Zim has made strides on PWDs, says Mkundi Foundati...

Zim has made strides on PWDs, says Mkundi Foundation

While Zimbabwe has done a lot in terms of legislation to improve lives of people with disability, more still needs to be done

Michael Mashiri

Zimbabwe has made tangible strides in trying to accommodate people with disabilities in terms of legislation, but there is still a lot that needs to be done in other parts of the country, Mkundi Foundation has said.

In an interview, director and founder of Mkundi Foundation, Ian Vambe said there has been consideration for people with disabilities in Zimbabwe as many have been afforded the opportunity to have influential seats in the senate.

He added that there still was need to ensure equal participation as there are areas that are not fully represented.

“Zimbabwe has made relevant steps in including people with disabilities, reserving two seats representing People With Disabilities in Senate since 2013.

“However, more representation in the National Assembly is still required,” he said.

He highlighted that the signing of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of People with Disabilities in May 2013 was one of the milestones Zimbabwe had achieved so far.

He added that developing the National Disability Policy (June 2021), which replaced the Disability Act of 1992 was a milestone, as the policy speaks about the modern needs of PWDs, especially on employment, inclusive development. However, making the policy a reality was a challenge.

“Implementation of the policy remains key in achieving the ultimate goal.

“Largely, there is positivity in the quest to become an inclusive society though much needs to be done on strategic implementation,” he said.

His sentiments come as the world is commemorating the Month for People with disabilities.

December is a significant month as on 3 December annually, the world celebrates the International Day for People with Disabilities.

The commemoration is meant to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.

Zimbabwe and other countries globally marked the day, reinforcing the importance of rights of people with disabilities, so as to enable them to participate fully and effectively in the societies in which they live.