Disability Advocates Demand Greater Inclusion in Zimbabwe's Governance
The organization acknowledged Zimbabwe's progress in disability-responsive legal reforms while emphasizing the need for continued action.
HARARE, Zimbabwe — The Women's Democracy Network Zimbabwe called for comprehensive inclusion of persons with disabilities in national decision-making processes on Tuesday, highlighting significant barriers to participation revealed in a global survey, writes Winston Mwale.
According to the 2023 Global Survey Report on Persons with Disabilities, 16 percent of the world's population comprises persons with disabilities, with 80 percent living in the Global South.
The organization's press statement, released on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, exposed critical participation gaps: 86 percent of surveyed disabled individuals reported no involvement in community-level disaster risk reduction planning, while 75 percent indicated no existing mechanisms for their engagement.
"Accessibility issues, attitudinal and other barriers continue to limit participation," the statement said.
The network urged the government, civil society, and private sector to address disparities facing persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls. Specific demands include:
Creating gender-responsive policy structures
Establishing reserved seats in parliament and government institutions
Increasing funding for disability organizations
Ensuring accessible public spaces and communication platforms
Providing affordable assistive technology
The organization acknowledged Zimbabwe's progress in disability-responsive legal reforms while emphasizing the need for continued action.
The statement aligns with international frameworks like the Pact for the Future and the upcoming 2025 World Summit for Social Development, seeking to amplify the leadership role of persons with disabilities from global to local levels.
"Together, let us build a more inclusive and equitable Zimbabwe, where all citizens, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and reach their full potential," the statement concluded.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme, "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future," underscores the ongoing push for meaningful societal integration.