Inclusive approaches key to amplifying voices of women with disabilities in policymaking

By Sihlobo Bulala

Disability activists advocating for inclusive participation in policy making have highlighted that women with disabilities are one of the community groups most impacted by inadequate social and economic policies, yet they are often underrepresented in policy making platforms.

During a recent online discussion conducted by the Women’s Democracy Network (WDN), which sought to unpack experiences of women with disabilities in policy making, guest speakers highlighted that there are various challenges limiting participation of women with disabilities in decision-making processes. These include, stereotyping and stigma, lack of disability friendly platforms, and lack of communication friendly platforms.

Speaking during the discussion, Nokutenda F S Muzuva, a disability activist and development practitioner highlighted that stigma and stereotypes existing within communities often lead to low self-esteem among women with disabilities.

“There is lack of self-esteem and confidence. When opportunities are presented to us, we feel like we cannot do it because there’s need to seek permission from the society,” said Muzuva.

A recent study, conducted by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ), on the State of Women in Zimbabwe also mentions the prevalence of social and cultural stigma which promote stereotypes of incapability as another factor limiting participation of women with disabilities in leadership, and education.

The guests applauded women’s organizations, and organizations formed by women with disabilities who are opening opportunities for other women, empowering them to stand for themselves. However, as lobbying and advocacy is being done, it was highlighted that it is critical for women with disabilities to participate in political processes to boost representation in policy making.

“As women with disabilities, let’s participate in political parties, that’s where we get these opportunities to be part of policy making. If we don’t participate in politics, there is no where we can be included in policy making processes. Most of the policies are being done in the parliament or local authority. Even if you become a feminist but you don’t have a political party where you belong, we won’t be inclined in policy making decisions,” advised Nyasha Chichie Mahwende, Director at Disability Voices Zimbabwe and one of the discussion panelists.

The inclusion of women with disabilities in such platforms was mentioned as a move to ensure that their voices are taken into consideration. More so, capacity building in policy making processes and approaches to inclusivity like feminist initiatives were also mentioned as a strategy that can be used to empower women with disabilities to participate in education, healthcare, and economic development.

“Capacity building is needed so that women with disabilities are able to stand for and to know their rights. In other political parties, we are now happy that the positions for persons with disabilities are now given to persons with disabilities, therefore we encourage women with disabilities to go and take those positions and advocate for our seat in the women’s quota,” Mahwende said.

“There is need to ensure representation of women with disabilities in partnerships because there are some situations where there is misrepresentation. There should be inclusive programming that ensures PWDs have a role to play in programming activities,” Muzuva added.

As advocacy for women with disabilities to be included in the women’s quota and other platforms of decision makers continues, information sharing of what is happening in policy making processes was highlighted as an important component in ensuring active participation.

One of the recommendations that the WCOZ study submits is the need to invest in assistive technologies and digital platforms that cater for communication, learning and economic independence of women with disabilities. Information gaps, especially for women with cognitive, hearing, or visual impairments, which hinder informed decision-making have to be bridged by using tailor-made information products. Such inclusive approaches will align well with what individuals and organizations of persons with disabilities are calling for.

“Creating opportunities for women with disabilities to participate in decision-making processes can promote a more inclusive and equitable society,” advised Muzuva.

In Zimbabwe, disability prevalence stands at an estimated 9.3%, with women experiencing a higher prevalence (10.2%), compared to men (8.4%).