The conversation around sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Nigeria and Africa is growing, but one group continues to be overlooked,women and girls with disabilities. For too long, their experiences have been shaped by inaccessible healthcare, harmful stereotypes, and exclusion from decisions that affect their bodies and lives.

In a recent advocacy video, Yinka Olaito, Africa lead of African Journalists with Disabilities (AJwD), called for urgent action to address these systemic barriers. His message is also a challenge to the media: tell the full story, amplify marginalized voices, and help reshape public perception.

Women with disabilities face multiple barriers to accessing quality reproductive healthcare. Many health facilities remain physically inaccessible, while transportation challenges make even basic health services difficult to reach. Beyond infrastructure, negative attitudes among healthcare providers often discourage women with disabilities from seeking family planning, maternal healthcare, and other essential services.

Communication barriers further deepen the inequality. The absence of sign language interpreters, Braille materials, and other accessible information excludes many women from making informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. Too often, healthcare providers speak to caregivers instead of engaging directly with the women themselves, denying them the dignity and autonomy every person deserves.

Equally damaging are the myths that continue to shape public attitudes. The persistent belief that women with disabilities are asexual or incapable of building families contributes to discrimination in healthcare, communities, and even within families. Many women encounter stigma simply for expressing the desire to marry, become mothers, or exercise control over their reproductive choices.

These realities are compounded by the heightened risk of gender-based violence. Studies consistently show that women with disabilities are more vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse, yet many remain unable to access justice or support because of inaccessible reporting systems and societal prejudice.

As journalists, communicators, and storytellers, we have a responsibility to challenge these narratives. Reporting on disability should move beyond stories of pity or inspiration to highlight rights, equity, and inclusion. Media coverage should amplify the voices of women with disabilities, expose systemic barriers, and hold institutions accountable for delivering inclusive healthcare and protecting fundamental human rights.

Achieving sexual and reproductive health justice requires action from every sector. Civil society must continue advocating for disability-inclusive policies. Community leaders should confront stigma and stereotypes that deny women with disabilities their rights. Governments must invest in accessible healthcare, strengthen disability-inclusive data systems, and ensure adequate funding for inclusive health services.

At the African Journalists with Disabilities, we believe that inclusive journalism is a catalyst for social change. By telling authentic stories, promoting accurate representation, and advancing rights-based reporting, the media can help create a society where women with disabilities are seen, heard, and empowered to make informed decisions about their health and futures.

Sexual and reproductive health justice is not a privilege—it is a human right. Ensuring that right for women with disabilities is a shared responsibility, and the time to act is no