Promoting disability rights in Malawi: a call to action' - Simon Munde

By Michael Martin/MALAWI// As Malawi observes Disability Awareness Month, political parties in the country are being challenged to develop strategies that promote the participation of people with disabilities in politics.

This call to action comes ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd.

Speaking in an interview, Simon Munde, Executive Director for the Federation for Disability Organizations in Malawi, the country is not doing enough to promote the rights of people with disabilities.

He said currently, only a few people with disabilities hold leadership positions, highlighting the need for greater representation and inclusion.

Commenting on the matter, Lyness Manduwa, Executive Director for Parents of Disabled Children Association of Malawi, emphasized that women with disabilities face numerous challenges, including abuse from their spouses.

This underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the specific needs and concerns of women with disabilities.

The commemoration of Disability Rights Awareness Month in Malawi began in 2015 through a partnership between the Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (FEDOMA) and the Government of Malawi.

The month-long celebration, which runs from November 3rd to December 3rd, aims to promote the rights of people with disabilities and create an inclusive society for all.

The theme for the United Nations’ International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPwD) in 2024 is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.

This theme highlights the importance of people with disabilities as leaders who can make the world a fairer place for everyone.