Activity 2.1.2.2: Organize 3 public policy dialogue forums and 4 media shows where members of women-led SHG and VSLA can engage with Civic Leaders, Traditional Leaders, CDF Committee Members, HCC representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss and advocate for the implementation of affirmative actions, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
AHDI and ZNADWO successfully hosted an impactful radio program on Chibombo Community Radio Station on 22nd May 2026 to share major strides toward inclusive development and advocacy across Mungule Ward. The broadcast highlighted key achievements, including women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Savings and Lending Associations (VSLAs) gaining the financial confidence to run small businesses and engage directly with civic leaders. Traditional leaders actively promoting girls’ education to reduce stigma, while several local schools had already introduced inclusive infrastructure like ramps, heavily backed by a Ministry of Education District Education Board Secretary directive instructing schools to utilize their available grants to resolve accessibility issues. To sustain this momentum, the project commissioned comprehensive policy research mapping implementation gaps in national disability and gender policies, while rolling out grassroots advocacy skills and engagements that equipped women-led groups to directly monitor local service delivery and track resource allocation. While celebrating these community driven successes, the panel noted that targeted efforts had to continue to dismantle remaining hurdles, particularly the complex application processes required to access Constituency Development Fund (CDF) opportunities, accessing disability cards as well as ongoing physical infrastructure and policy implementation barriers that still limited full inclusion. By grounding our advocacy in collaboration, evidence, and direct grassroots participation, we are successfully building a more equitable socio-economic environment where women and girls with disabilities can truly thrive.
