LocationsFrom the broadcasting studio to the workshop to promote disability inclusion
November 5, 2024
Ian Vambe hosting a radio programme
Ian Vambe, a 29-year-old presenter with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s Classic 263 Radio, is using his profession to champion the rights of persons with disabilities. As a passionate broadcaster and disability rights advocate, Ian has been hosting the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission civic education weekly radio programmes under the UNDP Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Capacity Building Project.
"I started hosting the civic education radio programmes two years ago. This role has enabled me to have a detailed understanding of electoral laws and systems, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in electoral processes, as well as ways to enhance inclusivity,” he said.
Ian’s passion for broadcasting is coupled with his keenness to demonstrate that persons with disabilities are capable of excelling in various fields. His love for radio and television discussions, as well as admiration for presenters and TV personalities, fuel his pursuit of a Media Studies degree. Ian was born with a disability called “clubfoot,” but it has not stopped him from pursuing his dreams. His personal experiences and interests drove him to become both a disability rights advocate and a broadcaster.
“The ability to initiate and lead new conversations is thrilling. Being a person with a disability myself, I take pride in proving that individuals with disabilities can succeed in all areas. Above all, my job serves as a platform to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities,” he stated.
Ian's interaction with the ZIMECO project-supported civic education radio programmes has not been limited to hosting guests in the Classic 263 studio. He has also participated in the ZEC disability inclusion policy workshop with Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, which has widened his knowledge and given him a holistic perspective on the ZIMECO project.
“I played a significant role in developing Zimbabwe Electoral Commission's disability policy. PWDs primarily led the drafting process and I used my experience from the radio shows to contribute to the policy's formulation. The interactions deepened my understanding of policy development, electoral systems and strategies for including persons with disabilities,” said Ian.
he ZEC disability inclusion workshop was instrumental in enhancing PWD’s understanding of the electoral process and offered a platform for engagement. Persons with disabilities shared their lived experiences and aspirations for disability inclusion.
“As a broadcaster and disability rights advocate, I am now more informed and eager to incorporate persons with disabilities into radio and television content. I look forward to persuading my employers to establish an internal disability policy,” echoed Ian.
Ian intends to continue utilizing his broadcasting skills to educate and spread accurate information. He believes that the media can support various initiatives with impartiality. Ian is also interested in advocating for the provision of information in accessible formats for persons with disabilities.
"I had the fortune of a supportive family that provided everything I needed to realize my potential. However, others with disabilities in my community were not as lucky. They faced discrimination within their families and encountered barriers to health and education due to discriminatory infrastructure and systems. I felt compelled to make a change and realized I could contribute, which led me to this path," he explained.
Apart from his broadcasting work, Ian established an organization called Mkundi Foundation, which promotes disability inclusion and awareness. Through this, he received a Youth Ignite award for championing disability rights in 2022.
“We focus on the capacities Youths with Disabilities on the rights enshrined in the constitution, National Disability Policy, African Disability Protocol, United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. The organization also focuses on eliminating discrimination at the family level through educating parents and guardians of children with disabilities to understand disability and develop resilience,” said Ian.
ZIMECO's programs for inclusive decision-making in elections promote the participation of persons with disabilities. This ensures their active engagement and input in developing policies that address the obstacles they face within the electoral framework.