“In conversations that matter, often there is no one in the room representing our interests and perspectives.“
▲ Tsepang Nare
UNDP Zimbabwe Annual Report
2024 in Review

Margins to Mainstream

With one in every ten people in Zimbabwe having an impairment, Persons with Disabilities are a significant part of the population whose interests must be prioritised in national processes, including decision-making, leadership, and policy formulation—an urgent cause we are committed to advancing.
Tsepang Thembani Nare
Disability Activist
National decisions must involve persons with disabilities, as they provide first-hand insights to identify gaps and represent the diverse interests of their community.
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To support this, we created a platform for Tsepang and other representatives to actively contribute to key national processes, including the SDG National Voluntary Review, the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2025 National Budget Consultations, and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Consultation with Organisations of People with Disabilities.
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The impact? Progressive policies, reports, and tools that lay the foundation for true inclusion. For instance, their contributions were instrumental in the development of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s Disability Inclusion Policy.
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persons with disabilities supported to participate and share their view on national development and legislative processes
Laizah Chourombo
Acting Director in the Department of Disability Affairs
While the participation of Persons with Disabilities in critical processes is a vital step, sustained and meaningful inclusion requires more. We are collaborating with advocates like Laizah and the Department of Disability Affairs to equip duty bearers with the knowledge and skills to integrate disability inclusion into their decision-making.

To date, we have supported the development of frameworks, guidelines, and practical tools that promote disability inclusion across public and political spheres, access to justice, and essential services. These efforts ensure that no one is left behind in Zimbabwe’s development journey.
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duty bearers equipped with vital skills and knowledge on disabilit-inclusive service delivery and inclusive practices
Frameworks, Tools and Policies we have supported:
  • Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Disability Inclusion Policy
  • Judicial Services Commission Disability Inclusion Module
  • Public Service Commission Guidelines on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities
  • Guide on Disability-Inclusive State Party Reporting
  • National Action Plan on Implementation of Disability-related recommendations from the Human Rights Mechanisms.
Zimbabwe Government coat of arms
Green Climate Fund logo
Our work on water and energy for climate adaptation in Binga District is supported by funding from the British Embassy, and implemented together with the Government of Zimbabwe.