December 3, 2024, Harare, Zimbabwe
As the world commemorates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today, Women’s Democracy Network Zimbabwe joins the global community in calling for promoting the leadership of persons with disabilities in all areas of life, ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society, increasing the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes and raising awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities and celebrating the achievements of persons with disabilities. This will be key for greater inclusivity, accessibility and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
The 2023 Global Survey Report on Persons with Disabilities … states :
- Persons with disabilities constitute 16 per cent of the world’s population, with 80 per cent living in the Global South.
- Persons with disabilities are frequently the most affected by natural hazards, climate-induced disasters and global health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.•
- 86 per cent (5,484) of persons with disabilities reported no participation in community-level DRR decision-making and planning.
- A total of 57 per cent (3,634) indicated they would be willing to participate
- .75 per cent (4,727) reported not having, or not being aware of, any mechanism to ensure the participation of persons with disabilities in community DRR decision-making. Accessibility issues, attitudinal and other barriers continue to limit participation.
- 16 per cent (1,040) reported there are now dedicated leadership roles for disability inclusion in governance structures. However, personnel with disability expertise are often not assigned to these roles.
This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” recognizes the important role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world for all. It also emphasizes the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives. This resonates deeply with our organization’s commitment to promoting the rights and participation of women with disabilities and other marginalized groups in Zimbabwe’s governance, policy making and decision making processes in all development processes at family, community, national and international level, hence their participation in public life, leadership positions and political spaces.
WDN-ZW recognizes that persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, face unique challenges and barriers to participation in politics, economic opportunities and social services. We urge the government, civil society, and the private sector to work together to address these disparities and ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to information, platform, opportunities, resources and disability responsive public service key to their participation in public life Including accessible affordable public transport and accessible infrastructure and facilities of governance institutions.
As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities, WDN-Z reaffirms its commitment to promoting disability rights responsiveness in leadership development processes and supporting organisations, activists and women leaders with disability to drive advocacy and lead us in action and advocacy towards inclusivity in Zimbabwe’s democratic, governance and political landscape. We will continue to work and advocate for policies and programs that Unlock and sustain the power of Women with disabilities and promote their full participation in public life and society as a whole.
We acknowledge Zimbabwe is making significant progress in relation to disability responsive legal reforms. Concerned that women constitute high prevalent rate of disability we call for:
- Gender-Responsive Policy Making structures , processes and governance platforms that are Inclusive Policy Development, Disability informed in Budgeting and Accessible Public Services
- Increased Seats for parliament, local government, cabinet and oversight institutions at community national, regional and international level
- Increased funding and institutional support for Women with disability organisations and movements to enhance their capacities to lead, organize and self-represent in advocacy processes
- Governments to ensure Accessible Public Spaces, Inclusive Communication and Disability-responsive Media.
- Access to affordable assistive technology and devices for all Persons with disabilities in need.
Together, let us build a more inclusive and equitable Zimbabwe, where all citizens, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and reach their full potential.
The theme this year reflects the current international political and policy context, in particular the Pact for the Future and the upcoming 2025 World Summit for Social Development, and the need to create momentum for achieving the 2030 Agenda. The theme seeks to amplify the centrality of the leadership role of persons with disabilities, in all of these efforts – from the global to the local.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Women’s Democracy Network Zimbabwe
Email: wdn@gmail.com