Association of Persons with Albinism (APAM) National Coordinator Overstone Kondowe has penned President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera over merging of critical portfolios such as gender, disability and children, among others, into one Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare.
In an open letter posted on his official facebook page, Kondowe has urged the President to maintain the names of the portfolios because changing them was retrogressive.
Below is the letter;
Your Excellency,
Firstly let me congratulate you on appointing your first cabinet ever.
I personally have no problems with the family, district, political party, relationships of whoever who has made it into the cabinet as long as they can deliver of which we are yet to see.
However, herewith my most humble plea which I observe as follows:
I note that you have wrapped critical issues like gender, disability and children among others in Community Development and Social welfare. Whilst I agree with you that indeed the critical areas of gender, children and disability are under this pillar, I would like to request you, Your Excellency that we maintain the names for a reason and purpose as changing it seems a bit retrogressive and it speaks volumes on whether you will prioritise this if generalised.
Having Gender,Children, Disability and Social Welfare highlighted aligns well with the key underlying priorities of its operations in line with the various legal/human rights instruments already in place.
Having the names Gender, Children and Disabilty will also help to bring the issues relating to the same to the forefront and besides it demonstrates seriousness in as far as these issues are concerned. In mind I have disability sector.
Again on the international platform, let us align ourselves with strategic instruments like the UNCRPD, SDGs among others and also take advantage of the global focus areas of which Gender, children and disability are within. Infact the disability focus is key especially that it involves persons with albinism among others which of late has become an international thematic area of focus.
I understand there is 38 percent female representation, what about disability representation? Where and what is our portion?
Otherwise I call upon on players working under the deleted thematic areas to engage your office before it’s too late.
I trust that you are a listening government and you will positively respond to my request.
Your most obedient servant
Overstone Kondowe
