The Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Nigeria proudly participated in a two-day leadership programme themed “Leading without Limits: Empowering Young Women to Rise, Lead and Inspire.” The event, organised by Women in Politics, was held from 16–17 February 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

The programme convened a diverse network of stakeholders, advocates, policymakers, and emerging leaders dedicated to advancing the rights, inclusion, and leadership potential of women and girls with disabilities. A key focus of the engagement was strengthening the justice sector’s response to the needs of women and girls—particularly survivors of abuse—through survivor-centred, gender-sensitive legal processes, improved reporting systems, and stronger institutional support frameworks.

During the sessions, OIFN highlighted the urgent need to improve accessibility across Nigeria’s judicial system. Critical gaps identified included limited physical access to court facilities, inadequate communication support, such as sign language interpretation, and the need for ongoing capacity-building for judicial officers to better understand and uphold disability rights.

Representing OIFN were Ifesinachi Israel and Lanre, who actively contributed insights and practical recommendations to promote inclusive justice. Their contributions emphasised the importance of equal access to legal processes and meaningful participation for all persons with disabilities, including individuals living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).

Unlocking Opportunities Through Inclusive Engagement

Beyond advocacy, the programme created several valuable opportunities for OIFN and the broader disability community:

• Strategic Partnerships: The engagement opened doors for collaboration with government agencies, civil society organisations, and legal institutions to advance disability-inclusive policies and programmes.

• Policy Influence: OIFN gained a platform to directly inform policy discussions and contribute to shaping more inclusive legal and institutional frameworks.

• Capacity Building: Participants benefited from leadership development sessions, equipping young women with disabilities with the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles in their communities and professional spaces.

• Increased Visibility for OI: The event provided a vital platform to raise awareness about Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare genetic condition often referred to as brittle bone disease, helping to amplify the voices and experiences of those living with OI.

• Advocacy Expansion: Engagement with key stakeholders strengthened OIFN’s advocacy network, enabling more coordinated and impactful efforts toward inclusive justice and social inclusion.

OIFN remains committed to leveraging these opportunities to drive sustainable change and ensure that persons with disabilities are not only included but empowered to lead and thrive.

By continuing to engage in high-level dialogues and collaborative initiatives, the Foundation is advancing its mission to build a society where justice, leadership, and opportunity are truly accessible to all—without limits.