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DIWA’s Story
A Journey of Bold Leadership, Inclusion & Transformation
Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) was born from a vision: that women and girls with disabilities in Africa should not just be seen or heard—but should lead. Our story is one of resilience, unity, and the power of self-representation.
In the early 2000s, a small group of African women with disabilities realized that even within the disability movement, their voices were often sidelined. Gender inequality and disability discrimination were combining to create deep, persistent barriers—and no one was addressing them head-on.
In 2002, these visionary women came together as a subcommittee under the Pan African Federation of the Disabled (PAFOD). Their goal was simple but powerful: to carve out space for women with disabilities to organize, advocate, and lead their own movement.
Meet the founder of DIWA
Our story: Meet our Founder Rachel Kachaje (2002 – 2020)
The story of Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) is deeply intertwined with the life and legacy of Rachel Kachaje, a visionary leader, human rights advocate, and trailblazer for women with disabilities across Africa and one of Africa’s most respected champions for equality and justice.
Rachel founded DIWA alongside Maria Lantho and Magret Ncobo in 2002 with a bold vision: to create a continental platform that amplifies the voices of women and girls with disabilities, promotes their leadership, and ensures that disability and gender are no longer treated as separate struggles, but as shared fights for equality, dignity, and justice.
Born in Malawi, Rachel lived with a physical disability that became both her reality and her motivation. She transformed personal experience into activism, rising to become a leading figure in disability rights not only in Malawi but across the African continent and globally.
Rachel’s leadership was marked by humility, compassion, and determination. She served in many leadership roles, including Minister of Disability and Elderly Affairs in Malawi, Chairperson of Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI), and Chair of the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF). Her advocacy reached COMESA, the United Nations, and governments across the continent, always championing inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment.
“When women with disabilities lead, societies change for the better.”– Rachel Kachaje
Rachel Kachaje was posthumously awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by Stellenbosch University, South Africa, in recognition of her lifetime contribution to society and the advancement of disability rights.
Under her leadership, DIWA grew from an idea into a vibrant continental network.
Following Rachel’s passing in 2020, Ruth assumed the role of Executive Director, ushering in governance reform, membership expansion, and institutional strengthening. Between 2021 and 2025, DIWA grew from 12 to 33 member organizations across 22 African countries and launched its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan.
“Rachel’s passing was both a moment of grief and of responsibility. We chose to honor her legacy not with silence, but with action.”– Ruth Mkutumula
Rachel’s legacy remains the heartbeat of DIWA, inspiring leaders, advocates, and dreamers who carry forward her vision of equality, dignity, and justice for all.
“Rachel’s legacy lives in every woman who rises, every policy we influence, and every voice that refuses to be silenced.”– Wezi Mjojo, outgoing chairperson of DIWA, Malawi
Becoming a Regional Force
As its work expanded and its membership grew, DIWA evolved into a strong, independent voice for women and girls with disabilities across Africa. The growing demand for coordinated regional advocacy made the next step inevitable.
In 2012, DIWA formally registered as an independent regional organization, establishing its Secretariat in Lilongwe, Malawi. This milestone marked a new chapter—one defined by African-led leadership, collective action, and a clear regional mandate.
After operating under the Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD), DIWA grew in both strength and numbers. The need was clear—and so was the mission. In 2012, DIWA became an independent and officially registered organization, with its regional secretariat based in Lilongwe, Malawi.
From its earliest days, DIWA has remained firmly grounded in a guiding principle that continues to shape its work:
“Nothing about us, without us.”
What Guides Our Story
DIWA’s journey has always been guided by:
Inclusion
Self-representation
Justice
Sisterhood
Our Legacy
DIWA has come a long way, but our story is still being written.
And Our Future
We are expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and ensuring that every woman and girl with a disability in Africa has the tools and platform to lead.