Seated in the front row: Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Dr. Christopher Kalila (3rd from left) and Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Roy Ngulube (3rd from right) pose for a photo with Honourable Members of the CPwD.
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Executive Committee Chairperson Dr. Christopher Kalila has called for action to break down barriers hindering the participation of persons with disabilities in Parliamentary processes.
He made the appeal during the official opening of the 3rd Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Africa Region Conference held on Tuesday, 25th February, 2025, at Ciela Resort in Chongwe District.
Dr. Kalila said there is a need to create inclusive Parliamentary environments to ensure equal representation and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in legislative processes. He reflected on Zambia's progress in disability inclusivity by noting that the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012 has been a transformative step towards inclusivity.
Dr Kalila said that initiatives such as conducting infrastructure audits of Parliamentary Buildings to assess accessibility and introducing sign language interpretation on Parliament Television have been implemented to enhance participation for all.
The Chairperson however, noted that despite facing significant challenges, individuals with disabilities continue to inspire through their resilience and achievements. He cited the late Maria Rantho, South Africa's first disabled Parliamentarian, as a notable example.
He urged participants to engage fully in discussions aimed at identifying and dismantling obstacles to full participation for Parliamentarians with disabilities. He further urged other branches to use the conference as an opportunity to evaluate their progress and learn from others to improve inclusivity efforts.
And Speaking earlier, the Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, Mr. Roy Ngulube said that the theme for the event, "Breaking Barriers: Building Inclusive Parliaments for Persons with Disabilities," was not just a phrase but a call to action, reminding legislators of their responsibility to create spaces where diversity is embraced and inclusivity becomes a fundamental pillar of legislative bodies.
Mr Ngulube said that Parliaments that are inclusive are better equipped to represent and address the needs of all citizens, ensuring no one is left behind.
Meanwhile, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary General, Mr. Stephen Twigg, said in a video message to the CPwD Regional Conference that disability inclusion is a key priority for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. He commended the work that the CPwD does in championing the rights of persons with disabilities.
The 3rd Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Africa Region Conference held from 24th to 28th February, 2025 addressed critical topics, including designing physical spaces for inclusive Parliaments, policies for implementing disability inclusion and changing attitudes towards disability in political institutions.
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