The Dwarfs Association of Nigeria (DAN) joined the global community in celebrating World Dwarfism Day on October 25, with a series of awareness and advocacy events held in major cities across the country, including Lagos and Osogbo.
The event focused on promoting understanding of dwarfism, ending discrimination, and pushing for greater inclusion of people with dwarfism in workplaces, schools, and communities.
In a statement, the association said the celebration was aimed at challenging negative stereotypes and changing the way society perceives people with dwarfism. The group also called for an end to stigma, name-calling, and discrimination, which they described as major barriers to inclusion and personal development.
“People with dwarfism are capable, intelligent, and productive members of society,” the association said. “Disability is not inability, and our height does not define our worth.”
DAN also used the occasion to highlight the achievements of its members across different sectors, including entertainment, education, and entrepreneurship, as proof that people with dwarfism can thrive when given equal opportunities.
The group urged the federal and state governments, traditional rulers, religious institutions, and corporate bodies to support their cause and ensure the full implementation of the Disability Act of 2018, which guarantees the rights and protection of people living with disabilities in Nigeria.
Activities marking the celebration included public marches, sensitization sessions, and advocacy campaigns aimed at correcting harmful media portrayals and encouraging positive representation.
The association further appealed to the media to portray people with dwarfism respectfully and avoid using demeaning language or exaggerated roles that reinforce stereotypes.
World Dwarfism Day, celebrated annually on October 25, is dedicated to raising awareness about the medical, social, and human rights issues affecting people with dwarfism and promoting acceptance and equality around the world.
