FODPZ-Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe.

27/04/2026

FODPZ represented by the Disability Inclusion Specialist Ms.Elisa Ravengai
is at King Solomon Hotel in Kwekwe, attending a two-day workshop led by FACT Zimbabwe in partnership with GIZ under the Backup Health Programme. The workshop focuses on Global Health Financing and the need for a more coordinated community health approach.
In today’s session, discussions centered on health financing and social contracting, with emphasis on the important role that civil society organizations such as CWGH, ZAN, and NANGO play in strengthening health systems. Key issues raised included challenges in budget ex*****on, particularly the gaps between allocated funds and what is actually disbursed.
Participants also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability, especially the importance of providing feedback to communities and CSOs on how resources are being used. There was strong emphasis on inclusion, ensuring that marginalized groups are not left behind, and on strengthening community engagement mechanisms.
The session further stressed the importance of improved coordination between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance to address financing bottlenecks.
Moving forward, there is a clear call for government to share health financing reports and explain budget discrepancies to CSOs and communities to enhance trust and accountability. NANGO

24/04/2026

Excited to have FODPZ participate at the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF 2026), in partnership with the Department of Civil Protection, highlighting the critical importance of disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction.
Represented by the Bulawayo Provincial Committee, Chairperson Ms. Sukuluhle Mhlanga and Vice Chairperson Mr. Jonanne Marufu. The Team proudly shared insights on how persons with disabilities must be actively involved in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Persons with disabilities are often disproportionately affected by disasters due to inaccessible evacuation routes, shelters, and emergency services. Around 71% lack individual disaster preparedness plans, and many face barriers in accessing disaster-related information. Exclusion from planning increases vulnerability, mortality, and limits recovery.
Disability-inclusive DRR is not optional,it is essential. It ensures:
• Enhanced Preparedness: Strategies sensitive to disability needs.
• Promoting Resilience: A culture of preparedness for all.
• Supporting Humanitarian Efforts: No one left behind in emergencies.
• Building Trust & Respect: Inclusion strengthens disaster management success.
• Meeting International Obligations: Aligns with the Sendai Framework and UNCRPD.
This aligns perfectly with the ZITF 2026 theme, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries”, which emphasizes resilience and integration. By embedding disability inclusion into disaster risk reduction, Zimbabwe strengthens its communities, industries, and humanitarian systems making them more competitive and sustainable.
“Disasters don’t discriminate, but systems often do. At , FODPZ and the Department of Civil Protection are championing disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction because resilience must be for everyone.” MARUFU Mhlanga

02/04/2026

NANGO United Nations Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare



The Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ) Statement on World Autism Awareness - 2 APRIL 2026.

On this World Autism Awareness Day 2026, commemorated under the theme “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value”, the Federation reaffirms its overall goal: to achieve equalization of opportunities and the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe.

This theme resonates with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), particularly:

• ​Article 3: Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy, and inclusion.

• ​Article 7: Protection of the rights of children with disabilities.

• ​Article 24: Equal access to education.

It also aligns with the African Disability Protocol (ADP), which emphasizes accessibility, participation, and protection against stigma, ensuring that persons with autism are recognized as equal members of society.

In Zimbabwe, the National Disability Policy (2021) and the Persons with Disabilities Act (2025) provide a strong foundation for inclusion. These frameworks mandate equality in education, healthcare, employment, and community participation, ensuring that persons with autism are not left behind.

The theme also supports the National Development Strategy 1 & 2 (NDS1/NDS2), which envision an inclusive, empowered society, and directly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• ​SDG 3: Good health and well-being.

• ​SDG 4: Quality education.

• ​SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth.

• ​SDG 10: Reduced inequalities.

This commemoration is strengthened by the Rights in Action (RIA) Project (2025–2026), a transformative OPD-led initiative funded by Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and facilitated by Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Global in partnership with the African Disability Forum (ADF), Inclusion Africa (IA), Zimbabwe National Association for Mental Health (ZIMNAMH), and OPDs including Epilepsy Support Foundation (ESF), Deaf Women Included (DWI), Zimbabwe Down Syndrome Association (ZDSA), National Association for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities (NAPPD), Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association (ZPHCA), and Zimbabwe National Association for the Deaf (ZIMNAD). Through RIA, FODPZ and partners amplify persons with autism voices, challenge stigma, and advocate for rights-based inclusion in Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

FODPZ commends the Government of Zimbabwe for its progressive steps in advancing disability inclusion. The enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act (2025) provides a strong legal framework for protecting rights and promoting equality. Zimbabwe’s ratification of the African Disability Protocol (ADP) demonstrates regional leadership and commitment to harmonizing disability rights with African values. Together with the National Disability Policy (2021), these milestones reflect the government’s dedication to building an inclusive society where persons with autism and all persons with disabilities can thrive.

As Nelson Mandela reminded us: “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” And Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai inspires us: “We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.”These words compel us to ensure that persons with autism’ voices are heard, valued, and respected.

Call to Action

• ​Government: Fully implement the Persons with Disabilities Act and mainstream autism inclusion across all sectors.

