SHANNISE DZOBO
MASVINGO CITY- Masvingo Province joined the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) which is held on December 3 of each year.
The belated commemorations were held at Masvingo Civic Center Hall under this year’s theme ‘United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the SDG’s For, With and By Persons With Disabilities”.
This event was made possible by the main sponsors of the commemorations in Masvingo Province, JF Kapnek Zimbabwe and Jairos Jiri Association.
In a speech read by Joyce Chiguku on behalf of Masvingo District Development Coordinator, Roy Hove said that the day is an important occasion to take stock of progress toward the goal to advance the rights of persons with disability(PWD’s).
“The day is about promoting and understanding the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development and mobilize support towards enhancing the wellbeing of persons with disabilities”, said Chiguku.
“The theme for this year’s commemorations underscores the urgent need for collective action to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the pursuit of SDGs”.
“It emphasizes collaboration and solidarity in working towards achieving these global objectives, recognizing that inclusivity is integral to the success of the SDGs and this theme gives us an opportunity to evaluate ways on how to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls (goal 5).
Adam Mukushi, senior social worker with JF Kapnek in an interview with The Midweek Watch said that as an organisations that works with PWDs they felt obliged to join in commemorating such an important day to them so that they do not feel left out.
“This day presents an opportunity for all of us to collectively reflect on progress and challenges so far in our journey to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities.
“It is also a reminder that much remains to be done to ensure that we truly become an inclusive society for persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development globally and in Zimbabwe,” said Mukushi.
“Addressing the current challenges and barriers faced by persons with disabilities requires commitment and creativity so that they get basic services like education, health and a decent livelihood”.
Vimbai Chese, disability ambassador who was also present at the commemorations commented the government for listening to the PWDs after they were granted land to build a hall which is user friendly to them as they hold several income generating functions and programs to sustain themselves.
The celebrations were attended by ZIMCARE Trust, Masvingo Wheelchair Tennis Association, Henry Murray School for the Deaf, Alfred Walter Hostel, National Disability Economic, Copota School for the Blind amongst others.
The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
It is celebrated on 3 December around the world, IDPD mobilizes support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, promotes awareness about disability issues and draws attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all.
