Women with disabilities in Tanzania face significantly greater challenges than their non-disabled counterparts, particularly in business, employment, and decision-making.
This was highlighted during the discussion titled "Vision Tech for All: Bridging the Gap of Digital Inclusion and Innovation for People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Tanzania" held during the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Week in Arusha.
The discussion focused on identifying the gaps in the digital inclusion of people with disabilities and how these gaps can be closed through digital innovation.
Dorice Mkiva, a disability consultant, spoke passionately about the unique challenges women with disabilities face in the country.
"Women with disabilities face triple the barriers compared to their non-disabled peers, particularly in areas such as business, employment, and decision-making," Mkiva noted.
She acknowledged the government's efforts in promoting inclusive education and improving healthcare services accessible to people with disabilities, citing the provision of adjustable hospital beds for pregnant women with disabilities.
However, she emphasized that these services must be expanded and made available across the country, particularly in rural areas.
The World Bank has also reported that women with disabilities face "double discrimination" based on both their gender and disability.
This dual marginalization makes it even more difficult for them to access economic and social opportunities.
According to the 2020 GSMA report, only 48% of people in sub-Saharan Africa have access to the internet, with the digital divide being even more pronounced among people with disabilities.
Rajabu Mpilipili, co-founder of the Youth with Disabilities Organization (YoWDO), stressed the importance of digital literacy for young people with disabilities.
"Many young people with disabilities miss out on opportunities simply because they lack digital skills," Mpilipili explained.
He highlighted Yodo Connect, an online platform created by his organization to bridge this gap by connecting disabled job seekers with potential employers.
This initiative not only builds digital skills but also provides employment opportunities, fostering economic empowerment and digital inclusion.
Vodacom Tanzania, represented by Doreen Kissoky, announced that the company had introduced services to support their customers with disabilities, including video-based sign language interpretation for deaf customers.
"There are 3.3 million Tanzanians living with disabilities, and many of them struggle with limited understanding of digital tools and the high cost of accessing technology," Kissoky noted.
Vodacom has also implemented special training programs to ensure their staff can better cater to the needs of customers with disabilities.
Frederick Msigallah from CBM and CCBRT discussed the legal framework surrounding the rights of people with disabilities, pointing out that Tanzania ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009.
However, he expressed concern that despite this legal framework, many areas in the country still lack inclusive services, particularly in rural regions where infrastructure remains underdeveloped.
"Despite having a legal framework in place, many parts of the country still lack inclusive services, especially in rural areas where infrastructure is yet to be developed," Msigallah noted.
He called on the government to improve access to digital platforms and services for people with disabilities, aligning with Tanzania's Vision 2050, which aims to provide equal opportunities for all citizens.
World Health Organization (WHO) statistics show that over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, and many of them are excluded from accessing essential digital tools.
As the world increasingly relies on digital platforms for everything from healthcare to education, it is crucial to ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind in this technological revolution.
The discussions highlighted that technology should serve as a bridge to include people with disabilities rather than a barrier.
Dorice Mkiva concluded by saying, "We must take greater action to ensure that technology is accessible to all, allowing people with disabilities to fully participate in society and benefit from digital advancements."
Various stakeholders agreed that a collaborative approach between the government, civil society organizations, and the private sector is essential to closing the digital gap for people with disabilities.
By working together, technology can become a tool that empowers people with disabilities to actively contribute to society and lead more fulfilling lives.
The session made it clear that, while progress is being made, much more needs to be done to achieve full digital inclusion for people with disabilities in Tanzania.
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