adminLindani Dube
THE Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODZ) and the Secretariat of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities (SADPD) have expressed concern over the sidelining of their members by civil society organisations in initiatives that have to do with disabled persons.
In an interview recently on the sidelines of a disability sensitisation and human rights for mainstreaming workshop, FODZ acting chairperson Mrs Sibonisiwe Mazula said there was a need to advocate for equal opportunities among both the disabled and able-bodied members of society.
“Disability is a development agenda. Our objective is to engage and sensitise our target, civil society organisations.
“The charity model has not taken the plight of the disabled forward hence we have a huge task of working towards the review of the country’s laws and our rights,” said Mrs Mazula.
She said the process of harmonising disability based programmes could only work if reforms were implemented with the involvement of their members.
The chief executive officer of SADPD, Mr Kudakwashe Dube said it was critical for his organisation to rope in other parties in the planning and modification of their agenda to ensure a better understanding of disability issues.
“This is an extremely important disability sensitising and mainstreaming stepping stone. We hope it will generate interest on substantial topics revolving around persons living with varying forms of disability,” he said.
SADPD operates in 25 countries in Africa.
Mr Dube called on Government, local authorities and the civil society to support organisations run by disabled persons.
“Housing, infrastructure, accessibility and employment creation are areas that need attention in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD),” he said.
Other topical issues, which were covered during the one day workshop included discrimination, apartheid, reviewing compliance to disability mainstreaming in Zimbabwe and Africa.
The workshop was attended by civil society organisations and NGOs that included Women’s Institute on Leadership Development, Nango, and Zenzeleni People Living with HIV network.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo