Taking a social inclusion lens on persons with disabilities and public finance management

People with disabilities (PWDs) in Zimbabwe continue to face implicit social acceptance of violation their rights in rural communities (but also in urban communities) and widespread reluctance to address the issue. This problem statement triggers the need for public expenditure towards the inclusion and welfare of PWDs. This chapter analyses the strengths and weaknesses and areas of progress or stagnation by specifically focusing on how the national budgets have been allocated towards empowerment and social protection of PWDs. Public spending towards various indicators, including those related to access, participation, institutions and hard and soft infrastructure, is analysed using the latest available data in relation to various international and national commitments. Overall, the chapter concludes that whilst progress towards allocation of public funds is being made, it is not sufficient, especially given the cumulative deficits that already exist.