Faith Ndou
MASVINGO CITY-As the world commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), the Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT) urged Zimbabweans from policymakers to communities and the private sector to recommit to building an inclusive society that places disability rights at the centre of national development.
Observed annually on December 3, the day serves as a global reminder of the dignity, rights and contributions of persons with disabilities.
For Zimbabwe, DACT says the commemorations provide an important moment of reflection and an opportunity to confront the barriers that continue to limit full participation.
“The International Day of Persons with Disabilities affirms the humanity and potential of persons with disabilities while reminding society of its responsibility to remove barriers,” said DACT director Henry Chivhanga.
“It is a time to highlight achievements, acknowledge challenges and recommit to building an inclusive Zimbabwe.”
This year’s theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” resonated strongly with the organisation. DACT noted that genuine social progress cannot be achieved while disability issues remain on the periphery of policy and resource allocation.
“For us, fostering inclusion begins in the home and in our communities,” he said.
“It requires a transformative shift in language and attitudes from pity and patronising to a rights-based perspective that sees the person before the impairment.”
Despite policy gains, persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe continue to face significant obstacles including limited access to inclusive education, underfunded healthcare services, high unemployment, inadequate workplace accommodations and widespread stigma. DACT attributes these challenges largely to insufficient political will and inadequate resource allocation.
Chivhanga cited the recently gazetted Persons with Disabilities Act of November 21st 2025, still without an effective commencement date as an example of the systemic delays that hinder meaningful implementation of disability rights.
DACT’s Advocacy Efforts
Working across sectors such as education, health and labour, DACT has focused on evidence-based, community-driven programming aimed at systemic change. The trust collaborates with policymakers to strengthen legislation, supports institutions in mainstreaming inclusive practices and promotes leadership among persons with disabilities at family, community and national levels.
The organisation’s work is anchored on three pillars;
* Disability Rights Are Human Rights
* Climate Change Justice
* Economic Justice
This year, DACT rolled out widespread community awareness programmes that reached thousands of households and facilitated workshops on disability rights. It also supported smart energy and smart agriculture initiatives designed to improve climate resilience while generating income for persons with disabilities.
DACT says its priorities for 2026 include pushing for full implementation of disability laws, expanding inclusive education, strengthening healthcare access and promoting economic empowerment through vocational training and entrepreneurship. The organisation also aims to deepen collaboration with regional and international partners.
A Call to Action
As the nation reflects on the significance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, DACT has called for shared responsibility in advancing inclusion.
“Inclusion is not optional, it is a fundamental human right,” says Chivhanga.
“Policymakers must enforce laws, communities must embrace diversity and the private sector must invest in accessibility. Together, we can build a Zimbabwe where every citizen contributes meaningfully to social progress.”
