Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
DISABILITY rights groups have called on the Government and stakeholders to intensify efforts towards creating a more inclusive society, warning that progress risks stalling if recent policy gains are not matched with decisive implementation.
Zimbabwe on Wednesday joined the world in marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities, commemorated under the theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Organisations say the message is timely as many persons with disabilities continue to face economic hardship, discrimination and barriers to full participation.
In a statement, Signs of Hope Trust (SoHT) director Ms Samantha Sibanda urged authorities to convert policy commitments into practical action.
She praised the adoption of the National Disability Policy and the new Persons with Disabilities Act but said the real test lies in execution.
“We acknowledge these as important steps forward.
“We congratulate the Government of Zimbabwe on the successful launch of NDS2, which can advance the empowerment of persons with disabilities if fully implemented,” she said.
The group issued three key demands, starting with a call for the State to reduce the economic cost of disability, which it described as a major driver of poverty among affected households.
It also pressed for adequate funding of disability programmes, including operationalising a Disability Levy proposed in the National Disability Policy.
Ms Sibanda further urged the Government to criminalise disability-related discrimination to ensure accountability and protection from abuse.
“A disability-inclusive society benefits everyone.
“When persons with disabilities participate fully, communities become stronger, workplaces become more innovative, and nations progress faster,” she said.
Disability advocate Ms Nyasha Chichie Mahwende echoed the call for strengthened protections, paying tribute to campaigners “fighting for the rights of persons with disabilities” and urging them to “keep fighting” to ensure no one is left behind.
Meanwhile, award-winning organisation Purple Signs Global marked the day by announcing the 2026 launch dates for three major continental initiatives aimed at transforming Africa’s disability landscape.
Purple Signs Global leader Mr Dominic Tapfuma, a UN International Telecommunications Union award recipient, said the organisation will host an online announcement event today.
“The event will unveil the Africa Disability Film Festival, the Africa Banking, Insurance, Investment & Disability Summit & Awards, and the Africa Travel, Tourism and Disability Summit and Awards.
“The projects seek to break stigma, encourage inclusive investment and expand opportunities across creative, financial and tourism sectors,” he said.
He noted that Africa is home to more than 188 million persons with disabilities, about 10 to 15 percent of the continent’s population – who continue to face barriers linked to stigma, accessibility and social exclusion.
As commemorations continue, rights groups say the day should serve as a reminder that policy commitments alone are not enough.
“The government, the private sector and communities should work collaboratively to ensure disability inclusion becomes a lived reality, not just an annual slogan,” said Ms Sibanda.
