Malawi’s Minister of Gender, Children, Disability, and Social Welfare, Mary Navicha, has called for a stronger national commitment to inclusiveness and fair treatment of persons with disabilities, stressing that Malawi cannot achieve meaningful development if any group is left behind.
She made the remarks on Wednesday at Kabira Community Ground in Embangweni, Mzimba, during this year’s commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The event, held under the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” also marked the end of the 30 Days of Disability Awareness Month, which began on November 3.
In her address, the minister said the theme carries both a message of hope and a call to responsibility, reminding communities that disability should never determine a person’s opportunities.
“We need to promote inclusiveness in our societies so that persons with disabilities can access education, banks, employment, and other social services she said.
“This can be achieved by ensuring accessible structures for people with mobility challenges. We therefore need to construct infrastructure that accommodates persons with disabilities”.
She said Navicha further announced that government has directed all institutions and owners of public buildings to modify their structures to guarantee accessibility for persons with disabilities.
She indicated that the deadline for compliance is 2029.
“Those who fail to comply will face the law,” she warned.
She also commended organizations that support persons with disabilities through investigations, advocacy, and resource provision, and assured stakeholders that government remains committed to strengthening collaborations with both local and international partners to advance disability rights and service delivery.
Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi (FEDOMA) Board Chairperson, Mapopa Shaba, urged government to translate its commitments into action by fully implementing policies that protect persons with disabilities.
He emphasized the importance of sign language in promoting inclusive access to services.
“The ministry should ensure that sign language is introduced in all institutions. We must also ensure that there are no barriers for persons with disabilities when accessing social services,” Shaba said.
Speaking on behalf of all the non governmental organization, Remmie Kamanga, of Mzuzu Diocese, Education Coordinator said this year’s theme should remind all Malawians that disability inclusion begins at community level.
He commended the ministry for strengthening its collaboration with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, saying the partnership will enhance the protection and promotion of disability rights in the country.
Traditional Authority Mzukuzuku also welcomed the government’s efforts, urging both communities and authorities to expand education and welfare support for persons with disabilities.
“I urge caregivers and the government to provide persons with disabilities with more education and welfare support to ensure equality and inclusiveness in society,” he said.
As part of the commemorations, Navicha visited Embangweni Primary School for the Deaf, where she donated maize flour to the learners.
The annual observance aims to raise awareness on disability issues and promote the full participation of persons with disabilities in social, economic, and political life.
