Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
PEOPLE with disabilities, together with their guardians and representatives, gathered in Masvingo this week for a special engagement session focused on empowerment, peer support, and improved access to essential services.
Participants described the occasion as an important platform for promoting inclusion and unity.
“This is a very important day on our calendar as it brings us together to share ideas and network. We are here to encourage each other on self-love and building strong families,” a participant said.
“We thank the government for introducing several programmes that empower us and mainstream disability issues. I am a teacher with a disability and a beneficiary of the rebate programme, which has enabled me to own and drive my own car,” a beneficiary said.
Despite these positive strides, stakeholders say more needs to be done, particularly in improving disability-friendly infrastructure in public spaces.
“Yes, the government is improving infrastructure to be user-friendly, but more must be done to ensure we access services freely,” another participant said.
“There is still stigma, especially in rural communities, where some families hide children with disabilities, denying them access to education,” a community member said.
Senators representing persons with disabilities highlighted progress made through existing legislation.
“Zimbabwe continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to regional and international frameworks for the protection of persons with disabilities. The Constitution, through Sections 6, 22 and 83, guarantees the promotion and protection of rights-based services for persons with disabilities,” Representative for Persons with Disabilities, Senator Ishmael Zhou said.
“The National Disability Policy, launched in 2021 by His Excellency the President, builds on the Constitution by outlining the rights of persons with disabilities and guiding how Government Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities can facilitate these rights,” Representative for Persons with Disabilities, Honourable Anna Shiri said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusion and equality.
“Today, we gather not only to celebrate the resilience, strength and achievements of persons with disabilities but to reaffirm our collective commitment to building an inclusive, just and empowering society. Persons with disabilities are not a minority to be accommodated; they are a vibrant part of our national fabric. According to the 2022 Census, nearly one in ten Zimbabweans has a disability. Their voices, talents and contributions must shape our future,” he said.
The International Day for Persons with Disabilities is commemorated annually on December 3.
