By Kelvin Kasiwulaya
In an era that emphasizes diversity, equality, and inclusion, the absence of representation for people with disabilities (PWDs) in local authorities is still a sad reality.
There is staggering low representation of (PWDs) within the nation’s local authorities and in some cases very few or no PWDs contested for local authority positions in the recently held 2023 Zimbabwean plebiscite.
Discussions with potential PWD candidates revealed that limited resources played a significant role in their decision not to contest. Financial restraints, lack of campaign support and inadequate networks have made it difficult for aspiring PWD candidates to compete or gain visibility during the election campaigns.
For years, PWDs have faced numerous challenges due to the lack of representation.
Shurugwi Association For People With Disabilities (SAPD), Executive Director Mr Addwell Mahobe points out the numerous challenges that arise, due to the lack of representation of PWDS’ in local authorities.
He emphasized that, without PWDs present in local authorities, their perspectives and concerns are overlooked, leaving them unheard and powerless.
Mahobe says this lack of representation ultimately denies them the opportunities and support necessary for their economic advancement.
“PWD vendors, who form a crucial part of the local economy, face a distressing lack of respect and recognition. Without anyone advocating for their rights and needs, they find themselves continually pushed out of vending places, effectively excluding them from the economic activities of their localities,”
“The lack of representation also impacts the allocation of vending spaces, residential stands, and adherence to disability policies, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the disabled community,” explained Mahobe.
Adding on, Mahobe says there is an information gap that continues to hinder PWDs from advocating for their rights and access vital services.
“Nothing happens, whether positive or negative, within the disability sector reaches the wider disability community,” Mahobe added.
Echoing Mahobe’s sentiments, Nyasha Mahwende, a PWD herself and Young Voices Disability Zimbabwe Director emphasized the urgent need for direct representation.
She emphasized that, without PWDs in council positions, policies enacted by the local authorities fail to include their specific needs and concerns.
She says direct representation is paramount in the development of comprehensive policies that guarantee the rights and inclusivity of PWDs.
“Without PWDs in the council, any bylaws enacted are not inclusive and disregard our needs. We need direct representation to ensure that policies reflect our concerns and inclusion in decision-making processes will empower PWDs to advocate for their rights and shape policies that directly address our challenges,” said Mahwende
Data from the United Nations (UN)lends credence to this alarming issue. In a comprehensive analysis of global representation, it is evident that PWDs are vastly underrepresented in councils and governments worldwide.
According to UN, only 3% of African governments have any representation of PWDs in positions of power, leaving this marginalized group voiceless and their needs unaddressed.
The statistics reveal that only a minuscule percentage of government positions are held by individuals with disabilities, perpetuating the cycle of marginalization and exclusion.
Futhermore,the United Nations has repeatedly emphasized the importance of disabled representation in government bodies.
The international body notes that, it is critical for governments to reflect the diversity of society to ensure inclusive policies and decision-making processes.
Closer to home, The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) emphasized on the urgent need for the domestication of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
In their 2020 position paper on Participation of People with Disabilities in Elections , ZESN highlighted that domesticating the UNCRPD would provide a platform for the comprehensive participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in political processes. This recommendation aligns with Article 29 of the UNCRPD, which focuses on promoting PWDs’ participation in political and public life.
“The UNCRPD should be domesticated urgently as this will provide an avenue for holistic participation and inclusion of PWDs political processes in line with Article 29 on participation in political and public life,” noted ZESN in their position paper.
In addition, ZESN stressed the importance of PWDs’ representation in parastatals and constitutional commissions.
However, ZESN acknowledges that the effectiveness of quotas in achieving this might be controversial and calls for a cautious approach.
ZESN argues that, token inclusion may perpetuate stigmatization and that unconscious biases and stereotypes within individuals and organizations need to be addressed through external shocks. ZESN suggests that a quota of less than 10% for PWDs is unlikely to bring about significant positive change and may instead elicit negative reactions.
“Measures should be taken to ensure PWDs’ representation in parastatals and constitutional commissions.
“PWDs tend to take a rather cautious approach to quotas and research on quotas 11 reveal that despite a number of benefits, quotas have remained shrouded in controversy about their expected benefits and potential pitfalls; token inclusion might increase stigmatisation; unconscious biases and stereotypes are deeply embedded in individuals and organizational systems, and it is unrealistic to expect that these will disappear without an abrupt external shock; and quota of 10% PWDs or less is unlikely to perpetuate any positive change and will instead incur negative reactions,” noted the independent electoral watchdog
ZESN further urged political parties to incorporate PWDs into their organizational structures. By so doing, political parties would not only facilitate the active involvement of PWDs in political activities but also enhance their opportunities to run for office as election candidates and party agents.
However, Mahobe, argues that the creation of uncontested seats for PWD councillors in every local council will ensure much-needed representation.
He also stresses the necessity of sensitizing council workers and councillors on disability issues and enforcing disability policies within the councils.
“The implementation of disability-aligned bylaws to protect the rights and improve the lives of PWDs in the Midlands. Government must introduce a quota system to reserve seats for PWD councillors from the disability community,
“This uncontested representation would enable PWDs to hold councils accountable, enforce disability policies, and ensure the council’s bylaws align with the needs and rights of PWDs. Sensitization initiatives must also be implemented to educate local council workers and councillors about the issues faced by PWDs, advocating for their rights and needs,” said Mahobe
The lack of PWD representation in government is not limited to Zimbabwe; rather, it plagues the entire African continent. Despite some progress in certain regions, Africa as a whole struggles to prioritize the inclusion of PWDs in government structures.