Diversity progress in Africa: Disability in Nigeria and women in Zimbabwe’s new parliament

Good news are coming from Africa, a continent which is has not been in the focus of many Diversity practioners: In Nigeria several local and international organisations are pooling their strenghts in order to fight against the missing inclusion of disabled Africans. And women in Zimbabwe gained a record-breaking number of seats in Zimbabwe’s new parliament.

Even in well-developed countries the situation of disabled job-seekers can be very difficult. In less developed countries it is estimated that only some 10% of disabled persons in employment. Open or subtle discrimination is wide-spread and powerful initiatives are required to initiate change, also to address the economic damage of the poor inclusion of disabled (3 to 5% of the annual GDP, according to an ILO analysis for 3 Asian and 7 African countries in 2009).

In Nigeria, the ILO and other organisations are pushing to increase the awareness of African businesses for the employment opportunities of people with a disability. For this purpose, they have recently educated key stakeholders in Lagos, discussing challenges and outlining strategies to overcome barriers and make the workplace more inclusive. Once more, the biggest obstacle is the preconception that disability is considered a sign for a lack of qualification. Nigeria had enacted a Disabilities decree in 1993 including general, comprehensive legal protection and security for Nigerians with disability. Hence, the legal foundation is in place to enable employment of people with a disability. But apparently, even the 15% tax deduction for organisations that employ disabled people is not enough to bring down unemployment rates in that group as of yet.

Another African law proved to have a stronger an more immediate effect. In Zimbabwe, the 2013 general election increased the number of female representatives in the National parliament by 18% compared to the 2008 election. 60 parliament seats were reserved for women who were not elected in constituencies, 28 women won a constituency seat. The Senate fell short of achieving a 50/50 equality with 39 women out of the 80 members, but a higher proportion than in the equivalent US body. The change did not happen by accident but was initiated by a constitutional revision, which implemented gender parity in political decision making, reached by a temporary quota for female MPs.

Statements by the new representatives in Zimbabwe convey the impression of a spirit of optimism and energy. They perceive themselves as role models for a new culture, want to perform and lay the foundation for future women in politics. And there are a lot of things to do: Zimbabwe is one of the least developed countries according to the Human Development Index, even if the situation for women is better than in comparable African countries. But there are male already male voices saying that women should be satisfied with 60 seats and not fight for more. After the 2018 election the quota will be removed and female candidates will have to win their seats. It will interesting to see how the poor situation around Human Rights in Zimbabwe will develop until then.