Through continuous stakeholder engagement and community advocacy, Tonata is influencing system-wide changes to promote equity and inclusion, which involves:
1. Promoting inclusive practices that reduce stigma and discrimination, particularly in rural clinics and schools.
2. Policy advocacy for the rollout of Braille systems in health facilities, ensuring equitable access for the visually impaired.
3. Linking persons with disabilities to essential services, such as the NFPDN, which provides grants, wheelchairs, and assistance with missing national documents.
Tonata’s efforts are directed through a variety of mediums, including meetings with government stakeholders (e.g., MoHSS, NAMPOL, etc.), community conferences, forums, and dialogues. The following photos feature some of these initiatives:
A conference for PWD was held in Zambezi region, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth. This conference engaged tradition leaders to combat stigma and discrimination against PWD in their communities. It also served as a platform for PWD to share their experiences. They organized themselves into support groups and were trained on Village Savings and Loans.