Lizzie

Lizzie is the executive director of the National Council of Disabled Persons in Zimbabwe. The council works with people with various disabilities in the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe, fighting for their rights and economic empowerment.

“Our organisation, the National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe, was formed in 1975, so many years ago. It is almost my age. It was formed to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. And even now, we are still advocating for our rights.

“These days, sexual and reproductive health rights are an issue for our young girls and women. We have a programme called My Body, My Future, for young people aged 12 to 24, so that they know their rights, get adequate information and get the services they deserve.

“There are strict norms in Zimbabwe. It’s thought that if you have a disability, you are non-marriageable, you are asexual, or you are just useless. But it is not like that. One might have a disability, but sexual feelings are there.

“It is very difficult for women with disabilities and young people, in terms of getting married, getting a job and participating in developmental activities. One has to be very, very strong to assimilate and be involved. One has to make people understand and know them. People with disabilities are part of Zimbabwe and we need to be involved in all development activities so that we overcome the barriers we face.

“Few people my age have been to school. So now, we are trying to encourage young people to go to school and look for funding. We are also referring them to the Department of Social Welfare to support their educational journey. Now we have a number of young people with disabilities who have reached the university level, which is very encouraging.

“I strongly believe that education is the best inheritance you can give to a person with a disability. Then they can face barriers head-on because they have a bit of knowledge and understand some of the policies. But if they do not have an education, they cannot argue. Knowledge is power.

“I am really happy that now there are many people with disabilities who are very knowledgeable and very eloquent. This is what I wished for.

“When we were doing the Disability Act, several of the organisation’s members participated in discussions. We also have members who are on the board of commissions. Now it’s clear exactly how people with disabilities feel. Self-representation is important.

“There are a lot of achievements. These are small, but to us, they are important. I am very hopeful. I do not want the young people with disabilities to go through what I have gone through. We have to fight for that.”