PEOPLE Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Gweru have been urged to unite and push for their interests as a group.
Disability advocate Nigel Tahwa urged people with disabilities (PWDs) to band together, emphasizing that there is strength in unity. Speaking at a GRRA-organized workshop on governance and rights in Gweru, Tahwa stressed the importance of forging solidarity among PWDs to empower them to speak with one powerful, unified voice and push for their rights and the recognition of their abilities.
“PWDs are a notable constituency but they need to speak with one voice,” Tahwa said.
“If we are to push for disability friendly facilities we should be strategic and be united. If we are divided we will take years to realise disability friendly pavements and even to push for the full functioning of the disability desk at town hall revenue.”
Continuing the discussion on the topic of PWDs’ empowerment, Nyasha Mahwende, the director of Disability Voices of Zimbabwe, emphasized the crucial role of capacity building.
Speaking at the same GRRA workshop, Mahwende articulated her belief that providing PWDs with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources is essential to help them achieve their goals and actively participate in society.
“There is a need for capacitation of PWDs at grassroot level,” she said.
GRRA director Cornelia Selipiwe said PWDs should unite to form a vibrant movement of people with disabilities.
“There is a need to form a serious movement of disability rights,” he said.
“There are various organisations representing PWDs but there is a need for unity to push the agenda of people with disabilities.”
Nyasha Mahwende expressed dismay at the fact that many PWDs were unaware of the Gweru City Council’s disability desk, which had been established in collaboration with GRRA.
Her remarks shed light on the critical need for better awareness and communication, especially when it comes to initiatives and services specifically geared towards PWDs.
SOURCE : SOUTHERN EYE
