The Involvement of People Living With Disabilities in Peace Building Initiatives in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the involvement of people with disabilities in peace building initiatives in Zimbabwe. The stratified random sampling method was used to select sixty respondents who constituted the sample group. A sample of 20 PWDS and 40 able bodied people were chosen as respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from the respondents. The study revealed that most people with disabilities are not involved in peace building initiatives in Zimbabwe because they are regarded as incapable people. Government policies on disability and culture do not give a level playing field for people with disabilities to be actively involved in peace building initiatives in the country. Lack of suitable equipment and facilities to use affect the involvement of people with disabilities (PWD) in peace building initiatives (PBI) in the country. The government should have a clear policy on PWD and domesticate these policies. A quota system should be used by Government to ensure that in every peace building initiative, PWDs are involved. Government buildings and all public places should be accessible to PWDs to enable them to participate fully in national issues including in peace building (PBIs).

Key words: People, disabilities, peace-building, involvement