Disability and Social Exclusion: Understanding Women with Disabilities’ Experiences in a Socially Exclusionary Society and the Relevance of Disability Specific Interventions

Disability is a multifaceted and dynamic area that is difficult to understand. However, there is consensus worldwide that PWDs comprise one of the most marginalised/ socially excluded groups with women being more affected than men. Social exclusion manifest in their visible absence from social, economic and political oriented programmes. This study which was conducted in 3 Wards of Mutoko District in Zimbabwe (Wards 10, 16 and 26) sought to understand women with disabilities’ experiences in relation to social exclusion and how disability specific programmes are supporting their social, economic and political needs. Thus data analysed using the capability approach is presented in this report and main issues being highlighted include cultural practices in relation to gender and disability. Negative attitudes, stigma and discrimination as well as stereotypes emerge as challenges that WWDs have to contend with. These challenges limit their active participation in key areas like health, education and decision making structures. Besides the economic challenges that the country is facing, there is serious lack of prioritisation of disability issues by the Zimbabwe Government. The disability legislation lacks implementation and disability services are seriously underfunded. Thus disability organisations complement Government effort by implementing programmes aimed at alleviating some of these challenges though their effectiveness in terms of coverage and sustainability is questionable. Jairos Jiri Association is one such organisation and this study used its Community Based and Advocacy programmes to assess the relevance of such programmes to WWDs’ social, economic and political needs. Relevance to