Nkomwa Foundation Trust Launches Disability Inclusion Awareness Campaign in Matabeleland South

Matabeleland South-based disability organisation, Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT), has embarked on a comprehensive awareness campaign to promote the inclusion of women, youths, and other Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in development processes across both urban and rural communities.

In partnership with Hivos Southern Africa, NFT recently conducted a disability awareness roadshow in Gwanda’s central business district (CBD), with plans to extend these roadshows to business centres in surrounding rural areas. These events also serve as platforms to showcase the talents of PWDs, reinforcing the campaign’s core message of empowerment and inclusion.

The campaign is part of the broader programme titled “Enhancing Meaningful Participation of Women and Youths with Disabilities in Decision-Making Processes,” which seeks to amplify the voices of often marginalized groups within community leadership and development spaces.

NFT’s Executive Director, Mr. Pick Nkomwa, emphasized the campaign’s key messages, including the protection of persons with disabilities, combating sexual and gender-based violence against PWDs, safeguarding their rights, and promoting societal inclusion.

“This initiative has been made possible through the collaboration of vital stakeholders such as Local Government, the Department of Social Development, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Youth, Municipality of Gwanda, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP),” Mr. Nkomwa said. “The roadshows aim to educate communities on disability issues while promoting the active involvement of women and youths with disabilities in development and leadership.”

Funded by the European Union, the programme places traditional and community leaders at the forefront of advocating for PWD inclusion within their jurisdictions. Service providers are also engaged to ensure accountability and the effective delivery of services to PWDs.

According to Mr. Nkomwa, this initiative is expected to catalyse transformative change by empowering rural communities and fostering inclusive growth. He acknowledged that significant gaps remain in integrating PWDs, particularly in rural areas, making the campaign’s focus on women and youths critical given their demographic weight.

“The more we engage communities in dialogue and education on disability issues, the greater the progress we will achieve toward meaningful inclusion,” he concluded.

The ongoing campaign reflects Zimbabwe’s growing commitment to building a society that embraces diversity and equality, ensuring that all members—regardless of physical ability—can contribute to and benefit from national development.