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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
