LUSAKA – The Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations (ZAFOD) has raised concern over persistent barriers preventing persons with disabilities from accessing employment opportunities, saying many qualified candidates are excluded before they are even assessed for jobs.
The organisation says negative attitudes, inaccessible workplaces and limited workplace accommodations continue to make it difficult for persons with disabilities to secure and retain meaningful employment.
Speaking during a stakeholders' engagement meeting organised by Sightsavers, ZAFOD Executive Director Justin Bakali said Zambia has one of the strongest legal frameworks for disability inclusion in Southern Africa. However, he noted that implementation remains a significant challenge despite the country's commitments under various international treaties.
Mr. Bakali also identified limited access to information as a major obstacle, explaining that the lack of accessible communication formats continues to restrict the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in employment and other sectors of the economy.
He called for the effective enforcement of existing disability laws and policies to promote equal employment opportunities and greater economic inclusion for persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Sightsavers Senior Programmes Officer Francis Kalusa said Zambia has made notable progress in developing policies that support disability inclusion but stressed that more work is needed to ensure those policies are fully implemented.
Mr. Kalusa urged government institutions, employers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in promoting disability inclusion, ensuring persons with disabilities are actively involved in decision-making processes and economic empowerment programmes.
The stakeholders' meeting focused on identifying practical measures to improve employment opportunities, accessibility and inclusive participation for persons with disabilities across Zambia.
Source: Sun FM TV News