The African Journalists with Disabilities (AJwD), Zambia Country Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusion, equal opportunities and professional advancement for persons with disabilities in the country’s media industry following a membership meeting held on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

The meeting brought together four chapter members: Ms. Chewe Mukuka, Mr. Mwape Mulubwa, Mr. Boniface Mukopa and Ms. Niza Nachula. Discussions focused on a proposed strategic campaign designed to address barriers faced by journalists and media students with disabilities while strengthening their participation in Zambia’s media landscape.

Presenting the campaign proposal, Mr. Mwape Mulubwa outlined a framework for mobilising journalists with disabilities, media training institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities, human rights activists, government agencies and private-sector stakeholders. The initiative seeks to promote meaningful inclusion, improve access to quality employment and enhance the professional productivity and participation of persons with disabilities in the media sector.

Strategic Priorities for Inclusive Media

Following deliberations, members agreed on a series of strategic actions to guide the chapter’s advocacy efforts. A membership recruitment drive will be undertaken from November to December 2026, targeting media training institutions and workplaces across Zambia to expand the network of journalists and media students with disabilities.

The chapter will also conduct a baseline survey to establish the current status of journalists with disabilities, documenting their working conditions, professional experiences and challenges. The findings are expected to provide an evidence-based foundation for advocacy, stakeholder engagement and policy dialogue.

Recognising the resources required to sustain the initiative, members resolved to pursue funding opportunities and strategic partnerships to support implementation. A steering committee will also be established to coordinate campaign activities, engage relevant stakeholders and drive progress towards the chapter’s objectives. The meeting further agreed that the campaign would be conducted annually, with each edition culminating in a three-day national conference under the theme: “Equal Voices, Equal Rights: Full and Equal Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Media.”

The proposed conference will provide a platform for professional capacity-building, training and awareness creation, bringing together media practitioners, institutions, policymakers and disability rights advocates to advance a more accessible and equitable media environment.

Building a More Inclusive Media Future

The chapter’s resolutions mark an important step towards a coordinated and sustained approach to disability inclusion in Zambia’s media industry. Through regular progress meetings, evidence-based advocacy and multi-stakeholder collaboration, AJwD Zambia aims to strengthen opportunities for journalists with disabilities to contribute fully to the profession.

Ultimately, the initiative seeks to advance a media landscape where disability is not a barrier to employment, professional growth or participation, and where equal voices and equal rights are reflected in both media workplaces and public representation.

About AJwD Zambia Chapter:

The African Journalists with Disabilities – Zambia Country Chapter works to advance the inclusion, professional development and equal participation of persons with disabilities in the media sector.