Precious Williams (Youth Corper)/ Mubarak Afolabi (Intern)
The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has collaborated with Center for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN) a Non-Government Organisation to organize sensitization workshop to prevent sexual violence against women with disabilities.
Penpushing reports that the programme which had in attendance hundreds of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) members took place at the association secretariat located in Obantoko area of Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital
The Founder of the Centre who was the guest lecturer Atinuke Odukoya in her paper, themed,’ Enhancing Sexual Violence Prevention and Response for Women with Disabilities’ expressed appreciation to the leadership of the association for consenting to the workshop, which she said will go a long way to address the menace.
Penpushing further reports that she said it was very important to call the intention of all stake holders, to enable them know the need to be cautious of the challenges of the female physically challenged, many of them known to be frequent at garages for menial jobs.
The guest lecturer appealed that it was wrong to take advantage of their challenges and turn them to sex machines in the garages, rather, they should be shown love and care, rather than add to their plights
Penpushing also reports that Odukoya stated that the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) are important people in the community, stressing that people will always go to garages to board vehicles or dispatch stuffs.
The Director lamented that most women with disabilities are being bullied, sexually harassed, raped , adding that some even contacted deadly disease like HIV/AIDS, explaining that the centre came to remind them that women with disabilities are part of the society that should be love and care for.
Penpushing reports that she said all the motor parks in Ogun state should be a safe place for people with disability, stressing that the association can play vital role in supporting and empowering women with disabilities by promoting inclusion, equality and social justice.
The Director of the Centre recalled that during a sensitization to Kuto garage, in Abeokuta, it was discovered that some hawkers have fallen victims of sexual abuse, adding that out of about 15 engaged in discussion to share their experiences 8 of them are victims of rape.
The founder added that investigation conducted showed that some of these physically challenged were noticed to be in garages to seek for help through alms, while some were engaged in selling goods to make ends meet
Penpushing further reports that she stated that it was equally uncovered that some of these females physically challenged because of financial constraints offer their body for sex, to earn a living adding that this should be discourage.
The Center for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN) said it was unfortunate that after further investigation, some of these Physically challenged have contacted sexually transmitted disease which include HIV/Aids.
Penpushing also reports that Odukoya encouraged the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) committee to join force with the organization to fight the menace before getting out of hand
The Secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Comrade Tiwalade Akingbade assured that the leadership will ensure that all chapters are up and doing towards fight against the menace
Penpushing reports that Akingbade encouraged more women who engaged in transportation business to find time to join the association, stressing that gone are the days when women are seen as not relevant in the transportation business
The scribe explained that as part of sensitization measure, the association will distribute stickers to all chapters, to inform members and general public on need to avoid taking undue advantage of the female less privileged, stressing that henceforth there will be weekly assessment of all chapters
Penpushing further reports that Akingbade warned members against violence or assault, stressing that anyone caught will face the wrath of the law, adding that they should see themselves as good ambassadors of the association.
The sworn in committee members include Comrade Oluwafemi (Abeokuta South), Oluwatoyin dada(Ado Odo/ Ota), Sulaiman Sikiru(Ewekoro) Kehinde Adebisi(Ifo), Bamigbaye Fatai (Ijebu East),Adedotun Adetayo( Ijebu North) and Abayomi Malik(Ijebu North-East)
Penpushing also reports that others are Segun Akinbanjo (Ijebu Ode), Shakiru Gbadamosi (Ikenne), Ayinde Sunny (Ipokia), Tajudeen Bamigbaye (Obafemi- Owode), Abiodun Oyetunde (Odeda), Ademola Dosunmu (Odogbolu), Fatai Lawal (Remo North), Abiodun Ogundeji(Sagamu),Olurotimi Salawu (Yewa North) and Yomi Adams(Yewa South
Penpushing further reports that a female participant identifies as Tomisin at the workshop while sharing her experience lamented that some of them are facing discrimination and stigmatization from some commercial drivers.
The lady, however, suggested some way out to address the challenges, which she said include providing support and protection for women with disabilities who experience violence and abuse.
Penpushing further reports that she said this include educating communities about the rights and needs of women with disabilities, and promote awareness about the importance of inclusion and accessibility.
The participant added that there must be supportive environments, and ensuring that they have access to justice and legal protection, accessible transportation options and mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and walkers.
‘There are so many ways we can help them live a safe place in the community especially in the motor park. If we want to help, we should ask if they indeed want help and not harass them because of their conditions. We should treat them like one of us’, she added.
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