adminLawrence Chitumba
Mash Central Correspondent
Stakeholders have been urged to spare a thought for the physically challenged, even after the nation observed the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
This comes on the back of an increase in GBV cases due to the Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns.
Many people living with disabilities earn their living through informal trading activities which have been greatly affected by the lockdowns that were put in place by the Government as a way of curbing the spread of the pandemic.
Speaking during commemorations to mark the international day for persons with disabilities, which also coincided with the annual 16 Days of Activism Against GBV in Bindura recently, Reverend Edgar Ziramba of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe expressed concern that people living with disabilities were exposed to GBV under the prevailing economic conditions.
He said while the world chose to use the theme, “Orange the World, Fund, Respond, Prevent and Collect” their organisation — the Mosaic Council of Hope Trust — calls on Government institutions, civic society organisations, NGOs, political parties, churches and family members to bring hope to the hopeless in the fight against GBV by offering them support.
“As part of this year’s commemorations women and girls with varying degrees of disabilities have been handed sanitary facilities in the form of pads, vaseline and washing soap,” said Rev Ziramba.
“We have also facilitated the availability of Braille Bibles and other Braille books for the visually impaired. This increase in GBV cases has spilled over to vulnerable members of our communities, especially the disabled since they are soft spots.”
Rev Ziramba pleaded with parents, relatives and friends of people living with disabilities to help them realise their potential.
Online Reporter