Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) has called on the government and other stakeholders to ensure that people with disabilities are included in social protection programmes.

DIWA Project Advocacy Officer Mwayiwathu Kosikala said some service providers continue to overlook people with disabilities when implementing social protection initiatives.

She said the situation particularly affects women and girls with disabilities.

Kosikala made the remarks on the sidelines of an awareness meeting on social protection and inclusion organised by Umoja People with Disabilities (UPD) at Dzaleka.

One of the participants, Jeanne Mwamba, said women and girls with disabilities at Dzaleka continue to face challenges including poverty, discrimination and unemployment.