MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-In an effort to enhance inclusive participation in the electoral processes ahead of August 23 elections, 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation in partnership with the National Peace Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) has capacitated over 40 Midlands based Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) on leadership, development and peace.
4-H Zimbabwe Foundation executive director, John Muchenje said the training was anchored on sustaining a positive peace, inclusivity and participation of PWDs.
He said PWDs should be informed and knowledgeable on the dictates of the Electoral Act as well as being included on the peace building processes.
“The desire for sustainable positive peace anchored on inclusion and participation of Persons with Disabilities has seen 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation engage in this unique capacity building exercise in partnership with National Peace Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) in Midlands Province.
“Increased peaceful participation by PWDs and knowledgeable PWDs are key deliverables that the workshop achieved. Informed by the SDGs and Zimbabwe’s National Disability Policy of 2021, the organisation has managed to address discrimination and marginalization of PWDs through this capacity building workshop.
“With over 40 Midlands based PWDs being capacitated on leadership, development, peaceful electoral processes,” said Muchenje.
He said the organization has developed a simplified version of the Electoral Act in Shona, English and Ndebele for effective consumption by PWDs.
Above that, Muchenje said the 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation have been accredited by ZEC to do voter education until July 2024.
Adding that “the organization has successfully engaged 11 political parties (MDC, ZANU-PF, CCC, NCA, DOP, ZIPP, UANC, ZCPD, UZA, FREEZIM and NPC) which are participating in the forthcoming harmonised elections and will sign a Zimbabwe Youth in Politics Peace Pledge and Zimbabwe Youth in Politics Charter on Peace in the Electoral Peace Processes on the 10th of August 2023”.
Meanwhile, Provincial NPRC manager, Jessica Majaha highlighted the importance of mainstreaming PWDs in peace building, particularly voter peace education.
She said NPRC is committed to upholding the principles of non-discrimination, equality and full participation of all citizens.
