MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE – Deaf Women Included (DWI), a leading organization advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Zimbabwe, has called on the government to review and enact policies that foster the inclusion of marginalized communities.
Agnes Chindimba, the director of DWI, stated that while Zimbabwe has made significant strides in advancing inclusive policies and laws since ratifying the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2013, more can be done to ensure equal opportunities for PWDs.
“The government should continue to promote inclusive and development policies and laws that cater to everyone, giving us equal opportunities to participate in decision-making, especially on issues that affect us,” Chindimba told The Midweek Watch.
Chindimba, who is also a farmer and a business entrepreneur, emphasized that favorable policies for PWDs would go a long way in empowering women with disabilities and ensuring their active participation in the country’s economic and social development.
She suggested that the government could implement strategic policy measures, such as incentivizing the corporate sector that employs PWDs by offering tax credits and procurement preferences for companies that meet “diversity and inclusion targets.”
“This could involve prioritizing bids from companies with strong PWD hiring and retention records, as well as providing grants to fund training programs, job coaches, and other support services to help integrate PWD employees,” remarked Chindimba.
She said encouraging the business community to employ persons with disabilities by giving them tax credits would be a step in the right direction.
DWI is currently running an economic empowerment program in partnership with local organizations, providing vocational training, business support, and entrepreneurship opportunities for PWDs in Harare and Bulawayo.
Chindimba expressed optimism about the progress being made in Zimbabwe to empower women with disabilities through government support, entrepreneurship opportunities, and changing societal attitudes.
She noted that the proposed disability amendment bill is a crucial step in further advancing the rights and inclusion of PWDs in the society.
Meanwhile, the former legislator and human rights lawyer, Brian Dube, echoed DWI’s sentiments and called for affirmative action to encourage companies to employ persons with disabilities.
He suggested amending the Constitution to increase the number of special seats in the National Assembly for PWDs, from the current six seats in the lower house and four in the upper house.
Dube also emphasized the need for robust political education to help people appreciate the importance of inclusivity of PWDs at all institutional levels.
He said Zimbabwe needs “proportional special seats for PWDs at local authorities as well,”.