• ​Communities: Celebrate diversity, challenge stigma, and promote acceptance.

• ​International Partners: Continue supporting OPD-led initiatives like RIA to strengthen advocacy and inclusion.

• ​Families and OPDs: Work collectively to ensure persons with autism access education, healthcare, employment, and community life.

FODPZ stands united with persons with autism, their families, and OPDs across Zimbabwe and beyond. Every life has value, every voice matters, and inclusion is the path to humanity and justice.

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26/03/2026

International Purple Day Commemorations, Rights In Action Consortium partners Epilepsy Support Foundation and Zimbabwe National Mental Health Association (ZIMNAMH) leveraged on the EPAM Stakeholder engagement to raise awareness on epilepsy as a disability, access to medication for persons with epilepsy and other neurological conditions.The discussions touched about how stigma and misconceptions impact on the access to medicines for persons with epilepsy and if these medicines are accessible and affordable. . NANGO United NationsRights in Action is a transformative OPD led, disability-rights advocacy project funded by Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and facilitated by Christian Blind Mission (CBM Global) in partnership with the African Disability Forum (ADF), the Federation of Organisations of Disabled Persons in Zimbabwe (FODPZ), Inclusion Africa (IA), Zimbabwe National Mental Health Association (ZIMNAMH), and OPDs in Zimbabwe which are Epilepsy Support Foundation (ESF), Deaf Women Included (DWI), Zimbabwe Down Syndrome Association (ZDSA), National Association for Psychosocial Disabilities (NAPPD), Zimbabwe Parents of the Handicapped Association (ZPHCA), and Zimbabwe National Association for the Deaf (ZIMNAD).The project is being implemented from 2025 to 2026 in Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

26/03/2026

FODPZ STATEMENT: WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY - shared on 21 MARCH 2026 during commemorations by Zimbabwe Down Syndrome Association (ZDSA) in Bulawayo.

The Federation of Organizations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ) joins the global community in commemorating World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March 2026. This is the United Nations-recognized international day dedicated to raising awareness about Down syndrome and promoting the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with Down syndrome.
The 2026 global theme for World Down Syndrome Day is “Together Against Loneliness.” The theme highlights the reality that many persons with Down syndrome experience loneliness and social isolation due to stigma, exclusion, and limited opportunities to participate fully in community life. The theme calls upon everyone, everywhere, families, communities, and institutions to promote meaningful inclusion and stronger social connections where persons with intellectual disabilities can also belong and thrive.
World Down Syndrome Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the unique abilities, achievements, and contributions of persons with Down syndrome while also addressing the barriers they continue to face in areas such as education, employment, health services, and participation in community life.
FODPZ reaffirms its commitment to advancing the rights of persons with Down syndrome in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which calls for the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society on an equal basis with others. At national level, the Persons with Disabilities Act, the Education Amendment Act of 2020, and the National Disability Policy provide important frameworks for promoting equality, accessibility, and inclusion for persons with disabilities, including persons with Down syndrome.
On this World Down Syndrome Day, FODPZ calls upon governments, communities, educators, employers, and civil society to:
* Promote inclusive education and social participation for persons with Down syndrome;
* Create opportunities that strengthen friendships, belonging, and community connections;
* Challenge stigma, discrimination, and stereotypes associated with Down syndrome;
* Ensure that persons with Down syndrome are included in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
As we commemorate World Down Syndrome Day 2026, let us work together to build inclusive communities where persons with Down syndrome feel valued, connected, and supported.

, we can achieve more.
# “Together Against Loneliness.”

21/03/2026

The Federation of Organizations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ) is pleased to have participated in a Training of Trainers (ToT) on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR), as well as a training on Monitoring Inclusive Early Warning Systems (EWS), held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

These trainings aimed to strengthen the capacity of Umbrella Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Zimbabwe and Zambia to effectively advance inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate resilience initiatives. This is within the framework of the regional DiDRR project being implemented in partnership with SAFOD, CBM International and REPSSI.

FODPZ remains committed to promoting inclusive approaches that ensure persons with disabilities are fully integrated into disaster preparedness, response, and resilience-building efforts.Snippets of the activity. @@

18/03/2026

Last week, during the Embassy of Sweden delegation visit to Masvingo Province, Chivi District, the team had the opportunity to observe a powerful peer-to-peer dialogue session led by persons with disabilities on Family Planning and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

The dialogue highlighted the importance of inclusive, community-led conversations in breaking barriers and improving access to SRHR information and services for persons with disabilities.

This engagement was conducted within the framework of the Access, Choice and Equity (ACE) Project, implemented by the Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ) in partnership with Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe, with technical funding support from the Embassy of Sweden.

Together, we are advancing inclusion, dignity, and informed choice for all.

