FODPZ-Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe.

11/02/2026

FODPZ STATEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL EPILEPSY DAY 2026
Federation of Organizations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ) joins the global community in observing International Epilepsy Day on 9 February 2026. This annual awareness day, led by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), highlights the experiences of persons with epilepsy and calls for greater understanding, inclusion, support, and access to care.
This year’s campaign focuses on the art of possibility and the theme is,’ Turning Stories into Action’. This theme is a reminder on the need to practically take action by individuals, families, communities and society at large in advancing the cause of persons with epilepsy. Key to that is understanding, connection with and creation of a dignified and compassionate world for persons with epilepsy where they are fully seen, valued, and supported. The global campaign emphasis is spearheaded by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). The 2026 focus centers on the “Epilepsy Pledge”, which encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to commit to at least one practical action during the year to improve awareness, safety, inclusion, and understanding of epilepsy. This campaign emphasis is outlined on the official International Epilepsy Day platform and IBE campaign materials.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects millions of people globally. International Epilepsy Day provides a platform to challenge myths and stigma, promote accurate information, and encourage communities, schools, and workplaces to create environments where persons with epilepsy are included and respected. FODPZ stands in solidarity with warriors who have survived epilepsy amidst social stigma, discrimination and marginalization which still remain.
The International Epilepsy Day is celebrated on the second Monday of February every year. Today and every day, we are reminded that awareness must be paired with action from improving access to health services and education to ensuring safe and supportive spaces for persons with epilepsy and their families. Let us pledge to learn, support, and act in ways that make our communities more understanding and inclusive.
Happy International Epilepsy Day!
of Possibility!
Awareness!
and Inclusion!
education, safety and support!
and respect!
Support Foundation

05/02/2026

FODPZ, in partnership with WLSA and PSZ, held a Harare consultative meeting with women with disabilities to integrate their voices into maternal health and sexual reproductive health rights services. Participants shared overwhelming testimonies, highlighting both positive and negative experiences with health workers.

30/01/2026

FODPZ interacted with women with disabilities in Gweru to explore their experiences with on FP and sexual reproductive health rights services. The discussion aimed to integrate their voices and priorities into PSZ's SRHR programming and strengthen the disability-inclusive approach of the Access, Choice and Equity (ACE) project.

28/01/2026

Today in Bulawayo and Mutare, we’re proud to partner with WLSA to conduct data-mining on women with disabilities and their maternal health experiences- a step toward advocating for more inclusive and equitable healthcare. Snippets of Mutare:

28/01/2026

Children of Deaf Adults


Dear CODA International Members,
2026 Millie Brother Scholarship Applications Open
Are you a Coda pursuing your undergraduate education – or do you know one? The CODA International Millie Brother Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for our annual award, from 1 January 2026 to 28 February 2026. The scholarship awards up to $3,000 toward academic costs for several students across the world each year. Apply here or help us spread the word!: https://codainternational.knack.com/scholarships

Want to get more involved? The scholarship committee relies on volunteers to help evaluate applicants for our annual award. The time commitment is a few hours spread over a few weeks, and past reviewers would say the process is extremely rewarding. You’ll get a close look at how Codas across the world are changing their communities. If you are interested in joining our pool of reviewers, please sign up at this link: https://codainternational.knack.com/scholarships -reviewer-sign-up/

Millie Brother Scholarship Committee

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@followersn@topfansoDeaf Women IncludediDeaf Zimbabwe Trust

15/01/2026

Call for Proposals for Responsible Parties: Advancing women’s participation in governance, peace & security in Zimbabwe II Project

Submission deadline: 23 January 2026

UN Women Zimbabwe seeks to engage Non-Governmental Organizations to support the implementation of activities under the Governance and Peacebuilding portfolio. Under the frame of the project, work undertaken will contribute towards women's political participation, governance, and movement building to realise an environment for women’s full, equal, and meaningful leadership where women can lead, influence, and participate in national development processes as well as foster peace and social cohesion.

Link: https://africa.unwomen.org/en/programme-implementation/2026/01/call-for-proposals-for-responsible-parties-advancing-womens-participation-in-governance-peace-security-in-zimbabwe-ii

15/01/2026

16/12/2025

16/12/2025

Strengthening Disability Advocacy Through Joint Action

FODPZ, co-facilitating with ZIMNAMH under the Rights in Action (RiA) initiative in partnership with CBM Global, is currently implementing a joint advocacy and awareness process with under-represented Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Zimbabwe and key allies (CSO) which include WCOZ and Youth Advocates

Together with RIA participating partners (ZIMNAD,ZPHCA,ZDSA,ESF, DWI and NAPPD):
- Co-creating intersectional advocacy and awareness strategies - - -- Identifying shared advocacy priorities through research, policy analysis and tracking disability inclusion commitments
- Convening a stakeholders’ forum to build trust, strengthen collaboration, and agree on collective advocacy actions

This work strengthens the capacity of OPDs and their members including women and under-represented groups—to meaningfully participate in decision-making and influence policy change, in line with the African Disability Protocol, UNCRPD and the SDGs.

Nothing about us, without us.

10/12/2025

Our NEC Vice Chairperson, Mr. Kadzviti, is participating in the economic empowerment workshop, we are implementing in partnership with Sightsavers in Bulawayo. Thirty-three participants are being trained to pitch their business projects. On Friday, all participants will present their projects, and the best presenter with a strong business plan will receive a cash prize

10/12/2025

Disability Inclusion Specialist, Ms. Elisa Ravengai, delivered a powerful and inspiring speech during the IDPD commemorations at Chitepo Primary School in Chipinge.

She emphasized the importance of meaningful inclusion, calling for action beyond symbolic gestures. "Inclusion must be felt in policies, in access, and in everyday life — not just in words," she said, urging stakeholders to commit to building communities where persons with disabilities are fully seen, heard, and valued. ravengai

Her message resonated deeply with the audience, setting the tone for a day rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and unity.

09/12/2025

FODPZ is currently in Guruve for the RAD-P project, where the National Director of FODPZ presented an overview of the Africa Disability Protocol to persons with disabilities. He also emphasized the importance of Persons with Disabilities Act and urged participants to familiarise themselves with the newly amended Act introduced this year.