Zambia Launches National Disability Inclusion Campaign with ILO and UN Support

In a significant stride toward inclusive national development, Zambia has officially launched a national sensitisation campaign aimed at empowering Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to understand, engage with, and implement disability inclusion policies. Backed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Global Disability Fund (UNGDF), the campaign seeks to translate policy commitments into practical outcomes for Zambia’s disability community.

Official Launch in Mongu Brings Together Over 60 OPDs

The campaign was inaugurated in Mongu District, Western Province, through a comprehensive two-day workshop held from 4 to 5 August 2025 at Mongu’s Country Lodge. More than 60 OPDs participated, reflecting a strong grassroots commitment to advancing disability rights and inclusion.

Organized and facilitated by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), the event received technical and financial backing from the ILO—a signal of deepening cooperation between national stakeholders and international development agencies.

Policy Engagement as a Path to Empowerment

Ms. Florence Banda, Acting Principal Planner at MCDSS, emphasized that the campaign is about more than just disseminating information—it’s about transforming lives.

“We need to work together as partners in national development. Disseminating these policies is not just about sharing information—it’s about changing lives,” she stated. “We hope OPDs will sensitise their members so they understand their rights and can hold leaders accountable.”

Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Inger Mutenekwa, Director for Planning and Programmes at ZAPD, underscored the importance of moving from awareness to implementation.

“We are committed to ensuring these policies are not only understood but actively used to improve service delivery and inclusion. Thanks to the ILO and UNGDF for supporting this important work.”

The workshop focused on Zambia’s National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, offering participants a deep dive into the policy’s legal framework, strategic goals, and mechanisms for accountability and inclusion.

Building Capacity Through Dialogue and Training

One of the campaign’s core strengths is its emphasis on active dialogue between civil society and government institutions. According to Mr. Mwiya Muya, ILO Social Protection National Project Coordinator, the Mongu workshop fostered meaningful engagement between OPDs and officials.

“The workshop created space for open dialogue between OPDs and government representatives. OPDs were not only trained on what the law says—they were empowered to hold duty-bearers accountable,” he explained.

This approach strengthens not only the knowledge base of participants but also builds confidence in engaging with duty-bearers at various levels of government.

Local Leadership Calls for Informed Advocacy

Mr. Simona Mubiana, ZAPD’s Western Province Assistant Coordinator, stressed the necessity of equipping OPDs with a clear understanding of the legal tools available to them.

“It’s vital that persons with disabilities understand these policies so they can fully participate in national development.”

This was echoed by Mr. Moses Chubili, Partnerships and Coordination Associate for Disability Inclusion at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, who reinforced the importance of collaborative effort:

“This is a shared responsibility. We must work together—government, civil society, and communities—to ensure no one is left behind.”

Turning Policy into Reality

The sensitisation campaign arrives at a crucial moment for Zambia, as the country strives to realize the full potential of its National Policy on Persons with Disabilities, originally developed to align with international human rights frameworks, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

By equipping OPDs and community stakeholders with practical tools, legal knowledge, and advocacy skills, the campaign aims to ensure that disability inclusion is not only a national policy goal but a lived reality across all sectors—from healthcare and education to employment and governance.

Looking Ahead: Nationwide Momentum for Change

Following the successful Mongu launch, similar workshops and sensitisation activities are expected to roll out across other provinces, creating a nationwide network of empowered OPDs capable of advocating for their communities and collaborating with institutions to implement inclusive development practices.

This campaign is emblematic of Zambia’s growing commitment to inclusive governance, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not only protected by law but are active agents in shaping their future.