National Business and Disability Network pre-launch held in Harare

Peter Tanyanyiwa

Herald Correspondent

A local non-governmental organisation, Sightsavers in collaboration with the Employer’s Confederation of Zimbabwe has hosted a pre-launch workshop for the National Business and Disability Network (NBDN).
The event, which brought together various stakeholders from the business sector and organisations advocating for persons with disabilities, was meant to mobilise support for the National Business and Disability Network which will seek to foster inclusive employment practices in Zimbabwe.

Sightsavers Zimbabwe is sponsoring the establishment of the National Business and Disability Network in collaboration with the Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe, the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped, and Deaf Women Included.

Key discussions during the workshop revolved around the objectives of the NBDN, which will be officially launched on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

This launch will introduce the newly selected executive board/committee to Government ministries they will be working with, marking a significant step towards enhancing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the country.

Sightsavers Zimbabwe’s country director Mr Peter Bare stressed the importance of building confidence within the business sector by employing persons with disabilities.

“The intention to recruit persons with disabilities is there, but the business sector lacks the confidence,” he said.

“Our program aims to engage the private sector to embrace inclusive employment and learn how to create reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.”

The workshop also featured discussions on the NBDN’s terms of reference and the selection of the executive board/committee, which will play a crucial role in guiding the network’s initiatives.

The acting executive director of the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped Mrs Joyce Matara highlighted the network’s potential impact.

“This national business and disability network will ensure that workplaces are conducive for persons with disabilities, facilitating accessibility audits and upholding their rights within respective companies,” said Mrs Matara.

Participants engaged in collaborative discussions on how to effectively launch the network and promote inclusive practices across various industries.

The NBDN aims to serve as a resource for companies, encouraging them to become role models in disability inclusion and to raise awareness about the importance of providing equitable employment opportunities.