09/03/2026

STATEMENT: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – 8 MARCH 2026
(with a focus on Women with Disabilities)
Federation of Organizations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ) joins the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements, resilience, leadership and contributions of women around the world.
This year, the global theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Rights, Justice, Action.” This theme challenges governments, communities, and partners to amplify the voices of women and girls in shaping their full inclusion, rights, safety, opportunities, and participation in all spheres of life, from education and employment to leadership and decision-making.
A parallel, independent campaign theme for 2026 is “Give to Gain,” emphasizing collaboration, supporting women, and fostering empowerment. "Give to Gain" Campaign: focuses on giving back to women, promoting mentorship, and supporting gender-focused organizations. When we give, we gain.
“Together, let's help forge gender equality through abundant giving.
The IWD 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.
Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women's advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.
What will you Give to Gain gender equality?”
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme


As FODPZ, we take this opportunity to celebrate the resilience of women with disabilities, who often face multiple layers of discrimination based on gender and disability. Despite their immense strength and contributions, many women with disabilities suffer in silence, they experience persistent barriers ranging from limited access to education, economic opportunities, health care, reproductive health services, social protection, to lack of safety from gender-based violence.
Women with disabilities are not monolith. They are mothers, leaders, innovators, workers, advocates and changemakers. Yet they continue to be underrepresented in leadership, excluded from many mainstream gender-focused policies and overlooked in development planning. Hence, the theme seeks to interrogate the justice system if it is truly just to all people.
FODPZ remains committed to advancing the rights and dignity of women with disabilities in line with key commitments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which call for the elimination of discrimination and full participation of women with disabilities in all areas of life.
On this International Women’s Day 2026, FODPZ implores government, civil society, communities and partners to provide:
• inclusive quality education that empowers girls with disabilities to speak out;
• economic empowerment by supporting skills development, entrepreneurship, decent work, and financial inclusion for women with disabilities;
• accessible health and reproductive services that respect autonomy, dignity, free and informed choices;
• protection from gender-based violence through inclusive policies, reporting mechanisms, and support services;
• gender equal and disability-inclusive leadership and decision-making at community, institutional, and national levels.
• Laws and policies that protect women and girls from violence, discrimination, and exploitation.
• Courts that believe ALL women and girls and end impunity.
• Legal aid that women and girls can access and afford.
• Support to recover when rights are violated.
Let us ensure that the ambition of “Rights, Justice, Action” truly embraces all women (rural and urban) including women with disabilities whose voices and contributions strengthen our families, our communities, and our nation.
Let us foster gender equality by promoting transformative justice, human rights and accelerating action oriented solutions in order to build a just, equitable and inclusive society.
“Without justice, rights are just words.” With justice, rights become power. (United Nations)
Happy International Women’s Day 2026!

What's the International Women's Day 2026 theme? IWD 2026 theme is Give To Gain. Join the IWD 2026 Give To Gain campaign

05/03/2026

Today, the FODPZ and ZIMNAMH are convening a Governance Training Workshop under the Rights in Action (RIA) Project.

The two-day workshop brings together leaders of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) participating in the RIA Project which are ESF, ZDSA ,ZPHCA, DWI, ZIMNAD and NAPPD to strengthen governance, leadership, accountability, and conflict resolution skills.

Funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and facilitated by CBM Global in partnership with the African Disability Forum, the Rights in Action project is empowering OPDs to become strong, sustainable, and effective advocates for disability rights.

Together we are strengthening leadership to ensure inclusive and accountable disability movements. Deaf Women Included

24/02/2026

📢 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 (𝗬𝗥𝗔) 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲!
Are you a young person aged 18–25 in Zimbabwe who is passionate about improving the health and well-being of young people?

The 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 (𝗬𝗥𝗔) 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 is offering an exciting opportunity to build your research skills in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH).
This is an exciting opportunity to:
✅ Participate in a residential training in Harare
✅ Gain hands-on mentorship in Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH) research
✅ Conduct your own research project
✅ Receive a stipend during the programme

📅 Training & research period: March – September 2026
Application deadline: 26 February 2026

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dNaux3sW
📩 For more information: moira.majaha@lshtm.ac.uk

24/02/2026

FODPZ at Mazowe participating in the development of the Zimbabwe Civil Society Organization (CSO) Priority Charter for the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (GC8) at Mazowe Hotel (Hybrid Meeting).

The workshop brought together government, civil society, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and define community priorities in the national response to HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

Discussions focused on unity, evidence-based advocacy, accountability to communities, and aligning civil society priorities with national and global health strategies to ensure inclusive and impactful health interventions. fans

20/02/2026

Annual national OPD learning sharing event

Theme: Stories That Spark Action: Learning, Connecting, and Leading Change Together
Within the Framework of the Rights In Action Project .Rights in Action is a transformative OPD led, disability-rights advocacy project funded by Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and facilitated by Christian Blind Mission (CBM Global) in partnership with the African Disability Forum (ADF), the Federation of Organisations of Disabled Persons in Zimbabwe (FODPZ), Inclusion Africa (IA), Zimbabwe National Mental Health Association (ZIMNAMH), and OPDs in Zimbabwe which are Epilepsy Support Foundation (ESF), Deaf Women Included (DWI), Zimbabwe Down Syndrome Association (ZDSA), National Association for Psychosocial Disabilities (NAPPD), Zimbabwe Parents of the Handicapped Association (ZPHCA), and Zimbabwe National Association for the Deaf (ZIMNAD).The project is being implemented from 2025 to 2026 in Zimbabwe and Nigeria.