16. Taking a Social Inclusion Lens on Persons with Disabilities and Public Finance Management

This chapter delves into the critical intersection of social inclusion and public finance management, focusing on persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe. It highlights the country's Vision 2030 and the Disability Policy of 2021, which aim to foster inclusive development and meaningful participation. The text provides a detailed overview of the prevalence of disabilities in Zimbabwe, noting that around 15% of the population has some form of disability, with women and the elderly being disproportionately affected. The chapter also examines the legal and policy frameworks guiding the welfare of persons with disabilities, including the Disability Policy and other relevant acts. It discusses the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, such as inadequate budgetary allocations, delays in disbursements, and the lack of disability-friendly infrastructure. The text also highlights the need for disability mainstreaming in various sectors, including mining, education, and agriculture, to ensure inclusivity. The chapter concludes with recommendations for empowering key institutions, revising procurement processes, and integrating disability issues into mainstream activities. It emphasizes the importance of macroeconomic stability and the need for policies that allocate strategic resources to persons with disabilities. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the current state of social inclusion for persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe and offers practical recommendations for improvement.