By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) will soon launch its annual Flag Week campaign, aimed at raising awareness about disability rights and promoting the recently enacted Persons with Disabilities Act. The initiative, which runs next week, will be a significant effort to highlight the rights of people with disabilities and the importance of an inclusive society.
In an exclusive interview with MIJ Online, Harriet Kachimanga, MACODA’s Public Relations Officer, explained that this year’s campaign will focus on informing the public about the newly passed Persons with Disabilities Act. The Act outlines the legal responsibilities of duty bearers to uphold the rights of people with disabilities, and the Flag Week campaign will be crucial in raising awareness of these rights among both the public and relevant authorities.
MACODA’s Flag Week is not just about awareness; it is also a major fundraising event designed to support the numerous programs and services aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities across the country. Funds raised will be directed toward various initiatives that help provide services, resources, and support systems for people with disabilities.
This year’s Flag Week campaign will be held under the theme: “Empowering Disability Rights: Paving the Way for an Inclusive Malawi towards Malawi 2063.” The theme reflects the commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities are empowered to fully participate in society, in line with the country’s vision of a prosperous, inclusive Malawi by 2063.
The launch of this campaign is a critical step in fostering greater awareness, engagement, and action towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all Malawians, regardless of their physical abilities.
