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In a remarkable blend of advocacy and broadcasting, Ian Vambe, a 29-year-old presenter with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s Classic 263 Radio, is championing the rights of persons with disabilities. Through his unique role in the media, Ian is breaking barriers and amplifying the voices of those often overlooked.
Ian has been a central figure in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) civic education radio programmes, supported by the UNDP Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Capacity Building Project. These weekly broadcasts have not only enhanced public understanding of electoral laws but have also underscored the importance of inclusive electoral processes.
“I started hosting the civic education radio programmes two years ago. This role has enabled me to have a detailed understanding of electoral laws and systems, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in electoral processes, as well as ways to enhance inclusivity,” shared Ian.
Born with clubfoot, Ian’s personal experiences have fueled his passion for advocating disability rights. His determination to demonstrate that persons with disabilities can excel in diverse fields is reflected in his work and studies, as he pursues a Media Studies degree while advocating for inclusivity through broadcasting.
Ian’s contributions extend beyond the studio. His active involvement in the ZEC disability inclusion policy workshop allowed him to shape policies aimed at creating equitable electoral systems. The workshops, led by persons with disabilities, provided an invaluable platform for participants to share lived experiences and aspirations for a more inclusive Zimbabwe.
“I played a significant role in developing ZEC’s disability policy. My experience hosting civic education programmes enabled me to contribute effectively. These interactions deepened my understanding of policy development and strategies for inclusion,” Ian remarked.
Beyond his work with ZEC and UNDP, Ian is the founder of the Mkundi Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting disability awareness and inclusion. Recognized with the 2022 Youth Ignite Award, the foundation empowers youth with disabilities to understand and claim their rights while educating families about resilience and inclusivity.
Ian’s vision extends to leveraging media to create accessible content for persons with disabilities and advocating for internal disability policies within media organizations.
“As a broadcaster and disability rights advocate, I am now more informed and eager to incorporate persons with disabilities into radio and television content. I look forward to persuading my employers to establish an internal disability policy,” Ian stated.
UNDP Zimbabwe remains committed to fostering inclusive decision-making and supporting individuals like Ian in their mission to create a more equitable society.
