The Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare has reiterated the importance of prioritizing disability rights in promoting an inclusive society.
Speaking during the launch of the Realisation of the Africa Disability Protocol Project, Chief Disability Affairs Officer, Joshua Mkwehiwa, emphasized that disability rights are a crucial aspect of building a society that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all.
The Africa Disability Protocol Project, funded by the European Union, aims to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
In Malawi, the project will be implemented in partnership with the Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (FEDOMA) and Disability, HIV and AIDS Trust (DHAT).
Country Director for Sightsavers, Bright Chiwaula, highlighted that the project will run from this year to 2028 and will focus on promoting the rights of persons with disabilities through advocacy, capacity building, and community empowerment.
“We believe that persons with disabilities have the right to participate fully in society, and we are committed to supporting the government and disability organizations in Malawi to realize this vision,” Chiwaula said.
The project is timely, given the growing recognition of the importance of disability inclusion in development programming.
Persons with disabilities often face significant barriers in accessing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, which can exacerbate poverty and exclusion.
Mkwehiwa noted that the Ministry is committed to promoting disability rights and inclusion, and the Africa Disability Protocol Project will provide a critical opportunity to advance this agenda.
“We recognize that persons with disabilities are a vital part of our society, and we are committed to ensuring that their rights are respected and protected,” Mkwehiwa said.
The launch of the project marks an important milestone in the efforts to promote disability rights in Malawi.
The project will provide a platform for persons with disabilities to voice their concerns, advocate for their rights, and participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
FEDOMA and DHAT will play a crucial role in implementing the project, leveraging their expertise and networks to reach persons with disabilities and promote inclusive practices.
The partnership between Sightsavers, FEDOMA, and DHAT will ensure that the project is grounded in the needs and experiences of persons with disabilities.
The project’s focus on advocacy, capacity building, and community empowerment will help to address the systemic barriers that persons with disabilities face.
By promoting inclusive practices and supporting disability-led organizations, the project will contribute to a more equitable and just society.
The launch of the Africa Disability Protocol Project marks a significant step towards promoting disability rights and inclusion in Malawi.
With the support of Sightsavers, FEDOMA, and DHAT, the project has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of persons with disabilities.
The project will increase awareness of disability rights, promote inclusive practices, and empower persons with disabilities to participate in decision-making processes.
By working together, the project stakeholders can ensure that persons with disabilities in Malawi have equal opportunities to participate in society and reach their full potential.
