Running for Office as a Woman First, and Then a Woman with a Disability, I Was Triple Jeopardized – Lois Auta
Lois Auta, a global disability advocate, diversity and inclusion expert, and human rights defender, is the Founder and CEO of the Network of Women with Disabilities and Seder Seed Foundation. She champions disability inclusion through various initiatives. Auta, who made history as the first woman with a disability to contest for a seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, joined the Electoral Reform Hour radio program to discuss the unique challenges she faced while running for office. She shared how, as a woman first and then as a woman with a disability, she was “triple jeopardized,” facing numerous barriers, including infrastructural obstacles, negative attitudes, and a lack of funding.
Auta described the infrastructural challenges she faced during her campaign, including instances where she was unable to reach certain areas due to poor roads or obstacles such as rivers. She recalled how, in some instances, she had to rely on others to meet with constituents when her mobility became restricted. She also discussed the attitudinal barriers, with many doubting her abilities and questioning why a woman with a disability would even attempt to run for office.
Reflecting on her experience, Auta emphasized the lessons she learned and offered advice to future candidates with disabilities. She stressed the importance of starting campaigns early, engaging actively in political party affairs, and setting up crowdfunding initiatives for fundraising. She also highlighted the need for greater public awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities to run for office, pointing to legal protections under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Nigerian Disability Act. Auta firmly believes that individuals with disabilities have the skills, passion, and competence to succeed in politics, and public education on these abilities is crucial.
The conversation also touched on the Electoral Act, which includes provisions for inclusivity, particularly Section 54, which mandates the provision of assistive devices such as sign language interpreters, magnifying glasses, and tactile ballot papers. Auta pointed out that while these provisions exist, they were not fully implemented in recent elections, citing research by some Civil Society Organizations. She stressed the importance of enforcing these provisions to ensure that all voters with disabilities can participate fully in the electoral process.
Auta also made a strong case for increasing the disability budget allocated by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). She pointed out that while assistive devices are required by law, only a small fraction were provided in recent elections, highlighting the need for more financial commitment to disability inclusion in the electoral process. She emphasized that an increased budget would ensure that all necessary resources are available to voters with disabilities.
Auta raised concerns about the accessibility of voting locations, sharing her own experience navigating public buildings that were not fully accessible to people with physical disabilities. She called for polling stations to be located in venues with level ground and accessible voting cubicles, allowing individuals with disabilities to vote independently. She further emphasized that accessibility should be a priority when selecting election venues.
In her closing remarks, Auta called for increased collaboration between stakeholders, including government agencies, political parties, civil society organizations, and donors. She urged all involved to work together to ensure inclusivity in the electoral process. Auta highlighted the importance of training and capacity-building initiatives for citizens, election officials, and political parties. She also advocated for more mentorship opportunities for persons with disabilities who wish to engage in politics and encouraged political parties to adopt disability-friendly policies to ensure fair participation in the political process.
Auta concluded by reaffirming her vision for an inclusive electoral system where persons with disabilities are not only able to vote but are also represented in decision-making bodies like parliament. She emphasized the need for the full implementation of electoral reforms to guarantee that people with disabilities can fully participate in every aspect of the electoral process. Auta’s continued advocacy for disability inclusion remains an inspiring force for change in Nigeria’s political landscape.