Zimbabwe: Rural Women With Disabilities Advocate for Their Rights in Zimbabwe
By Agencies
ZVIMBA, Zimbabwe — Ndakaitei Matare, a mother of one, chairs Ward 38 Disability Support Group in Zvimba, central northern Zimbabwe. After acquiring a physical disability at the age of six, she understands the barriers faced by many people with disabilities in her district. Limited knowledge of her rights, lack of access to assistive devices and limited access to socio-economic development projects were just a few of the challenges that forced her to rely on relatives for assistance.
Ms. Matare’s predicament is not unique in her community. Persons with disabilities in Zvimba and across Zimbabwe continue to face challenges accessing basic social services, including education. Women with disabilities are especially vulnerable to violence and exclusion and many grow up without the resources or skills to understand and exercise their rights, which are protected by the National Disability Policy of Zimbabwe.
Change comes to Zvimba
Through Spotlight Initiative, UNESCO has partnered with organizations of persons with disabilities to promote the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in community interventions to address gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
The Initiative has resulted in the creation of disability support groups in districts of Zimbabwe championed by the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH), an umbrella body of organizations of and for people with disabilities. These support groups provide a platform for women and girls with disabilities to share knowledge and experiences among themselves and with the the community more broadly. They are a critical tool for raising awareness on issues of gender-based violence, harmful practices and SRHR. Caregivers and communities are also connected by the groups to discuss the rights of persons with disabilities and how to advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all facets of life.
