What We Do – ZAFOD

Turning Disability Rights into Meaningful Participation

ZAFOD works to strengthen disability organisations and advance the rights of persons with disabilities across Zambia.
Through advocacy, capacity building, research and partnerships, we seek to ensure that commitments to equality are reflected in everyday experiences, public services and opportunities.

Our Approach

Our work is guided by the social and human rights models of disability.
We recognise that persons with disabilities experience exclusion when impairments interact with barriers in their environment. These barriers may include inaccessible buildings and information, discriminatory attitudes, institutional practices and limited opportunities to influence decisions.
We work to address these barriers while promoting dignity, individual choice and equal participation.

Our Overall Goal

To advance equitable support, effective protection of rights and the removal of barriers so that persons with disabilities can participate fully in public life.

Advocacy for Rights, Policies and Accountability

We advocate for the implementation of national and international commitments that promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
Our work seeks to strengthen accountability, improve access to services and ensure that disability inclusion is reflected in policies and institutional practices. We pay particular attention to barriers affecting women, children and young persons with disabilities.

Strengthening Organisations of Persons with Disabilities

A strong disability movement depends on capable and representative organisations.
We support affiliated organisations and networks to strengthen their secretariats, coordinate their work and advocate effectively for improved services and equal opportunities.
This includes promoting organisational leadership, collaboration and effective programme implementation.

Research for Informed Advocacy

We undertake research into issues affecting the rights, participation and development of persons with disabilities.
By documenting barriers and drawing on lived experiences, we build evidence that can inform advocacy priorities, public discussion and institutional responses.

Public Awareness and Attitude Change

We promote greater understanding of disability rights and challenge attitudes that contribute to exclusion.
Through dialogue and information sharing, we encourage communities, institutions and the media to recognise persons with disabilities as equal participants in society.

Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation

We build relationships with organisations and institutions that share our commitment to disability inclusion.
We also seek resources to strengthen the Federation and support member organisations in implementing programmes that respond to the priorities of persons with disabilities.

More on What We DO

Contributions to Disability Inclusion

ZAFOD’s advocacy has supported efforts relating to disability policy, legislation and accessibility in Zambia.
The Federation’s work has included advocacy concerning:
– The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
– The Persons with Disabilities Act of 2012.
– The Mental Health Act of 2019.
– The National Disability Policy of 2015.
– Accessible banknotes.
– Accessibility and participation in electoral processes.
These areas reflect our commitment to advancing both formal recognition of rights and practical inclusion.

Our Priorities

The priorities described in ZAFOD’s source material include:
– Strengthening coordination and trust within the disability movement.
– Building a sustainable resource base for the Federation and its members.
– Supporting affiliates to implement effective programs.
– Expanding research that informs national advocacy.
– Advocating for accessible services and the fulfilment of disability rights.
– Promoting positive attitudes and fair representation.
– Strengthening partnerships and disability networks.
– Advancing access to justice where rights are violated.

Who We Work With

Our work brings together:
– Persons with disabilities and their representative organisations.
– Families, households and support networks.
– Policymakers, government ministries and public institutions.
– Service providers and other duty-bearers.
– Civic, traditional and political leaders.
– Communities and the media.
– Civil society organisations.
– Development partners and funding institutions.

Opportunities for Collaboration

Persons with disabilities continue to encounter barriers that limit access, participation and opportunity. Addressing these challenges requires sustained cooperation between the disability movement, government, communities and development partners.
We welcome collaboration that strengthens organisations of persons with disabilities, supports evidence-based advocacy, improves accessibility and advances equal participation.