Mzuzu Disability Organization

01/01/2026

Mzuzu Disability Organization wishes everyone a happy new year

18/12/2025

Message of Appreciation to Disability Rights Fund (DRF)

Mzuzu Disability Organization (MZUDO) extends its sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Disability Rights Fund (DRF) for the unwavering support provided throughout this year.

Your continued partnership and commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities have played a critical role in strengthening our advocacy efforts, promoting disability-inclusive policies, and amplifying the voices of women and girls with disabilities in Northern Malawi. Through your support, we have been able to implement impactful activities that contribute to inclusion, empowerment, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in community and policy spaces.

We deeply value DRF’s trust in our work and its dedication to disability rights and social justice. Your support has not only strengthened our organizational capacity but has also brought hope and positive change to the lives of many persons with disabilities and their families.

As we conclude this year, we look forward to continued collaboration and shared impact in the pursuit of an inclusive society where the rights and dignity of all persons with disabilities are respected and upheld.

Thank you for standing with us and for your unwavering support.

Yours sincerely,
Mzuzu Disability Organization

18/12/2025

End of Year Message from Mzuzu Disability Organization

As we come to the close of this year, Mzuzu Disability Organization (MZUDO) extends our heartfelt gratitude and warm appreciation to women and girls with disabilities, and to the entire disability community across Northern Malawi.

This year has been a journey of resilience, courage, and collective strength. Women and girls with disabilities have continued to stand firm, raising their voices, claiming their rights, and contributing meaningfully to their families and communities despite persistent barriers. Your determination inspires our work and strengthens the movement for an inclusive and just society.

We also recognize the broader disability community—persons with disabilities, caregivers, disability organizations, traditional leaders, partners, and allies—whose unity and advocacy have helped advance disability inclusion, access to services, and respect for human dignity in Northern Malawi.

As an organization, we remain committed to advocating for equal opportunities, disability-inclusive policies, protection from violence and discrimination, access to education, health, livelihoods, climate action, and meaningful participation in decision-making, with special attention to women and girls with disabilities who face multiple forms of exclusion.

As we enter the new year, let us move forward with hope, solidarity, and renewed commitment. Together, we will continue to challenge discrimination, amplify voices that are often unheard, and build communities where no one is left behind.

We wish you and your families a peaceful festive season and a prosperous, inclusive New Year.

Together for inclusion, dignity, and empowerment.

Mzuzu Disability Organization

03/12/2025

18/11/2025

MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Dear Members of the Disability Community and Esteemed Stakeholders,

As we observe Disability Rights Awareness Month, I want to share a message of strength, unity, and hope. This period reminds us of the remarkable resilience within the disability community and the important role each of us plays in creating a more inclusive society.

To all persons with disabilities: your voices matter, your dreams are valid, and your contributions are essential to the progress of our communities. Continue to stand tall, speak out, and pursue your goals with confidence. You are not alone—MZUDO stands with you.

To our partners and stakeholders: your commitment and collaboration remain invaluable. Together, we have the power to break barriers, expand opportunities, and build a society where everyone can participate fully and equally. Let us continue working hand in hand, strengthening support systems and championing disability rights in every space.

May this month renew our shared commitment to inclusion, dignity, and equal rights for all.

Warm regards,
Ms. Joyce Sichali
Executive Director
Mzuzu Disability Organization (MZUDO)

08/09/2025

On 7th September 2025, an advocacy event was held in Kazando, Mzuzu, funded by the Disability Rights Fund. The activity aimed to promote the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in climate change actions and policies. It brought together community members and stakeholders to raise awareness and advocate for disability-inclusive climate solutions, highlighting the need for equal participation in climate decision-making processes.

You can also follow us on www.mzuzudisability.org

26/08/2025

📢 ANNOUNCEMENT: MZUZU DISABILITY ORGANIZATION WEBSITE LAUNCH
Mzuzu Disability Organization (MZUDO) is excited to announce the official launch of our new website!
Our website is designed to improve access to information, promote inclusion, and keep our community updated on projects, opportunities, and resources related to disability rights and advocacy.
🌐 Visit us online at: www.mzuzudisability.org
📅 Launch Date: 6th August, 2025
Through this platform, you can:
✅ Learn more about our programs and services
✅ Access resources on disability inclusion
✅ Stay informed about news, events, and opportunities
✅ Connect with us easily
We are committed to making our website accessible to all, including persons with disabilities. Your feedback is welcome as we continue to improve this platform.
Together, let’s build an inclusive future!
For inquiries, contact us at:
📧 [email protected]

30/05/2025

To all stakeholders. This is new log for Mzuzu Disability Organization that has been approved by the Board. It will be used from now onwards.

