dyton mupawaenda
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
IN a year marked by significant achievements in promoting disability rights and inclusion, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of people living with disabilities.
Through progressive policies, enhanced services, and regional leadership, the Ministry has set a new benchmark for disability inclusion in Southern Africa.
One of the Ministry’s flagship achievements in 2024 was the development of a national costed action plan with support from the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD).
This plan aligned budgetary processes with the national disability policy, ensuring sustainable mobilisation of resources for enhancing the well-being of people with disabilities.
To promote accessibility and equity, the Ministry issued guidelines for reasonable accommodation in all government entities.
Further, it introduced intersectionality guidelines, recognising that disability intersects with other identity markers like gender, culture, and religion.
These guidelines were rolled out to traditional, religious, and community leaders across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces, fostering a holistic understanding of disability inclusion.
In a groundbreaking step, the Ministry partnered with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development to address possible stigma in technical and vocational education and in training centres.
It also initiated the development of a SADC-wide Protocol on Disability Rights, enhancing Zimbabwe’s regional leadership in disability inclusion.
To strengthen disability rights within the framework of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Ministry enhanced the SDG Coordination Unit’s ability to collect and report disability-inclusive data.
It also collaborated with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to create budgeting guidelines meeting global standards, ensuring disability inclusion in national financial planning.
A qualitative study conducted by the Ministry provided updated insights into the needs of under-represented persons with disabilities, including those with psychosocial impairments.
These efforts underscore Zimbabwe’s commitment to leaving no one behind.
The Ministry saw significant progress in legislative reform, with the Persons with Disabilities Bill, designed to replace the outdated Disabled Persons Act, advancing through Parliament.
Additionally, the Public Service Commission launched a disability policy mandating the integration of persons with disabilities in all government departments and agencies.
Beyond policy, the Ministry provided tangible support to thousands of people with disabilities in 2024.
Key highlights include the provision of assistive devices to 826 individuals, educational support for 5,926 learners through fees and materials, and cash transfers to 6,251 individuals.
Food assistance reached 227 360 people with disabilities, while 1 900 people with disabilities secured employment across government ministries.
Other services included child protection, access to healthcare, psychosocial support, and awareness campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination.
Zimbabwe also leveraged its chairmanship of SADC to spearhead the development of a regional protocol on disability rights. This initiative aims to share best practices and enhance the wellbeing of persons with disabilities across the region.
The Ministry’s 2024 accomplishments reflect a steadfast dedication to disability inclusion, demonstrating a multi-faceted approach that combines policy, service delivery, and regional collaboration.
As the year ends, Zimbabwe stands as a model for disability rights and inclusion, both locally and beyond its borders.
Online Reporter
