LocationsBy Mwaka Mukweli
Mwaka Mukweli speaking at the Interview with NBC on the day of persons living with disability
My name is Mwaka (Mutenda) Mukweli, and my story begins in Nyango, a refugee camp in Kaoma, Zambia. My roots stretch across Namibia’s Oshana and Zambezi regions, and I come from a large family with five brothers and two sisters, deeply valuing community and perseverance. However, my world changed drastically in 2005 when I lost my sight at the age of 25. This turning point could have marked the end of my dreams—but instead, it ignited my mission.
Losing my vision plunged me into despair. I faced rejection, discrimination, and deep emotional disorder. Everyday tasks that once seemed simple became challenging. The isolation became unbearable, and I wrestled with thoughts of giving up. But within that darkness, a spark of hope emerged, a determination to reclaim my independence.
Today, I find myself in the heart of Windhoek, where I continue my journey of empowerment and advocacy, striving to create a world where persons with disabilities are truly included and valued.
"Resilience is not just about surviving challenges; it is about transforming them into stepping stones for change."– Mwaka Mukweli
The Power of Rehabilitation and Education
A conversation with a former colleague changed everything. He spoke of a visually impaired man thriving academically and professionally. “If he could do it, why couldn’t I”? I kept thinking. I embarked on a four-month rehabilitation program at the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired (NFVI), where I learned essential skills—mobility, computer literacy, Braille, and daily living activities. This training restored my confidence and fuelled my ambition to further my education.
Determined, I enrolled at the University of Namibia (UNAM), earning a Diploma and an Honors Degree in Lifelong Learning and Community Education. I continued with a Master’s in Adult Education and am now pursuing a PhD, focusing on the experiences of visually impaired women overcoming gender-based violence through education and advocacy. Education became my weapon against adversity, empowering me to rebuild my life.
Breaking Barriers Through Advocacy
My journey led me to UNDP, where I serve as a Disability and Inclusion Officer. In this role, I champion the rights of persons with disabilities, working tirelessly to mainstream disability inclusion across UNDP programs and ensure accessibility in the workplace. My advocacy extends beyond UNDP—I engage with government and civil society to drive policy reforms and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
But my mission goes beyond policies—it’s about changing mindsets. Too often, persons with disabilities are perceived as incapable. I’ve fought against these stereotypes firsthand. By advocating for assistive technologies, inclusive education, and employment opportunities, I strive to create a world where disability does not define one’s potential.
<em>UNDP Deputy Resident Representative engaging with UNDP Staff during Brownbag session on Disability Inclusion. </em>
Understanding Disability in Namibia
Globally, 1.3 billion people have a disability, constituting about 16% of the population (World Bank, 2021). In Namibia, the 2011 Census estimated that 5% of the population has disabilities, but recent figures suggest this number could be closer to 15% (Boon, 2022). These statistics highlight the urgency of inclusive policies and support systems for persons with disabilities, as they are vital to ensuring equal opportunities and full participation in society. Without these measures, persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in education, employment, and healthcare, limiting their potential to contribute fully to society.
A Call to Action: Building an Inclusive Future
The road to true inclusion is long, but the path is clear. Institutions must commit to tangible changes—providing assistive technologies, ensuring accessible infrastructure, and fostering an inclusive work culture. These actions are not only essential for empowering persons with disabilities but are also aligned with international commitments and treaties that Namibia has ratified, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). By adhering to these global standards, Namibia can promote equality, improve accessibility, and ensure that persons with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of society. My own success is proof that when given the right tools, persons with disabilities can thrive.
To those facing adversity, my message is simple: disability does not equate to inability. I am living proof that perseverance, hard work, and determination can break barriers. My journey—from the depths of despair to becoming a leader in disability advocacy—is not just my story; it is a bonfire of hope for countless others.
The future is ours to shape, and together, we can create a world where every individual, regardless of ability, can succeed.
https://youtu.be/7n3RC4qb7xw?si=ZKnMX9a539afcRrG
"Disability is not a limitation; it is a different way of achieving greatness. Inclusion unlocks potential, and accessibility creates opportunity."-UNDP Namibia
