PLWDs call for safe public spaces

DISABLED youths in Gweru have called for disability friendly infrastructure in public spaces such as hospitals and the courts.

The youths made the call during commemorations of the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities that were held at the Civic Centre in Gweru recently.

Gweru Youths Living with Disabilities chairperson Ms Nyasha Mahwende said they would continue to demand their constitutional right to safety.

“As we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we want Government to strengthen our access to health and judicial services. These are our major concerns. We are also facing challenges in accessing drugs because they are now sold in United States dollars,” she said.

Ms Mahwende said people living with disability were also vulnerable to abuse and gender based violence.

“It is sad to note that some people out there still believe in the myth that sleeping with a disabled girl child brings luck. We have a number of young people living with disabilities who are being abused and in some cases the cases just go unreported. As we commemorate our day let us open up on these abuses so that the perpetrators can be brought to book.”

She called on parents of children with disabilities to support and motivate their children.

“They have special skills which need to be nurtured. Therefore, I urge you to love and treat your children in the same way as their able-bodied counterparts,” she said.

Ms Mahwende expressed disappointment that some parents in the rural areas were still hiding their children because they are disabled.

“Earlier this year, we held a community awareness show in Chiundura and we learnt that there are many children living with disability who are kept away from society. I call upon traditional leaders to assist in identifying such cases and report them to the Department of Social Welfare.”

Meanwhile, Gweru Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe, who was guest of honour at the event, promised to set up a disability desk at the Gweru City Council.

He said they also wanted to make it mandatory for that plans for public buildings to have facilities that cater for the disabled.