06/05/2025

On 28th January 2025, a meeting was held at Bethel Hall in Mchengautuwa with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Social Welfare, District Council, Councillors, Traditional Leaders, and Developmental Partners, to discuss and advocate for a Social Cash Transfer program specifically targeting persons with disabilities. The event was attended by 38 individuals, including 11 females with disabilities, 5 males with disabilities, 14 males without disabilities, and 8 females without disabilities. The discussions focused on the need for a tailored cash transfer initiative to support the economic well-being of persons with disabilities in the district, emphasizing inclusivity and addressing the unique challenges faced by this group. Participants committed to further ask the government to look into this initiative with broad eye and start this program.

06/05/2025

The advocacy meeting addressing the extra costs faced by women with disabilities in social cash transfer programs took place on January 18th, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mango Tree Hall in Mzuzu. A total of 40 participants attended the session, representing various sectors including social welfare, district council, traditional leaders, and Malawi Police Services. Among the participants were 12 females with disabilities, 8 females without disabilities, 5 males with disabilities, and 15 males without disabilities.

During the meeting, a critical issue discussed was the extra financial burdens that women with disabilities face when engaging with social cash transfer programs. It was noted that these women often encounter additional costs that are not accounted for within the existing structure of these programs, making it more difficult for them to benefit fully from the support provided.

Key Extra-Costs Identified:

Transport Costs: Women with disabilities often face higher transport costs due to the lack of accessible transport options, forcing them to resort to expensive private transportation, which strains their already limited financial resources.

Assistive Devices: Many women with disabilities do not have access to necessary assistive devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or prosthetics, and the high costs associated with these devices are not covered by social cash transfer programs.

Caregiver Support: Some women with disabilities require caregivers to assist with daily tasks. The costs of hiring or supporting a caregiver are not included in the social cash transfer, creating an additional financial burden.

Healthcare and Medication: Women with disabilities may face higher healthcare costs due to ongoing medical needs or specialized treatments. These costs often exceed the financial assistance provided by social cash transfers.

Proposed Solutions and Recommendations:

Transport Support: Participants suggested that social cash transfer programs should consider incorporating accessible transport allowances or provisions for women with disabilities to alleviate the burden of transport costs.

Assistive Devices Coverage: A recommendation was made to include provisions for assistive devices within the social cash transfer programs to help women with disabilities acquire necessary mobility aids and other devices.

Caregiver Compensation: There was a proposal to integrate caregiver support into the social cash transfer framework, recognizing that many women with disabilities require daily assistance that incurs additional costs.

Healthcare Assistance: Participants emphasized the need for healthcare-related expenses, including medications and specialized treatments, to be factored into the social cash transfer programs.

By addressing these additional costs, the social cash transfer program can become more inclusive and better support women with disabilities, ultimately improving their quality of life and fostering greater independence.

The meeting ended with a commitment from all stakeholders to further engage with policymakers to incorporate these considerations into the redesign or expansion of social cash transfer programs, ensuring that they are more equitable and responsive to the needs of women with disabilities.

28/01/2025

On January 18th, 2025, Mzuzu Disability Organization hosted a crucial dialogue at Mango Trees in Chiwabvi, Mzuzu, bringing together 40 dedicated participants, including traditional leaders, councillors, district council officers, and social welfare officers. The focus of the event was to discuss the additional costs faced by women with disabilities during the Social Cash Transfer Program in Mzuzu.

This insightful conversation aimed to shed light on the unique challenges women with disabilities experience and explore ways to improve their access to support through the program. It’s through open dialogue and collaboration that we can build more inclusive systems, ensuring no one is left behind.

A huge thank you to all who participated and contributed to this important discussion. Together, we can create lasting change! 💪🌍

This activity was fully sponsored by Disability Rights Funds.

28/01/2025

Mzuzu Disability Organization recently hosted a crucial dialogue in Mchengautuwa, Mzuzu, bringing together 43 dedicated participants, including traditional leaders, councillors, district council officers, and social welfare officers. The purpose of the event was to discuss the extra costs faced by women with disabilities during the Social Cash Transfer Program in Mzuzu.

This important conversation focused on understanding the challenges that women with disabilities encounter and finding ways to improve their access to support through the program. It’s through collaboration and dialogue that we can create more inclusive systems that ensure no one is left behind.

A huge thank you to all who participated and contributed to this important discussion. Together, we can make a difference! 💪🌍