Malawi Union of the Blind executive director Ezekiel Kumwenda has underscored the importance of people with disabilities acquiring advocacy skills to fight for their rights.
Speaking yesterday in Salima during a capacity building workshop of branch leaders from the Central Region held with support from Tilitonse Foundation, he said the union seeks to impart advocacy skills to its members to champion inclusiveness in development projects.
Said Kumwenda: “We want to speak with one voice. That is why we have formed this organisation and now we are training branch leaders to amplify the voices.
“For us to know what is happening on the ground, we need to have our representatives to help in identifying issues and challenges faced. We want our members to understand about advocacy.”
He also stressed the importance of having an action plan to guide members on implementation of their activities.
Malawi Union of the Blind-Salima branch chairperson James Kazembe highlighted the importance of the workshop, saying it will help members take advocacy to remote areas.
He said: “We have benefitted a lot from the union through its advocacy strategies, including the establishment of branches where we meet and discuss issues at hand.
“We are working together to ensure inclusiveness on various projects and this training will help members to comprehensively carry out advocacy for our activities.”
A participant from Nkhotakota, Lise Phelela, said the workshop equipped them with knowledge and skills on their daily operations.
“I am one of the branch committee leaders from Nkhotakota and this is my first training which will enhance my capabilities on advocacy,” she said.
