Disability Youth Advocacy Network In Zimbabwe

26/06/2026

Zimbabwe Must Not Leave Its Youth With Disabilities Behind.

Today, DYANZ is proud to be at the Disability Symposium at Mucheke Stadium, Masvingo, under the theme “Towards an Inclusive Future".
This is bigger than a symposium. It is a national moment. A moment to move from promises to action, from awareness to access, and from inclusion in words to inclusion in real life.

For young people with disabilities, this message matters: we are not waiting to be invited into the future — we are already building it. We are leaders, innovators, advocates, entrepreneurs, Women Helping Women Entrepreneurs, and change-makers.

Huge appreciation to for your sponsorship and continued support. Partnerships like yours help open doors, amplify voices, and drive the kind of change that lasts.

Inclusion is not charity. Inclusion is power.
Nothing about us without us.
A better Zimbabwe begins when every young person counts.

14/06/2026

Two Powerful Days of Learning, Reflection, and Action at Cresta Oasis Hotel

The Disability Youth Advocacy Network in Zimbabwe (DYANZ) had the privilege of participating in a transformative two-day capacity-building workshop convened by Sightsavers on 21–22 May 2026 at the Cresta Oasis Hotel in Zimbabwe. The workshop brought together OPDs to deepen our understanding of modern slavery in organisational contexts, strengthen advocacy practice, refine action planning, and explore sustainable strategies for resource mobilisation.

As the livelihoods and skills development officer at DYANZ, I had the opportunity to present our draft action plan and receive valuable feedback from Sightsavers. The session reminded us that effective planning must be clear, measurable, and aligned with both our aspirations and RAD-P priorities. We were also challenged to think strategically about donor engagement, proposal development, and building credible, long-term relationships with funders.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was that sustainability does not happen by chance — it is built through evidence, transparency, collaboration, and intentional resource mobilisation.

I also appreciated the strong emphasis on making inclusion visible in every proposal, from accessible communication to budgeting for disability-related support.

This workshop strengthened our commitment at DYANZ to remain innovative, accountable, and strategic as we work toward empowering youth with disabilities in Zimbabwe. We leave Cresta Oasis with renewed focus, practical tools, and a stronger drive to deliver lasting impact.

Grateful to Sightsavers for creating such a meaningful platform for learning, networking, and growth.

14/06/2026

07/06/2026

Proud moments from the National Disability Symposium 2026 in Harare.

The Disability Youth Advocacy Network in Zimbabwe (DYANZ) was honoured to participate in a powerful gathering that brought together government, development partners, OPDs, and the private sector under the theme “Towards an Inclusive Future".

Our team was represented with excellence by Gamuchirai Gatsi in livelihoods and skills development; James Mutisi through his inspiring piggery and poultry entrepreneurship journey; Rachel Matenga, the Director (DYANZ); Ngonidzashe through enterprise and registration work (mining); Loveness Ncube through fashion and creative products; and Nokutenda through impactful TV and radio engagement on disability inclusion.

We are deeply grateful to , National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH), the Government of Zimbabwe, and all partners for creating a platform that strengthens disability inclusion, entrepreneurship, and national dialogue.

This symposium reaffirmed an important truth: persons with disabilities are not waiting for opportunity — we are creating it, building businesses, shaping policy conversations, and demanding an inclusive Zimbabwe.

05/05/2026

DYANZ at ZITF 2026: Inclusion, Opportunity, and a Bigger Future 🌍♿

DYANZ was honoured to participate in the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, which was officially opened by His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of Botswana, alongside His Excellency Dr. ED Mnangagwa and his team. This year’s fair reminded us that connected economies and inclusive industries must also mean connected people, including youth with disabilities (https://lnkd.in/dfpMvAyd).

For DYANZ, the biggest value of ZITF was not only visibility but also access to networks, ideas, partnerships, and markets. The launch of the US$1 million (https://lnkd.in/dkg-uQjv) Youth Economic Empowerment Fund at ZITF 2026 also sent a powerful message: when young people are trusted and funded, they build the future.

At DYANZ, we believe that the same energy must reach young people with disabilities. Every donation to youth development should also open space for YWD entrepreneurship, skills training, access to markets, and business mentorship. Inclusion is not charity; it is smart development (https://www.dyanz.org).

To Zimbabwe, the disability community, and the world: If we want growth that lasts, then no young person should be left outside the table of trade, innovation, and opportunity. DYANZ remains committed to ensuring that youth with disabilities are not only present but also active contributors to national and global development.

Special thanks to for funding DYANZ’s participation and enabling our presence at ZITF 2026. Your support continues to open doors for meaningful inclusion and impact.

















