By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to allow for essential functionality such as saving speakers to your list, enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

Soneni Gwizi is a renowned Zimbabwean Disability Activist, advocate, and Motivational Speaker who has spoken in different platforms; locally, regionally and international. She is a powerful voice for Persons with Disabilities, particular women and girls.

She was born with a physical disability. Despite facing societal barriers and stigma, she pursed education and became a vocal advocate for disability rights and an eloquent Speaker.

Achievements  

1. Founder, OurVoices Zw

A non-profit organization promoting inclusive education, empowerment, healthcare and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.

2. Global Disability Advocate: Represented Zimbabwe at the United Nations, advocating for disability rights and inclusive development.

3. Awards and Recognition: Received several awards, including the Zimbabwe’s Outstanding Disability Activist by ZIMRIGHTS

4. Publication and Media: Featured in international publications, AI Jazeera, SABC Africa, The Guardian and different Zimbabwe’s local publications.

Advocacy Focus Areas:

1. Inclusive Education: Accessible education for children with disabilities.

2. Healthcare Accessibility: Improving healthcare services for Persons with Disabilities.

3. Economic Empowerment: Promoting entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.

4. Disability Rights: Advocating for policy changes and legislation supporting disability.

5. Disability Empowerment: Teaching non-disabled persons about disabilities issues.

Inspiration and Impact:

Soneni Gwizi’s tireless efforts have inspired countless individuals with disabilities, challenging societal norms and promoting inclusivity. Her work has:

1. Empowered Women and Girls: Amplified Voices and opportunities for women and girls with disabilities.

2. Influenced Policy Changes: Contributed to the development of disability-friendly policies in Zimbabwe and beyond.

3. Raised Awareness: Increased visibility and understanding of disability issues globally.

• Zimbabwe International Trade Fair – ZITF Scholastica Youth Indaba Speaker – 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024

• Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights – ZLHR  Workshop Facilitation- On Litigating on Disability Rights and Protection of Persons With Disabilities – March 2024

• Mustard Seed Communities Zimbabwe – 2 day Staff training on Disability Child Care – May 2024

• UNESCO -Disability Facilitation on Girls and Women with Disabilities in Zimbabwe 2023

• POVOAfrika – Disability Arts Advisor and Workshop Facilitator for Amplifying Voices and Stories of People With Disability -2023

• Disability Schools Talk Programme with Soneni Gwizi – I visit Preschools, junior Schools, High Schools and University to teach scholars on Disability Life -2018 to current.

• World Bank: Speaker - the voice-and-spotlighting-visibility-experiences-of-women-and-girls-with-disabilities-in-the-covid-19-respose.

• Hope & Salvation Virtual Speaker on Autism 2020

• World Disability Advocacy Club – Speaker on Disability Advocacy -Facebook Live 20221.

• ADD International/ UN Women/ Women Deliver Conference – Host for Young women with Disabilities WD2023

• Intelligence Transfer Center –  ITC – Speaker on Disability 2023

• Well-traveled and loves life! • A trained Radio & Television broadcaster, having worked as Zimbabwe’s first female physically disabled radio and television Presenter for Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and SFM Radio • JCI Zimbabwe Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award - TOYP 2012 • Recognition award from UK based Organisation Women4Africa for Outstanding works as Person with a disability in the media -2013 • Zimbabwe International Women wards ZIWA – Nominated for Media Professional Of The Year Award - 2014 • Top 100 Influential Personalities from Bulawayo –by Urban Culxure News 2015 • Outstanding Human Rights Defender of the Year – People With Disabilities – 2016 • Her Ability Award 2019 Nominee - Selected out of 160 nominees from 56 countries made it to top 10 • ADD International Ambassador
Explore more speakers
Browse all Speakers
Soneni Gwizi
Let's build your dream event together
Get in touch
Soneni Gwizi
For your next event
Check speaker availability
Decoration hexagon shapes greenDecoration hexagons green