Minister Warns Against Disability Rights Violations in Malawi
Alex Zimkambani, Board Chairperson of the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA), stressed the need for public awareness about disability rights.
DEDZA, Malawi— The Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendenza, warned individuals against infringing on the rights of people with disabilities, pledging legal action against violators, writes Edward Chikwanda.
According to the 2018 population and housing census, 1,734,250 persons with disabilities live in Malawi, representing 11.6% of the population aged 5 and above.
Addressing a recent event themed "Empowering Disability Rights; Paving the Way for an Inclusive Malawi towards Malawi 2063," Sendenza emphasised the importance of integrating people with disabilities into the country's developmental efforts.
The minister highlighted several key commitments:
- Ensuring access to economic empowerment through National Empowerment Economic Fund (NEEF) loans
- Prioritizing social cash transfer benefits for people with disabilities
- Advocating for equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities
"Children with disabilities should be given equal opportunity to education, not to be locked in houses," Sendenza stated.
Alex Zimkambani, Board Chairperson of the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA), stressed the need for public awareness about disability rights.
He noted the 2024 Disability Act provides improved resources, including reading materials and eyeglasses.
Catherine Bunya, Chairperson of Dedza Disability Forum, explained their approach to raising awareness, which includes engaging community radio stations and mainstreaming disability issues in district events.
The event, attended by government officials, civil society organisations, local chiefs, and community members, featured traditional performances including dances, poems, choirs, and drama.