Dr Christine Peta
- National Director of Disability Affairs, Department of Labour and Social Welfare, Zimbabwe
- Founder, Disability Centre for Africa
- University of Cape Town, Health
Biography
“I will forever be grateful. At the time when I was a student I thought this scholarship is all about me and who I will become. But I came to realise that the impact was much wider than just me. It impacts an entire country through the work I now do.”
Upon returning to Zimbabwe after completing her PhD at UCT, Christine realised that Zimbabwe did not have a national disability policy. “The theme of my scholarship was scholarship in action – this motivated me to ask myself what action I could take to address social injustices.” Through advocacy, she was able to develop the first National Disability Policy of Zimbabwe. This policy guides disability practice in all sectors. It also informs the Draft Persons with Disabilities Bill, which has been approved by Cabinet and is now going through the processes of Parliament. Both the policy and draft bill are aligned with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the global Sustainable Development Goals. Zimbabwe now has a Disability Unit in every government department. Dr Peta also leads dialogue internationally on behalf of Zimbabwe.