08/04/2026
ZAMBIA ASSOCIATION FOR DEAF WOMEN AND GIRLS EMPOWERMENT IS WITH
A new baseline survey conducted by Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) has identified access to justice as a priority concern, alongside issues in health, education, and social protection for women and girls with disabilities especially those in rural areas.
The survey highlighted that inaccessible courtrooms and police stations, limited communication support such as sign language interpreters and braille materials, stigma and discrimination and social economic constraints all combine to exclude them from the justice system.
This was highlighted during the launch of the Access to Justice Guidelines and practical toolkits aimed at strengthening legal access for women and girls with disabilities across Zambia, focusing on removing systemic barriers that limit participation in the justice system, particularly in rural and remote areas.
It noted that survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV) were especially disadvantaged, often encouraging bias and inadequate support services that prevent them from seeking redress.
The DIWA baseline revealed that access to justice remains a major challenge, with barriers ranging from inaccessible infrastructure and communication difficulties to stigma, low awareness, and limited support systems.
During the launch of the toolkit, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability Joseph Munsanje called for collaboration among government institutions, Civil Society Organisations, and development partners, including organisations focused on children’s rights, legal advocacy, and the Law Development Commission, to help translate the launched guidelines into enforceable laws.
Mr. Munsanje urged the government to lead the dissemination of the guidelines through existing government and traditional structures, including District Commissioners, Ward Development Committees, and community leaders.
“Chiefs and community leaders must be part of this process to ensure these guidelines reach the people who need them most. Access to land, economic opportunities, and legal protection is often limited for women with disabilities. In rural areas, for instance, land allocation practices favor traditional gift systems that exclude women with disabilities,” he said.
Mr. Munsanje also noted that women with intellectual or mental disabilities often face additional hurdles in the justice system, citing the recent case of an albino woman whose hand was amputated due to discrimination and abuse.
He stressed the importance of training for police and legal service providers to understand the perspectives of women with disabilities, and called for inclusive language in laws and official documents.
“In cases of sexual exploitation or abuse, these women are unable to represent themselves effectively. They are often silenced by societal attitudes and legal procedures, while perpetrators enjoy implicit advantages,” Mr. Munsanje said.
He also emphasized land ownership as critical for livelihoods and dignity, noting that women with disabilities often face discrimination in acquiring land due to cultural and structural barriers.
Mr. Munsanje stated that the guidelines provide practical strategies for policymakers, service providers, and justice sector actors to adopt inclusive practices.
Speaking earlier, DIWA Executive Director Ruth Mkutumula said the guidelines and toolkits were designed to ensure justice was accessible to all, regardless of location or circumstance.
Ms. Mkutumula explained that the guidelines and toolkit were developed in consultation with women and girls with disabilities to ensure that they were practical, relevant, and fully owned by the community.
“These tools provide guidance for service providers and women themselves on how to navigate the justice system. They are designed to be actively used, not left on shelves,” Ms. Mkutumula said.
She said the organization and other stakeholders also expect the government to review the Zambia Disability Act No. 6 of 2012 to ensure it reflects contemporary standards, gender perspectives, and international protocols, enabling women and girls with disabilities to access justice fully.
Ms. Mkutumula said the launch marks a significant step in Zambia’s ongoing efforts to ensure that women and girls with disabilities can exercise their legal rights and participate equally in all aspects of society.
“These guidelines are not just documents, but a reflection of our collective commitment to ensuring that women and girls with disabilities can access justice without barriers,” she said.
Similarly, the Zambia Federation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (ZAFOD) also highlighted the importance of using respectful and inclusive language alongside improving access to justice for girls and women with disabilities.
ZAFOD Programmes Manager Katongo Mutamba said harmful and outdated terminology continues to undermine dignity and reinforce stigma, citing the recent incident in which a national broadcaster used derogatory language to describe girls with intellectual disabilities, prompting ZAFOD to formally engage the institution.
“Such language is offensive, demeaning, and reinforces stigma. It directly affects how society responds to issues affecting persons with disabilities. The initiative also includes a grant programme to improve access to justice, particularly for girls and women with disabilities who face heightened barriers within Zambia’s legal system," Mr. Mutamba said
He described the programme as an opportunity to strengthen equity, protect the rights of marginalized groups, and promote strong leadership and accountability.
Mr. Mutamba also raised concern over internal exclusion within some organisations of persons with disabilities, where inclusivity was not consistently practiced.
He called on organisations, cooperatives, and community groups to lead by example by ensuring meaningful participation of both persons with and without disabilities while promoting gender balance.
The tools were developed under the Strengthening Partnerships to Advance Disability Rights in Africa (SPADRA) project, in collaboration with Inclusion Africa and the African Disability Forum.
