Zambia Agency for Persons Living with Disabilities (ZAPD) has appealed to the government to come up with a specific percentage allocation for women living with disabilities, under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

North Western Provincial Coordinator, Osco Moodoma says that most women living with disabilities in the Province have not fully taken advantage of various opportunities and empowerment programs by the government due to stigma. 

ZANIS reports that Mr Moondoma attributed the lack of participation to the myths and misconceptions surrounding disability, causing most women to live in isolation.

Mr Moondoma explained that some women living with disabilities are not able to seek social services because of stigma.

He called for more affirmative action so that opportunities given to women and girls generally can also be enjoyed by women living with disabilities.

“We will be grateful if the government can give direction to CDF like it has done to Teacher recruitment, where the percentage is specified, as opposed to saying that they should be prioritised in CDF allocation,” Mr Moondoma said.

He also cited the lack of information about government programs among People living with disabilities as one of the causes of low participation in government empowerment programs such as CDF.

He disclosed that despite the awareness initiatives by the local Authorities and stakeholders, most people living with disabilities were not aware of certain programs.

Mr Moodoma emphasised the need for sensitization activities specifically targeting People living with disabilities, adding that the Agency was having interface meetings through various social channels such as WhatsApp.