# Africa Disability

01/05/2026

🛠️ Workers’ Day: Redefining "Ability" in the Global Workforce

The world of work is changing, but is it changing for everyone? 🌍

On this International Workers’ Day, Disability Youth Advocacy Network Zimbabwe (DYANZ) stands at the global forefront of a labour revolution. We aren't just celebrating work; we are demanding a seat at the professional table for the millions of brilliant minds currently sidelined by outdated infrastructure and welfarist attitudes.

💡 The Blueprint for a Transformative Workforce

Economic development is impossible without the full participation of youths with disabilities. At DYANZ, we are moving beyond mere "employment" toward sustainable economic empowerment:

From Welfare to Worth: We reject the "charity model" and embrace a human rights-based approach to professional inclusion.

Livelihood Mastery: We provide advanced livelihood skills to youth (ages 18-35) to ensure they become self-sustaining contributors to the national and global economies.

Policy into Practice: Under the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2025, we are making workplace equity a legal requirement, not a corporate favour.

🤝 A Global Call to Action

To the CEOs, policymakers, and innovators across the globe: Inclusion is the ultimate engine of innovation. When you hire based on ability—not convention—you unlock perspectives that solve world-class problems.

Our vision is a Zimbabwe and a world where "different but not less" is the gold standard of every corporate culture.

📩 Connect with the Movement

We invite partners, donors, and organisations to join us in building a truly inclusive future.

Official Correspondence: [email protected]
Chairperson’s Office: [email protected]
Website: http://dyanz.org/
Phone: +263 777 122 150 | +263 776 781 515
Follow us: Facebook | LinkedIn

Together, we work. Together, we empower. Together, we lead. 🇿🇼💪

03/04/2026

He is risen! This Easter, DYANZ celebrates the ultimate comeback story. ✝️🌅

From empty tomb to eternal hope—Easter is not just a holiday. It is resurrection power that rewrote history, crushed death, and launched the greatest movement in 2,000 years. Jesus did not just rise; He redefined impossible.

John 16:33 hits different this Holy Week:

"In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

For DYANZ's 1000+ Youths with Disabilities across Zimbabwe—this is OUR verse.

1. When society says "limited," Jesus says "limitless."

2. When doctors pronounce finality, Easter whispers "new beginnings."

3. When barriers block paths, the empty tomb declares "barriers broken."

Easter matters because:

1. God sees the unseen—your wheelchair, diagnosis, "disability" is His canvas for miracles

2. Jesus validates struggle—He bore every rejection, so no YWD feels alone

3. Resurrection = restoration—DYANZ turns "can't" into entrepreneurs, advocates, leaders

This Easter, as 2.4B Christians celebrate, DYANZ asks the world: What dead situation needs your resurrection faith today?

From Harare to Heaven—hope rises.

Disability Youth Advocacy Network Zimbabwe

20/03/2026

🌍 Breaking Barriers: A New Era for Disability Rights in Zimbabwe!
History is not just written in books; it is written in the rooms where policy meets passion. ✍️

I am still electrified by the energy at the National Coordination Committee (NCC) for the National Disability Policy First Quarter Meeting held recently at Macheke Lodges. Kudos to the Livelihood and Skills Development Officer for DYANZ, Gamuchirai Gatsi. She contributed to a dialogue aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape for youths with disabilities across Zimbabwe.

⚖️ From Welfare to Human Rights
For too long, disability has been viewed through a lens of charity. At Disability Youth Advocacy Network Zimbabwe (DYANZ), we are leading the charge to shift that narrative toward a human rights-based approach.

This meeting was a pivotal moment for this transition, featuring:
Legislative Milestones: Deep-dive sessions on the newly enacted Persons with Disabilities Act [Chapter 17:31] of 2025.
Strategic Alignment: Critical analysis of how this Act aligns with the Africa Disability Protocol and the National Disability Policy.

Inclusive Governance: Direct engagement between Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to track real progress.

🚀 Why This Matters
Our mission is simple yet profound: Different but not less. We aren't just looking for a seat at the table; we are building the table.
Through our work, we:
Lobby for inclusion in governance and economic development.

Empower youth (ages 18-35) with self-sustaining livelihood skills.

Foster a sense of responsibility and capacity among young leaders with disabilities.

🤝 Join the Movement
True inclusion requires radical accountability and teamwork. We are looking for partners, visionaries, and allies to help us build a Zimbabwe where empowerment is not just a buzzword—it is a reality.

How to connect with us:
📧 Email: [email protected] OR [email protected] 🌐 Website: http://dyanz.org/
📞 Phone: +263 777 122 150 | +263 776 781 515

Let us stop talking about the future and start building it. Together, we are empowering abilities and ensuring no youth is left behind. 🇿🇼✨