Supporting the Most Vulnerable Populations

TARGETING THE MARGINALIZED

Summary of 2021 Outcomes:

-113,351 people reached with gender equity and social inclusion messaging about opportunities for women and persons with disabilities (PWDs)

-NGN 71 million/USD 173,170 in grants distributed to Delta State implementing partners to provide 586 youth vocational skills training

-24,456 women farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) learned about best practices--more than 1/3 of total farmers and MSMEs taught

In a diverse world, PIND strives to ensure that Niger Deltans have access to decent jobs, economic opportunities, and educational advancement—regardless of ability, age, gender, or location. We focus on supporting our most vulnerable populations through the empowerment of youth, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and populations in remote communities —addressing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 4, 5, 8, and 10, and 16. Respectively, these UN SDGs are “quality education”; “gender equality”; “decent work and economic growth”; “reduced inequalities”; and “peace, justice, and strong institutions.” Gender Equity & Social Inclusion (GESI) is one of our four key enablers.

For marginalized populations, we deliver decent work, and economic growth; promote gender equity, social inclusion, and reduce inequalities; and encourage peace and justice. With violence against the marginalized being a major issue globally and in the region, we encourage awareness of genderbased violence (GBV), violence against women and girls (VAWG), and violence against women and children (VAW&C). By creating opportunities for the marginalized, we humanize them in a way that prevents them from being overlooked and harmed. Besides our vast and inclusive program work, we also honor gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) as an organization—striving for equity and inclusivity within our organization, our partners, and those we serve.

From November 25 to December 10, 2021, we drew attention to GBV and violence against women and girls VAWG during the 16 Days of Activism. Our theme was “A World: Free of Violence against Women and Girls--Equitable for People with Disabilities.” We collaborated with five Niger Delta nongovernmental organizations (NGOs): Development Initiative for Community Impact (DICI); South-South Professional Women Association (SSPWA); Family Welfare Foundation (FAWEF); Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN); and Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD). SSPWA raised awareness to galvanize actions against gender-based violence (GBV) and built the capacity of GBV advocacy champions in various institutions. 486 women and 62 persons with disabilities (PWDs) benefitted from this intervention. Additionally, two persons with disabilities were inaugurated amongst the GBV champions, and Her Excellency, Dame (Evangelist) Mrs. Edith Okowa, First Lady of Delta State, donated wheelchairs to Uvwie youth living with physical disabilities.

Realizing that assuring inclusivity must be deliberate and not left to chance, in 2021, we took affirmative action to ensure the voices of persons living with disabilities are heard and partnered with JONAPWD to mark the 2021 International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPWDs) on December 3. JONAPWD created a massive awareness campaign around the plight of persons with disabilities (PWDs) with participants from Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Ondo states. The campaign aimed to alleviate the difficulties that persons with disabilities (PWDs) face by garnering public support and government aid. In total, 907 persons with disabilities (PWDs) participated and had their voices heard through this campaign.