Following the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2024, the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA), formerly known as the Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA), conducted a comprehensive three-day training for organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in Mponela. The training, was supported by World Vision, aimed to equip OPDs with a thorough understanding of the new Act and its implications.
OPDs play a vital role in defending the rights of persons with disabilities, advocating for policy changes, monitoring government actions, and providing alternative solutions to improve the lives of this vulnerable population. As such, it was important for them to have a comprehensive understanding of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2024.
The training followed a series of earlier trainings conducted for MACODA staff and journalists from national and community media houses. The objectives of the training were equipping OPDs with knowledge of the new Act and its provisions, enhancing understanding of the role of OPDs in implementing the Act and building capacity for OPDs to advocate for disability rights and inclusion.
The Persons with Disabilities Act, 2024, replaced the Handicapped Persons Act of 1971 and Disability Act of 2012, marking an important milestone in disability rights.
The transition to the new Act also led to the establishment of MACODA, replacing MACOHA. MACODA is committed to supporting OPDs in their critical role of advocating for disability rights and inclusion.
By empowering OPDs, MACODA aims to promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for persons with disabilities in Malawi.