22 May 2025

People with disabilities (PWDs) are not passive recipients of care or protection, but individuals with full rights to self-determination, autonomy and participation in society.

Speaking at Human Rights Stakeholder engagement workshop held in Gaborone on Tuesday, disability rights advocate, Mr David Ranto therefore said the evolving capacity of people with disabilities to develop and define their own identities had never been more urgent.

“People with disabilities have the right to shape their own identities, make choices, and be active members of their communities,” he said.

He advocated for recognition of the ‘evolving capacity’ of individuals with disabilities, a concept that acknowledged intellectual, psychosocial and developmental growth over time, and the importance of a supportive environment to foster informed decision-making.

“It affirms that with the right support, people with disabilities can pursue education, express themselves, and define their roles in family and community life,” said Mr Ranto. 

Too often, he said, decisions were made for people with disabilities instead of consulting them, which undermines their autonomy and silencing their voices.

Mr Ranto further said PWDs faced many challenges including those related to gender, culture and socioeconomic status. 

He stressed the need to dismantle harmful stereotypes and provide platforms for diverse voices to be heard and validated.

Mr Ranto also urged government departments, private companies and non-governmental organisations to embrace inclusive practices, not just through policy, but by listening, offering support and stepping aside when necessary to allow self-representation.

“As societies strive to become more inclusive, ensure every individual, regardless of ability, has the tools, respect, and opportunity to define who they are, and who they wish to become,” he said. 

Highlighting legal frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Mr Ranto said while the convention affirmed the rights to legal capacity, freedom of expression, and recognition of evolving abilities, many countries were yet to implement policies that fully reflected these commitments.

“Respecting the identity development of people with disabilities should not be seen as a charitable act, but a human right,” he said. 

He therefore said a shift in mindset from protection to empowerment, from assumptions to dialogue was required.

The two-day workshop was held under the theme: Promoting Human Rights and Access to Justice for People with Disabilities in Botswana. ENDS