Innovative Practice 2015 007 Title of Innovative Practice

Innovative Practice 2015: 007 Title of Innovative Practice Enfranchising People with Disabilities in Zimbabwe

Summary of Project This five-year program has sought to secure the inclusion of people with disabilities in Zimbabwe's governance systems by advocating for their accessibility to polling stations and thus enhancing their ability to vote secretly and independently. The programme also aimed at ensuring proportional representation of Pw. Ds in Parliament, other decision making bodies, quota system in employment, lobbying for the creation of a disability ministry and the enactment and implementation of disability legislation. Seven sub-grantees worked in various districts with Jairos Jiri Association (JJA)in Mutoko and Mudzi.

Quote “Overall, the use of the multi-stakeholder innovation with a focus on the rights of people with disabilities contributed greatly to their increased participation in governance systems and other development activities, as well as increased recognition and acceptance of people with disabilities in their communities” W N Ruvere, National Executive Director Organisation: Jairos Jiri Association Country / Region of implementation: Zimbabwe

Facts and Figures Several voter education exercises covered all 29 wards in Mutoko district and the 18 wards in Mudzi district reaching 2 817 Pw. Ds, 750 caregivers and 200 community leaders in Mutoko and 2 400 Pw. Ds, 410 caregivers and 200 community leaders in Mudzi. A 2009 baseline survey revealed that only 0. 01 percent of voters in the 2008 elections were people with disabilities, whereas the number climbed up to 3. 6 percent in the 31 July 2013 harmonised elections. A significant improvement resulting from this governance programme. 5 people with disabilities were candidates during the harmonised elections (2 for parliament, 3 for Ward Councillors) and 174 Pw. Ds (99 males, 75 females) were elevated to positions of authority in various leadership structures and committees in their communities.

Problems targeted The rights of people with disabilities were not explicitly defined in the constitution of Zimbabwe and most sectors of society had no policies that were inclusive of disability. This is because disability, in most sectors of the society, is regarded as a charity issue rather than a development or human rights issue. The Disability Act of 1992, reviewed in 1996, falls short in terms of adequately addressing these rights. The participation of people with disabilities in decision-making processes has been hindered by some restrictions imposed by both physical and attitudinal barriers including inaccessible buildings and the lack of access to useful information.

Solution and Methodology The project aimed at increasing the number of people with disabilities who (1) participate as election observers in the country’s local and national elections. ; (2) cast their votes in local and national elections and (3) stand as candidates in local and national elections. Community involvement was key to the success of the program and led to the establishment of local disability committees. These committees which were trained by Jairos Jiri Association have a crucial role to play, as they are part of the organisation’s phase-out and sustainability strategies.

Outlook and Transferability The governance program was carried out with the maximum involvement of the beneficiaries and concentrated on empowering communities. The program gives room to communities to apply strategies that work in their own situations, and thus, is sufficiently flexible to be transferred to other countries. It is also possible to scale up the program within Zimbabwe, as it would have an even greater impact if the whole country were covered. Costs can be shared among communities to cover workshops, meetings and voter education campaigns as well as information, education and communication materials.

Contact Jairos Jiri Association Mr W N Ruvere jjahq@yoafrica. com 187 Samora Machel Avenue Milton Park Harare, 263 Zimbabwe Tel: 263 772 235 094

People with Disabilities participating at a voter education training workshop for the 2013 Harmonised Elections in Nyamutsahuni Ward, Mutoko District

Chief Mupapa was part of the Local leadership that graced the Chiredzi voter education training workshop for the 2013 Harmonised Elections

Innocent Tevedzai who is physically disabled campaigning to be voted as Ward 10 Councillor in Chivi district in the 2013 harmonised Elections

Men and Women with Disabilities participating at a voter education workshop in Mudzi District for the 2013 harmonised Elections

People with Disabilities together with non disabled people being trained as Election Observers in Mudzi District for the 2013 Harmonised Elections

The Jairos Jiri Association National Executive Director handing over appliances to People with Disabilities in Mudzi District during voter education training workshop for the 2013 Harmonised Elections

Mr Simbi who is physically disabled campaigning to be voted as the Member of Parliament for Mudzi South Constituency during the 2013 Harmonised Elections

Visually impaired women campaigning to be voted as Ward Councillors in their respective wards for the 2013 Harmonised Elections

A man with a disability campaigning to be voted for as Ward Councillor during the 2013 Harmonised Elections

A ramp constructed at one of the polling stations in Mutoko District to improve accessibility by Pw. Ds during the 2013 Harmonised Elections