VIHEMA DeafBlind Malawi at the 2018 World Disability Summit

" The summit was worthwhile to us as we had a chance to interact with our fellow disability organizations around the world, our ministry as we had positive conversation with Hon.Kalilani the Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare of our country which we saw it was a good approach concerning awareness and lobbying.

We also appreciated the one day Civil Society forum which was on 23th [of July] as it amplified the voice and participation of persons with disabilities as VIHEMA Deafblind Malawi participated the summit and forum has really enhanced active involvement of persons with disabilities. Particularly it will improve Deafblind persons and the association at large including their families through our representation, in the development and implementation of legislation and polices in direct relation to the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD),Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as in all decision-making processes that affect their lives and full participation and inclusion in society.

Secondly, the forum also highlighted issues such as Stigma and Discrimination; Inclusive Education; Pathways to Economic Empowerment; Technology and Innovation; and Humanitarian Action. Another was on networking in a way that it gave an opportunity for persons with disabilities and VIHEMA and other actors working in support of disability inclusion, to engage with each other. As VIHEMA Deafblind is one of the organizations that sign the charter for change it shall make sure to implement its activities using the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) articles and goals including other rights instruments such as Malawi Disability ACT 2012.This will also promote the Deafblind to be front and centre of change through self-advocacy and active involvement and close consultation of deafblind persons of all ages in the activities as it states in the charter for change commit number 2. The association will also monitor and assist the government on the instruments and policies implementation.

Lastly, we would like to thank Disability Rights Fund (DRF) for the support it gave for VIHEMA Deafblind Malawi to participate the UK Global Disability Summit, it was not easy we know .Our participation will bring the association to another level. We hope other donors will come in to support the visibility of Deafblind in Malawi as the implementation can be not done by VIHEMA Deafblind Malawi only or DRF but it’s for everyone."

Contact Martha Momba and VIHEMA Deafblind Malawi at info.vihema.deafblindmalawi@globemw.net