Include People With Disabilities In Decision Making.
Tracy Chiumburu
December third is a day dedicated to celebrate and commemorate people with disabilities worldwide. The International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life
This year has been a tough year for everyone including people with disabilities included due to the Covid-19 pandemic that is leaving a trail of negative impacts socially and economically evidently.
In an interview with Taurai Chamakasira a man with a walking challenge disability, has a vision impaired wife and three children in Budiriro 4 one of Harare’s high density residential area, explained access to water challenges they are facing. ‘Tinotambura kuwana mvura sezvo ini nomukadzi wangu tirizvirema uye vana vachiri vadiki asi Tadiwa mukuru ane makore 7 anotoenda nema5litres kusvika azadza mabuckets 5″,Mr Chamakasira explained how the current water shortages is affecting his family.
Gwen Lisa Marange from Alive Albinism an organisation that advocates for people with albinism said that people with disabilities are not being given the same opportunities as capable people are given in societies, in workplaces and every social aspect of their lives, she noted that most people with disabilities live below the poverty line and also emphasized the unfair treatment of people with disabilities especially concerning albinos skin sensitivity to sanitizer in public places and absence of alternatives like soapy water to compensate .
African Union ambassador Nyasha Nhau said that the government should take note of what the United Nations said should be done in commemoration of the International day of people living with disabilities to make them equal to other people in societies and include them in decision making in the state.
