28/02/2026
Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities in Malawi (APPDM) is proud to announce the successful orientation workshop for its District Committees on the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 4 of 2024.
The workshop brought together district representatives from across Malawi with one clear mission: to deepen their understanding of the Act and empower them to train and educate fellow members in their respective districts. This initiative is part of APPDM’s broader commitment to ensuring that persons with physical disabilities fully understand their rights and are confident in claiming them.
For many persons with disabilities in Malawi, daily life still presents serious challenges. These include:
-Inaccessible public buildings and transport systems
-Discrimination in employment opportunities
-Limited access to education and vocational training
-Negative attitudes and harmful stereotypes
-Barriers in accessing healthcare and social services
Too often, rights are violated not only because systems are weak, but because many individuals are unaware that the law protects them.
The Persons with Disabilities Act No. 4 of 2024 provides a strong legal framework that promotes equality, prohibits discrimination, and calls for accessibility in public infrastructure, education, employment, health services, and information.
It repeals the Disability Act of 2012 and the Handicapped Persons Act of 1971. It establishes the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) to regulate disability matters and enforce rights, and creates the Disability Trust Fund to support inclusion. It clearly states that persons with disabilities have the right to participate fully in social, economic, and political life without barriers.
Through this orientation workshop, APPDM is building a team of knowledgeable district leaders who will now act as trainers and advocates in their communities. By cascading this knowledge to grassroots members, the Association is strengthening collective voices and promoting accountability.
When persons with disabilities understand their rights: They are better equipped to challenge discriminationThey can demand accessible services and inclusive opportunities. They can report violations through appropriate legal and institutional channels. They can actively participate in development processes at local and national levels.
This initiative marks an important step toward a more inclusive Malawi where rights are not just written in law, but fully realized in practice. This activity under our social protection project is funded by .