Hellen Lungu, a female candidate vying for the 2026 Kapiri Mposhi Constituency seat, has urged the government and local businesses to level the playing field for people living with disabilities.
“We have a huge untapped talent pool,” Lungu said, her voice echoing through the community centre.
Ms Lungu emphasized that “When we give them the right support—accessible workplaces, training programmes and fair hiring practices, they can drive our nation’s development just as anyone else can.”
And on the sidelines of the ongoing 16 days of gender activism, Ms Lungu spoke to the media condemning the persistent discrimination that physically‑challenged residents still face in different communities which in a way is tantamount to gender based violence, describing it as “a barrier to social and economic justice.”
She called for a concerted effort to bridge the gap, arguing that equity in economic opportunities is not a charity but a basic right. Her remarks come as Zambia rolls out a new strategic plan aimed at boosting disability inclusion, including entrepreneurship training and capacity‑building for persons with disabilities nationwide.
The aspiring lawmaker also highlighted the importance of representation, noting that policies are more effective when those they affect are part of the decision‑making process.
“We need to hear directly from the disability community, involve them in budgeting and ensure that resources reach the grassroots,” she added.
If elected, Ms Lungu pledged to champion a constituency‑wide initiative that pairs local businesses with disability‑focused vocational programmes, creates a council‑level disability advisory board, and pushes for stricter enforcement of anti‑discrimination laws.
Her message resonated with many attendees, who expressed hope that a fresh voice like hers could finally turn the tide for Kapiri Mposhi’s differently‑abled citizens.
Ends
