Bindura, Zimbabwe, 30 June 2024 - Tinashe* recounts a time when she faced constraints in the job market. She was told she could not be employed because her education was inadequate and yet she could not further her education due to a lack of financial resources. Being blind and a woman did not help her situation.

“I could not get a job because I needed work experience but I couldn't get that experience because no one would hire me because I was blind,” Tinashe shared her experience navigating a world that often overlooks her unique needs at a recent workshop in Bindura,  Zimbabwe.

She described the frustration of being denied the financial aid to undertake further education, even though this financial aid was necessary for her to continue with her education. This created a catch-22 situation. 

She couldn't get the financial aid because she lacked work experience – a requirement nearly impossible to fulfill not only due to her blindness but also because of the tough economic situation that made finding work challenging. However, without further education, her chances of securing a well-paying job that would allow her to financially support herself were slim. 

This cycle of poverty, where her disability and lack of education created barriers to employment, which in turn made it difficult to get the education she needed, was a common thread among women with disabilities in the room.

This workshop, one of 10 held in all the provinces of the country, was organised by the Department of Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, in partnership with UNFPA, UNDP, and UNESCO (with UNICEF and UN Women as technical partners) under the UNPRPD Round4 project. The focus of the workshop was to build the capacity of women and girls with disabilities to understand the concepts of intersectionality, gender inequality, gender based violence, as well as stigma and discrimination. Additionally, the workshops were an opportunity to give voice to the unique experiences of women and girls with disabilities, empowering them to advocate for their rights and needs in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Zimbabwe National Gender Policy.

Participants shared stories of facing discrimination not only because of their disabilities, but also due to their gender. From healthcare challenges to the stigma around dating and relationships, the women opened up about the multiple layers of marginalisation they experience. Simultaneously, another set of workshops engaged traditional, religious, and community leaders in a dialogue about disability, intersectionality and  inclusion.. 

These workshops represent a significant step towards a more inclusive Zimbabwe. By amplifying the voices of women with disabilities and equipping leaders with the tools to dismantle discriminatory practices, the project is fostering a society where everyone can fully participate and thrive.The heart of these workshops lies in the concept of intersectionality – the understanding that individuals experience multiple and overlapping forms of discrimination based on factors such as disability, gender, age and socioeconomic status. 

By acknowledging these interconnected challenges, the UNPRPD works aims to foster a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to addressing disability rights.

“The UNPRPD R4 project remains committed to supporting this journey towards a more equitable society, where the principles of intersectionality are woven into the fabric of policy and practice,” said Patricia Mujajati, UNFPA Programme Analyst Gender & Gender Based Violence.

She added: “The workshops have sparked important conversations and laid a strong foundation for future collaboration and action. With continued dedication, the vision of an inclusive Zimbabwe, where everyone is valued and respected, can become a reality.”

*Not her real name