Union of the Blind engages chiefs

The Malawi Union of the Blind (MUB) has engaged traditional leaders in Chikwawa on the rights of visually impaired persons.

In an interview on Saturday, MUB executive director Ezekiel Kumwenda said they wanted to empower leaders to enable them to deal with a number of challenges visually impaired persons are facing in the district.

“These people face discrimination in their communities. So, we expect the leaders to sensitise their subjects to such issues,” he said.

Kumwenda also said visually impaired persons are sexually harassed.

In his remarks, Mwamphazi Ward councillor in Chikwawa West Constituency, Wyson Bush, said the initiative was an eye-opener.

Chikwawa district assistant rehabilitation officer Elizabeth Khumbanyiwa said the meeting was timely.

“We have been registering cases of abuse of visually impaired persons. So, the leaders will share the knowledge with their subjects to end the malpractice,” she said.

The meeting drew traditional leaders from traditional authorities Maseya, Katunga and Mlilima in the district.