As we stand on the precipice of a transformative moment in Zimbabwe’s legislative history, it is essential to reflect on the journey that has led us to the long-awaited Persons with Disabilities Act. Gazetted a year ago, the Persons with Disabilities Bill is not merely a legal framework but a beacon of hope for millions of Zimbabweans with disabilities.
It stands as a testament to the tireless advocacy, collaboration, and commitment to inclusion that have defined our nation’s approach to disability rights in recent years.
The Government of Zimbabwe deserves commendation for its progressive strides toward disability inclusion.
Over the past few years, we have witnessed a paradigm shift in how disability is perceived and addressed within our society.
Particularly noteworthy is the partnership with the Equal Zimbabwe Campaign, an initiative aligned with the Government of Zimbabwe’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
This collaboration has fostered an inclusive environment where persons with disabilities have actively participated in law and policy-making processes.
Such efforts have illuminated the path forward, ensuring that the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities are prioritized in national discourse.
The gazetting of the Persons with Disabilities Bill by the Parliament of Zimbabwe marked a significant milestone, signaling the Second Republic’s commitment to enhancing the full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. This legislation promises to improve accessibility, promote equal opportunities, and safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities, aligning Zimbabwe with international best practices and human rights standards.
It is a powerful affirmation by the Second Republic that disability is not a limitation but a facet of human diversity that enriches our society.
However, as we celebrate this progress, we must also acknowledge that the journey is far from complete.
We urge the Government of Zimbabwe to expedite the passage of the bill into law, ensuring that these promises translate into tangible change. When enacted, the Persons with Disabilities Act will fulfill the aspirations of countless individuals with disabilities.
The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated; it is time for all of us—government officials, civil society, and citizens alike—to come together and ensure that the Act is not merely a document on the shelf but a dynamic framework that empowers and uplifts.
Once enacted, the Persons with Disabilities Act will serve as a catalyst for further reforms. It will pave the way for comprehensive policies addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by persons with disabilities, from education and employment to healthcare and social inclusion.
This is an opportunity to create a more equitable society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.
Let us seize this moment. In 1992, Zimbabwe was among the first African nations to enact a disability law through the now-outdated Disabled Persons’ Act.
Let us once again lead by example, aligning the new disability act with our constitution, domesticating the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and joining other African nations in supporting the African Disability Protocol.
