Move beyond sympathy, empower disabled people – Iipinge

Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has called on the private and public sectors to do more to ensure the meaningful inclusion of Namibians living with disabilities.

He stressed that persons with disabilities continue to encounter social, structural, infrastructural, transportation, information, communication and "attitudinal barriers" that prevent their full and meaningful participation in society.

Iipinge said discussions on disability must therefore go beyond sympathy and short-term assistance and instead focus on creating opportunities that enable people with disabilities to become economically and socially empowered.

Iipinge made the call on Monday during the annual seminar for persons with disabilities in the northern regions in Ongwediva. The seminar brought together stakeholders from Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshikoto and Kunene.

“This seminar is not merely a gathering; it is an important platform for information sharing, networking and finding practical solutions to the challenges experienced by persons with disabilities,” Iipinge said.

He urged stakeholders to strengthen inclusive practices in academic, entrepreneurial, training and professional environments, while using the seminar to establish partnerships and identify practical solutions that can be implemented at the regional and national level.

According to the 2023 Population and Housing Census, Namibia has 152 790 people with disabilities, compared with 98 413 recorded in 2011.

The census further shows that about 12% of Namibia’s 756 339 households include persons with disabilities, while approximately 7% of households are headed by people with disabilities.