ZIMBABWE joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities yesterday with calls by disability activists for the country to adopt an inclusive approach in all sectors. SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER
Disability activist and radio presenter Soneni Gwizi yesterday said disabled people must develop a championship spirit and leave no room for isolation or negative treatment from society.
“Disability is revolving and statistics show that over one billion people, or approximately 15% of the world’s population live with some form of disability,” Gwizi said.
“This is a serious case that needs attention where the welfare, healthcare, education and employment matters of persons with disabilities should be among the top priorities in this country. This includes their legal support system to enable them to participate fully and effectively as equal members of society,” she said.
Gwizi said disabled people should be accorded total equality and human rights just like their able-bodied counterparts. “So why not incline with what the written law says about disability issues . . . the building of ramps in public places and putting disability gender issues as equally important,” she said.
“As the rest of the world celebrates this day, let’s not forget to action what is needed to be done.”
On November 29 United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon issued a statement saying: “more than one billion of us live with disabilities. We must remove all barriers that affect the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in society, including through changing attitudes that fuel stigma and institutionalise discrimination”.
“We need to work harder to ensure that infrastructure and services support inclusive, equitable and sustainable development for all,” Ki-moon added. Twitter feedback @silasnkala
