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 Mkutumula assumed the role of Executive Director, ushering in a new chapter of institutional growth, governance reform, and movement building. Between 2021 and 2026, DIWA expanded from 12 to 33 member organisations across 22 African countries, strengthened its governance structures, and developed its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan. In 2025, DIWA held its General Assembly, reinforcing collective leadership, accountability, and member ownership.

DIWA has also strengthened strategic partnerships across the disability rights, feminist, women’s rights, and broader social justice movements, building solidarity and positioning women with disabilities as leaders in interconnected struggles for equality and justice. These efforts have expanded DIWA’s visibility, influence, and participation in regional and global advocacy spaces, amplifying the voices and priorities of African women and girls with disabilities.

“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