‘Let us involve People with Disabilities in voter education’

IT is important to include people with disabilities (PWDs) in peacebuilding and in particular voter peace education as this provides the basis for mainstreaming their inclusion in all aspects of society and decision making, an official has said.

This was said by the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) Midlands regional coordinator, Ms Jesca Majaha, addressing PWDs from the Midlands province attending a capacitation workshop on leadership, development and electoral processes organised by a local non-Governmental organisation 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation in Gweru yesterday

“It is important to include people with disabilities (PWDs) in peacebuilding and in particular voter peace education as this provides the basis for mainstreaming their inclusion in all aspects of society and decision making because we advocate for a society that values diversity and it also sends a powerful message of social justice and human rights.

This demonstrates our commitment to upholding the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and full participation of all individuals in our society,” she said. The inclusion of PWDs in peacebuilding and voter peace education resonates with the demands of the National Disability Policy (NDP) which was launched in 2021 by President Mnangagwa.

The Policy which was developed with support from various stakeholders including the UN, seeks to address the marginalisation and discrimination of PWDs, empower them to improve their own quality of life and enable them to contribute towards the national development agenda.

It sets standards for the inclusion of PWDs in all facets of life, thereby serving as an overarching policy framework on disability across all sectors, including the public, private and development sectors.

Ms Majaha said the inclusion of PWDs in electoral peace education programmes is not just a matter of fairness, it is a fundamental human right. Also, she said, inclusive electoral peace education programs contribute to a more just and participatory society, where the voices of all citizens, including those with disabilities are heard and valued.

“To all here, feel free to participate in this workshop. Let this workshop resurrect the peacemakers in you.

Throughout the day and after, remember that Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God (Matthew 5vs9). Lastly, be inspired by the words of one of our late VP John Landa Nkomo who said, “Peace begins with me, peace begins with you, peace begins with all of us,” said Ms Majaha.

She commended 4-H Zimbabwe – an international and continental peacebuilding award winning organization for PWDs engagement workshop on inclusion in peace building in relation to electoral process.

“This affirms your organization’s commitment to peace, healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe and we are therefore proud of our partnership in promotion of peace, unity, social cohesion and culture of dialogue.

As NPRC, one of our core values is Inclusivity and we understand that for our country to realise positive peace before, during and after elections we have to leave no-one and no place behind,” she said.

Ms Majaha said the programme is coming on the heels of the harmonised elections slated for August 23 adding that as NPRC, they are proud to be associated with the peace building initiative as it sets the tone for conflict prevention and peaceful coexistence.

“At 43 as an Independent Republic, we must outgrow our differences and understand that we can be united without being uniform,” she said. 4- H Zimbabwe Executive Director Mr John Muchenje said the desire for sustainable positive peace anchored on inclusion and participation of PWDs has seen the organisation engaging in the unique capacity building exercise in partnership with NPRC.

“The increased peaceful participation by PWDs and a knowledgeable PWDs are key deliverables that the workshop is aimed at achieving. Informed by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Zimbabwe’s National Disability Policy of 2021, the organisation has managed to address discrimination and marginalisation of PWDs through this capacity building workshop.

Over 40 Midlands based PWDs have been capacitated on leadership, development, and peaceful electoral processes,” he said. Mr Muchenje said 4-H Zimbabwe developed a simplified version of the Electoral Act for effective consumption by PWDs which is going to be produced in three main languages in the country namely Ndebele, Shona and English.

“A simplified version carries the take home points in the context of elections. There is a need for PWDs to be informed and knowledgeable on the dictates of the Electoral Act and included in the peace building processes,” he said.

Mr Muchenje said the participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process provides the basis for mainstreaming their inclusion in all aspects of society by breaking down social stigmas and increasing the accountability of elected representatives.

“For people with disabilities, however, the accessibility of polling places and voting technologies as well as other aspects of the voting process can impact the ability of an individual to exercise their civic rights.

Barriers to voting can take many interrelated forms: social, political, physical, and economic,” he said. 4- H Zimbabwe has successfully engaged the political parties such as ZANU-PF, CCC, NCA, DOP, ZIPP, UANC, ZCPD, UZA, FREEZIM and NPC) which are participation in the forthcoming harmonised elections and is going to hold provincial youth peace pledges before the elections.