Edwin Moyo
Gweru-The Midlands community has taken a stand to accelerate and advance the rights of Women with Disabilities and ensure their participation in Governance processes.
Speaking during a stakeholders engagement meeting this week, Deaf Women Included says it has crafted a National Action Plan (NPA) document which seeks to give a voice to women and the girl child in all facets of life.
DWI Director, Agness Chindimba said marginalized groups, women and girls with disabilities were still facing limited opportunities in life.
“In economic development women with disabilities face significant barriers to equal participation and they are often excluded from mainstream economic opportunities which are crucial for creating sustainable income,” said Chindimba.
Mkoba South Member of Parliament , John Kuka commended DWI for unpacking the draft document saying it will assist in empowering and uplifting the voices of women.
“I am happy that women with disabilities are going to be heard also, in my constituency I have also walked the talk in supporting women with disabilities by donating chicks so that they can start income generating projects .As an MP I am there to support this plan.
“Part of the document supports Sustainable Development Goal number 5 which seek to promote gender equality and empowering women and girls in trying to end discrimination against all women and girls.” Kuka said
Meanwhile, Public Finance advocate, Gracia Mashingaidze said the document should take to task the government and Gweru Council to prioritize the schools which cater for those with special needs.
“Schools for special needs must be built including those that specialize in cerebral palsy and autism. Those schools are very expensive that is why people with disabilities are lagging behind, its high time government channels resources for these schools,”said Mashingaidze.
However, stakeholders and Non Governmental Organisations in Gweru stressed the need for the action plan to break stereotypes by empowering women with disabilities through trainings and development opportunities .
