Bulawayo Disability Advocate Nominated for Global Award

4 March 2025

By Effort Moyo

Bulawayo’s own Soneni Gwizi, a dedicated disability advocate and brand ambassador, has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Women Changing the World Global Awards.

Gwizi’s nomination falls under the Disability Leadership Award in the Good Disability category, recognizing her exceptional work in Zimbabwe. Her impactful schools disability talk programs have been instrumental in educating children about disabilities, fostering understanding and inclusivity.

Speaking with SkyzMetro FM, Gwizi highlighted her annual engagement with children at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, where she addresses crucial disability-related issues.

“I go to schools to talk to children,” Gwizi said, “even at preschools, primary schools, high schools, and universities. And also, I have the privilege to get the opportunity to speak to thousands of children every year at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Scholastica. If you calculate the number of children that I have influenced, teaching them about disability, it’s overwhelming. It also shocks me that I have talked to all these children.”

Gwizi also stressed the importance of parents seeking professional medical attention for children with disabilities, rather than relying on traditional healers or prophets.

“Some people believe that if a person is disabled, they think of wrong things, like witchcraft. They think that this person won’t even do anything. They hide them. To some parents, it’s an embarrassing thing to have a disabled child. There are so many beliefs that are in the minds of people about disabled people. But what can encourage parents is that if you realize your child is different from your other children, consult a doctor. A doctor can tell you what the problem is, and listen to the doctor, even if you believe in prophets and Nyangas. There is no need to take your children to the prophets and Nyangas,” said Gwizi.

She passionately encouraged people with disabilities to embrace their self-worth, pursue employment or entrepreneurship, and reject the notion of resorting to begging.

As a Disability Brand Ambassador and activist, Gwizi has already received recognition for her dedication, including the prestigious Women for Africa Award.