MACODA on new Disability Act awareness

Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA)on Thursday held a disability rights clinic in Machinga to raise awareness on recently enacted Persons with Disabilities Act of 2024 that ensures a more inclusive environment for social, economic and political inclusion of persons with disabilities.

MACODA Public Relations Officer, Harriet Kachimanga said told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on the sidelines of the awareness campaign at Mpotola Community Ground in the district that there was need for wider public awareness on the Act.

“This effort will help to promote equality, dignity and opportunities for persons with disabilities, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and just society,” she said, adding that the new Act promotes and protects rights of persons with disabilities in Malawi across various sectors.

Group Village Head Mpotola attributed the rising cases of injustice against persons with disabilities to the society’s ignorance on rights of persons with disabilities, saying MACODA’s awareness was necessary in his area.

“Many community members lack understanding on how to interact with and support persons with disabilities, leading to unintentional marginalisation and abuse.

“Today, we’ve gained valuable knowledge on how to manage and report cases of abuse against persons with disabilities. I pledge to disseminate this information further to fellow chiefs and community members to ensure that cases of abuse are reported to relevant authorities for timely intervention and support,” he added.

A person with a disability, Joseph Matemba expressed hope that the initiative will lead to increased empathy and support towards persons with disabilities.

“We have really struggled with mistreatment and marginalisation in our communities; this awareness is crucial in highlighting our rights and promoting understanding, respect and inclusion,” he said.

Matemba observed that some organisations that implement development programmes do not involve persons with disabilities, saying most have wrong perception that disability is inability.

“Disability is not inability – create a more inclusive and impartial society where everyone can thrive,” he said. Malawi recently enacted a new Persons with Disabilities Act which established MACODA and also repealed and replaced the Disability Act and the Handclapped Persons Act.