Windhoek to host national disability inclusion conference

Leaders from government, academia and civil society are set to gather in Windhoek this week to turn disability inclusion policies into practical, enforceable action across workplaces and public institutions.

The Namibian Disability, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference, aimed at translating policy commitments into practical workplace reforms, starts today and runs until Wednesday, 23 April.

The two-day conference will bring together a high-level line-up of ministers, academics and advocacy groups to address systemic barriers facing persons with disabilities.

Justice and labour minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel is expected to deliver the opening keynote, focusing on strengthening enforcement of disability rights in workplaces.

Discussions will centre on ensuring employers comply with labour laws and creating safe, accessible and equitable working environments.

Key themes include labour enforcement, employment equity and accountability mechanisms to monitor progress in disability inclusion.

Employment equity commissioner Otniel Podewiltz and labour commissioner Kyllikki Sihlahla are among officials set to outline strategies to improve compliance and protect workers with disabilities.

Health and social integration will also feature prominently, with the deputy executive director in the health and social services ministry, Dr Alfons Amoona, expected to address coordination of disability services across sectors and scaling of rehabilitation programmes.

On the second day, education minister Sanet Steenkamp will lead discussions on inclusive education and expanding access to skills development for persons with disabilities.

Academic leaders, including Namibia University of Science and Technology acting vice-chancellor Professor Andrew Niikondo, will examine accessibility in higher education, while the World Health Organisation’s Professor Juliet Nabyonga Orem will focus on building inclusive health systems.