Zimbabwe to host a three day disability rights conference in Bulawayo

Bulawayo- ZIMBABWE will host the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference in Bulawayo. In a statement, the event spokesperson, Josiah Kaharin said the milestone event will bring together various stakeholders and will be held under the theme”Helping People to Help Themselves:Global Unity-Shared Progress”.The organisers include Capacity Building Centre for Africa, the Lawyers with Disabilities Association of Zimbabwe and Silveira House of the Jesuits in Southern Africa, with the support of the government of Zimbabwe. ” This pivotal gathering, themed “Helping People to Help Themselves: Global Unity Shared Progress,” brings together a diverse array of stakeholders committed to advancing disability inclusive development across Zimbabwe, Africa and the globe.

The three-day conference is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Capacity Building Centre for Africa, the Lawyers with Disabilities Association of Zimbabwe, and Silveira House of the Jesuits in Southern Africa, with strong support of the Government of Zimbabwe,”said Kahari. “The event coincides with the United Nations’ annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, showing its global significance.” Kahari, said the conference aims to be more than a ceremonial commemoration. “This is a platform for action for we are bringing together voices from across sectors and borders to share best practices, propose innovative solutions, and make concrete commitments to disability inclusion.

“The conference is expected to draw a wide spectrum of participants, including persons with disabilities, government officials, parliamentarians, academics, legal experts, healthcare professionals, educators, financial institutions, employers and representatives from civil society, religious and traditional leadership and international development agencies. Delegates from countries such as South Africa, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo will also be in attendance, adding a rich cross-border dimension to the discussions.Speakers will include representatives from the Parliament of Zimbabwe, various government ministries, United Nations agencies, and foreign embassies,”said Kahari. “Their contributions will focus on aligning national and regional disability policies with global frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Disability Protocol, and Zimbabwe’s own National Disability Policy, launched by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe on 9 June, 2021.” In a joint statement, the organizing bodies emphasized the importance of balancing celebration with substance. “International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrations foster a sense of community, making disability inclusion a relatable and engaging issue.”