among girls with visual impairment, poor communication skills, lack of ICT proficiency, and other skill deficits that hindered their ability to secure gainful employment and assume leadership roles.

“I love acquiring knowledge, and that’s why I registered for the program,” Glory Chidioke, a graduating student, said in an interview. “I really learned a lot, and I am now living with even more confidence in myself for the future,” she added.

When asked to comment on other girls with visual impairment who heard about but did not register for the project, Chidioke said she was encouraging all girls with visual impairment to always be ready to seize opportunities like the Break The Bias project by Eagles Voice.

“The Break the Bias project was made possible through partnerships like The Pollination Project (TPP), which provided a seed grant of $1,000, Hollyha Concept Innovations as a training partner, support from family and friends, and personal funds from myself,” Ms. Odusanya said when asked about support for the initiative.

She also called on the government to do more to improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

The Break the Bias project by Eagles Voice International marks a significant step towards empowering visually impaired women and girls in Nigeria. By providing crucial skills in ICT, communication, and mobility, the initiative is not only enhancing employability but also fostering future leaders. While the project’s success, evident in graduates like Glory Chidioke, is encouraging, Ms. Odusanya’s call for increased government support highlights the ongoing challenges.

This initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential within the visually impaired community. As Nigeria strives for inclusive development, projects like this pave the way for a more equitable future. Though the journey towards full inclusion of visually impaired women in leadership roles is ongoing, collaborative efforts from organizations, supportive partnerships, and increased governmental focus can drive meaningful progress.